Service Nation, Inc. hosted Service World Expo a little different this year. From the keynotes, breakout speakers, exhibit hall, and ending with entertainment, every aspect of the conference was virtual. And completely free. Every day, attendees would log onto the platform and find themselves in a virtual lobby with directions similar to a live show where they needed to go.

“You guys did an amazing job! Wonderful speakers and a very interactive exhibit hall. I’m looking forward to in-person next year, but I hope you consider offering this option as well.” – Service Roundtable member Kim Meyers, Top Notch Heating & Cooling.

Each morning of Service World Expo began with a keynote. This year, our keynotes consisted of Service Nation Alliance member Lou Hobaica, author and motivational speaker Kevin Brown, and Service Nation, Inc. President Matt Michel.
The first day’s keynote speaker was Lou Hobaica, President of Hobaica Services Inc., a residential/commercial cooling, heating, plumbing and refrigeration company based out of Phoenix, Arizona. Lou shared the Hobaica legacy of “Winning with Likability”, emphasizing the core values of being likable, ethical, trustworthy, reliable, knowledgeable, memorable while focusing on comfort and safety.

Breakout sessions had seven tracks this year: Sales/technology, recruiting, operations, leadership, marketing, remodeling, and mid-management. Business owners were encouraged to have as many team members register for the show as possible to take advantage of the new mid-management track.

“Thank you so much for this experience. I have learned so much from the sessions I attended, and I want to thank you for providing this free service. Highlight of my month!!! GREAT JOB to everyone on your team and the speakers!!!!!” – Service Roundtable member and affiliate M.J. D’Smith, MIACCA.

A highlight of the Expo was recognition of Colleen Keyworth of Online-Access as the 2020 Woman of the Year. Service Nation Alliance President, Matt Michel, named Colleen as recipient of this prestigious award, noting that she is a highly respected and contributing member of the Women’s Advisory Board (also known as AB80) within Service Nation Alliance and has been an active supporter of Women in HVACR.

The exhibit hall used 3-D augmented reality to move around the floor and speak to exhibitors. Attendees could enter a booth, view videos, use the chat, and enter a live call to talk to others in the same area.

Each day wrapped up with entertainment. Service Nation’s Director of Training Dave Graham and Event Manager Jamie Ramsay held a quiz show the first day. The second day ended with a Happy Hour with Bar Rescue’s Mixologist Mia Mastroianni, and the last day hosted our Ask the Experts Networking event in the virtual lounges.

Returning to in-person events, Service World Expo will be held next year in Louisville, KY on September 21 – 23, 2021. Every year, the conference grows in the number of attendees, and 2021 will be no exception.