Thousands in Attendance as Moncton Hosts MEET

May 26, 2016

Mechanical and electrical companies from throughout Canada and the U.S. filled the Moncton Coliseum Complex on May 18 and 19 for MEET 2016 — the Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology Show.

A mix of 6,338 industry professionals attended this biennial event, which is the second largest industry event of its type in Canada and the largest trade event east of Montreal.

MEET serves as a comprehensive marketplace for industry professionals and is more than just a trade show; it also includes a strong educational component with a topical seminar series offered by the four sponsoring associations: CIPH, Electro-Federation Canada, IES, and ACME.

At the show, the 4th biennial MEET Innovation Awards were presented. Each of the four participating industries gave an award to an exhibiting company in recognition of innovative products in the industry. The winners included:

• Belimo, recipient of the ACME (Atlantic Canada Mechanical Exhibitors) Innovation Award for its product Belimo Energy Valve

• Delta Faucet Canada, recipient of the CIPH (Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating) Innovation Award for its product Electronic Thermostatic Lav Faucet

• Stelpro, recipient of the Electro-Federation Canada Innovation Award for its product 4000 W KI Thermostat for the Smart Home

• Beghelli Canada Inc., recipient of the IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) Innovation Award for its product Pluraluce

“This was another strong edition for MEET,” says Shawn Murphy, Show Manager. “Everyone seemed very upbeat; the energy was high and I heard from numerous exhibitors that they had a really good show. Many have already confirmed they’ll be returning for the next edition, which will take place in the spring of 2018.”

Mike Patterson, Chair of the MEET Committee, agrees that this year’s event was an unqualified success. “We were very pleased with the results of MEET 2016,” he says. “We were happy with the turnout and we’ve heard great comments from exhibitors about what a great opportunity the show offers for contractors, consultants, engineers, and architects to meet face-to-face with the manufacturers of some of the most innovative products on today’s market.”

“We attend the MEET Show simply because it’s the best place to showcase our company to a multitude of customers, consultants and partners,” says Randy Hayward, Schneider Electric. “The show is well organized, the attendees are the right fit for our products and services, and we always come away with good solid leads. That makes the show well worth the investment.”

“The MEET Show has been a tremendous event for us and one we look forward to on our calendar,” says Scott Snyder, Snyder Sales Group, an agent for multiple plumbing and mechanical lines. “This show gives us the opportunity to discuss the many new innovations and trends in our ever-changing marketplace with the end user as well as other professional builders, tradespeople and wholesalers. It’s a great way to make new contacts and reconnect with old friends. We look forward to another successful event in 2018.”

“My company loves coming to this event for the excellent networking opportunities,” says Mike Lovegrove with Wolseley Canada Inc., sponsor of the MEET Industry Dinner, which took place on the Wednesday evening of the show. “The dinner is always an enjoyable time — with delicious food and stellar entertainment. The comedic stylings of James Mullinger did not disappoint.”

At the Industry Dinner, Bob Pulsifer was presented with the MEET Show Recognition Award, to commemorate his years of service and efforts in shaping the MEET Show into the unique event it is today. Bob was instrumental in building the initial framework for the show and over the years, his contributions have been much appreciated.

New for 2016, the show included a pre-registration passport prize program, offering visitors who pre-registered by a specific deadline a passport ballot for their chance to win one of two cash prizes.

Congratulations to Gary Arseneault and Nicolas Comtois, who each receive $4,000 courtesy of the program’s sponsors:

• Electrical Mechanical Dimplex North America Limited

• Eaton

• Schneider Electric Canada

• Rittal Systems

• Belimo

• Dettson Industries

• Controls & Equipment Ltd.

• Viega

The 2016 edition of MEET also featured the exciting Skills Canada NB Electrical Installations Competition, showcasing the best post-secondary construction electrician students in the province. The competition was won by Joey Bard (Apprenticeship Edmundston region), who will go on to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition, taking place for the first time ever in Moncton from June 5 to 8, 2016.