After a 9-year break, HVAC controls professionals from within The Unified Group reunited in Houston for the 2023 Controls Forum. With a heavy discussion-based format, attendees dug into the nitty gritty of the technical and business sides of all things related to controls.

The first day kicked off with several Tridium representatives covering their Niagara software platform’s features and capabilities. The innovative global leader’s comprehensive solutions offer diverse monitoring, control and automation systems to better communicate and collaborate across buildings, data centers and more networks. Later in the day, members split into smaller groups to discuss their problems and create solutions together during the Biggest Challenge Breakout — a particular highlight for participating members.

“It seemed like everyone is having the same issues, just like us,” said Chris Reiter of A&G Services. “It’s comforting to know that we’re not alone, and now we have like-minded people we can reach out to, so that we might be able to resolve some of those same issues.”

The second day moved from deeply technical conversations toward business trends. Six members presented Sales Success Stories, sharing how they helped customers do everything from installing newly updated controls systems, to finding rebate money back to pay for projects and more. These stories varied from relationship building and trust to customer service.

“It was great to hear people’s perspectives on how they were able to succeed,” said Johnny Townsend of Johnson & Jordan, Inc.

On the last day, members participated in a Q&A Lightning Round segment. This session encouraged attendees to ask any outstanding questions to the entire room and get instant answers and perspectives.

All in all, the 2023 Controls Forum was a huge success for all attendees, giving them the opportunity to learn from the industry’s best in a culturally rich city with like-minded individuals.

If your company, or another company you know, might be a good fit for The Unified Group, contact Janet Kelleher at KelleherJ@theunifiedgroup.com to learn more.

About The Unified Group

Formed in 1998, The Unified Group is an organization of the leading independent HVAC commercial contractors in the industry. The association helps strengthen its member businesses through a variety of training and resources and is dedicated to raising the standards of excellence in the HVACR industry. For more information, visit www.theunifiedgroup.com.