The Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association’s (FRACCA) 2026 Educational Conference & Expo was held April 9–12, 2026, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The event marked a major milestone for the association as members, industry leaders, exhibitors and guests gathered to celebrate FRACCA’s 25th Anniversary under the theme, “Keeping Florida COOL for 25 Years.”
The conference was preceded by FRACCA’s 1st Annual Golf Tournament, which took place April 8 at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Orlando and helped kick off several days of networking, education and celebration. See story HERE.
Throughout the conference, attendees participated in a comprehensive educational program offering at least 14 CEUs to assist contractors with license renewal requirements while gaining valuable business and technical knowledge. Evening activities included a wine pairing dinner, raffle drawings, a B-I-N-G-O competition and a spin-the-wheel event where attendees won prizes donated by FRACCA’s affiliated chapters. Ample time was also provided for contractors and guests to visit with the dozens of manufacturers, distributors and service providers exhibiting in the Expo Hall.
Among the featured presenters was Ruth King, known throughout the HVAC industry as “The Profitability Master,” who presented sessions titled “The Rules of Profitability” and “The Rules of Wealth.” Ed Janowiak, Manager of HVAC Design Education for Air Conditioning Contractors of America, delivered his “Manual J in a Day” presentation focused on HVAC system design principles.
Keynote speaker Bryan Dodge of Dodge Development, Inc. presented “How to Re-Ignite Your Unstoppable Passion for what YOU do,” encouraging attendees to lead and operate with renewed purpose and enthusiasm. Attorney Tray Batcher of Adams and Reese LLP discussed contractor liabilities, licensing issues, corporations and qualifiers. Jon Buehler of Buehler Business Brokers addressed maximizing business value and explained key aspects of the business sales process.
Longtime HVAC industry advocate Bob Cochell reviewed upcoming changes to the Florida Building Code and discussed the impact of code rulings related to Florida’s humid climate. One topic included new bathroom exhaust system control requirements involving timer controls, occupant sensors, humidity controls and contaminant controls.
Ross Kelly of Federated Insurance presented two topics, Drive SAFE and Workman’s Comp. The acronym S.A.F.E. stands for Speed, Attention, Fatigue and Emotion and Ross addressed each of those factors. He provided insights for how Workman’s Comp rates are calculated and how contractors can best manage their business to minimize rates during his second session.
Jim Fultz of Copeland discussed how contractors can better calculate the true operating costs of service vehicles, including considerations such as inventory carried on trucks and the number of monthly parts trips required. Shawn Joseph of OMNI Resource Group presented insights into the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the HVAC industry, including operational efficiencies, predictive maintenance and energy management applications.
One of the conference highlights was a legislative panel moderated by FRACCA lobbyist Edward Briggs of B&B Capitol Strategies. Panel participants included Senator Stan McClain, Representative Randy Maggard, Representative Jon Albert, Representative David Smith, Representative Yvette Benarroch and Secretary of the DBPR Melanie Griffin.The discussion emphasized increased support for the skilled trades and encouraged contractors to build stronger relationships with their elected representatives while making local industry concerns known.
Saturday evening concluded with FRACCA’s 25th Anniversary celebration featuring a cocktail hour, dinner and an entertaining performance by Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos.
Founded in 2001, Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association represents Florida HVACR contractors at the state level through legislative advocacy, professionalism initiatives and education programs supported by its 10 affiliated local chapters statewide. Learn more at the FRACCA website.
View and download photos at ACprosite.com/photos, search 2026 04 FRACCA Conference.
