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2026 ACA/NE
​Sales & Management Conference

February 26, 2026 | New England
Grow your business, stay ahead of industry changes, and connect with top HVAC professionals across New England—all in one high-impact day.
The ACA/NE Sales and Management Conference offers contractors and vendors a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate with industry professionals from across New England. With a diverse lineup of expert speakers, industry leaders, and seasoned professionals, the conference delivers actionable insights into today’s evolving business landscape through practical sessions, real-world case studies, and proven methodologies.
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Networking is a key focus of the event, giving attendees the chance to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and develop lasting partnerships.
Register HERE
speakers and exhibitors
join ACA/ne

Special Thanks to Our Conference Sponsors

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Lunch Sponsor
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Breakfast Sponsor
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All Day Coffee Service and Lanyards Sponsor
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Networking Breaks Sponsor

Why Attend?
  • Get legislative updates that affect your business
  • Learn strategies to grow your company in a competitive market
  • Network with contractors, vendors, and industry leaders
  • Access actionable insights from expert speakers you won’t find anywhere else
Don’t miss this chance to register early, gain valuable industry insights, and support the next generation of HVAC professionals!

Conference Schedule

​Registration, meals, exhibitor visits, and networking breaks will be held in the Parade Room.
General sessions will be held in the Grand Ballroom.
6:00–7:00 am
Exhibitor Check-In, Set-Up, and Breakfast


7:00–8:00 am
Attendee Check-In and Breakfast


8:00–8:10 am
Welcome Address
  • ​Leo Sharkey, ACA/NE President, Jay Moody HVAC


8:15–9:00 am
Session 1
Massachusetts Legislative Update—Proposal to Create an HVAC License


Learn about House Bill 4719, which proposes a new HVAC Construction Supervisor License. Understand how it could expand industry representation and ensure your business is compliant with future regulations.

Speakers:
  • Don Chaisson, Senior Field Representative, APA LLC
  • Manny Chaves, Owner, Chaves Heating and AC, Inc.​​
  • Mark Delaney and Scott Delaney, ACA/NE's lobbyists, Delaney & Associates, Inc.

Takeaway:
Stay ahead of legislation that could directly impact your business operations and licensing requirements.


9:05–9:50 am
Session 2
From Statehouse to Warehouse: How Local Policy Threatens Your Business


Discover how state and local policies—from refrigerant bans to incentive programs—are affecting distributors. Learn strategies to stay competitive no matter where your business operates.

Speaker:
  • Todd Titus, Director of State and Public Affairs, Hardi
​
​Takeaway:
Make policy work for you, not against you.


9:55–10:45 am
Networking Break — Connect with peers, vendors, and industry leaders over coffee.


10:50–11:35 am
Session 3
Rebate Program Updates

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Stay informed on the latest rebates that can save your business money and drive customer engagement.

Speaker:
  • Justin Bates, Senior Program Manager, Abode Energy Management
11:40 am–12:25 pm
Session 4
Mastering the Evolving Rebate Landscape


Maximize your opportunities to leverage rebate programs and grow your bottom line.

Speakers:​
  • Samir Pendse, Co-founder and CEO, Coral
  • Steve Jaslowich, Lead Program Manager for National Grid
  • Dave Lis, Director of Technology Market Transformation for NEEP (Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships)
  • ​Dana Fischer, Senior Director of Regulatory Strategy for Mitsubishi Electric 


12:30–1:15 pm 
Session 5
A Lasting Legacy—Business Succession Planning

Planning your business exit can feel overwhelming—Federated Insurance® can help. Join us for a conversation on business succession and estate planning, where we’ll cover options to help reduce frustration, taxes, and legal challenges when the time comes to transition your business.

Speaker:
  • Joe Paul, Marketing Executive—Northeast Region Federated Insurance​


1:20–2:20 pm
Lunch — Enjoy a meal while networking with peers and exhibitors.


2:25–3:20 pm
Session 6
​Guerrilla Growth: How Door-To-Door Dominates in a Digital World


Digital ads aren’t enough. Learn modern door-to-door and guerrilla growth strategies that drive appointments, increase hiring success, and build stronger brands—all without overspending online.
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Speaker:
  • Sam Wakefield, Founder, Close it Now

Takeaway:
Faster growth with actionable tactics you can implement immediately.


3:25–4:10 pm
Session 7
Navigating SEO Updates & AI-Driven Changes Impacting Business Visibility


Learn how AI and Google SEO changes will impact your local business visibility in 2026. Gain insight into what drives consumer trust, how AI gathers information, and how to stay ahead in a digital-first world.

Speaker:
  • Colleen Keyworth, Director of Sales and Marketing, Online-Access​

Takeaway:
Improve search visibility and attract more customers online.


4:15–4:30 pm
Closing Remarks
  • Leo Sharkey, ACA/NE President, Jay Moody HVAC

Elevate Your Presence Through Exhibits & Sponsorships

The conference goes beyond education, offering meaningful ways to engage face-to-face with attendees and industry leaders. Exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities enable companies to:
  • Strengthen brand awareness
  • Highlight expertise
  • Play a key role in enhancing the overall conference experience

Available Sponsorship Opportunities
Opportunity
Investment
Notes
Coffee Service Sponsor (Sold)
$500
Includes a sign at the coffee break.
Registration Sponsor
$850
Includes a sign at Registration
 Networking Break Sponsor (Sold)
$1,000
Includes a thank-you slide during the session
A/V Sponsor
$1,500
Includes a thank-you slide
Breakfast Sponsor (Sold)
$2,000
Includes a thank-you slide during breakfast
Lunch Sponsor (Sold)
$3,000
Includes a thank-you slide during lunch
Sponsorships help elevate the event while positioning your organization as a trusted and engaged industry partner.
Secure your sponsorship today! (https://fs19.formsite.com/bOcH2q/bhmwbaf6xo/index)

For questions regarding sponsorships, please contact Jessica Martin — [email protected]

Additional Conference Information

why should HVAC contractors attend?
Expert Insights
Our conference sessions are led by industry professionals who offer actionable insights into sales and management strategies tailored specifically for contractors. From the latest trends to best practices and innovative approaches, these presentations will provide valuable knowledge to help elevate your business to the next level.

Knowledge Sharing and Peer Learning
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference fosters an environment for informal discussions and knowledge exchange among contractors. This is your chance to share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from peers who face similar challenges or have implemented successful strategies.

Expand Your Network
The event brings together HVAC/R professionals, offering you opportunities to forge new connections with fellow contractors, potential suppliers, and future partners who can help you grow your business.
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Explore New Innovations
In the Exhibitor Area, you'll find a variety of companies showcasing cutting-edge products and services. Discover new tools, technologies, and solutions that can enhance your sales and business processes. Many exhibits offer hands-on demonstrations and interactive displays, giving you a firsthand look at the latest innovations and how they can benefit your operations.
Why should Industry vendors attend?
Direct Access to Key Decision-Makers
As an exhibitor or non-contractor attendee, you'll have exclusive access to a wide range of HVAC/R sales and management professionals. ACA/NE ensures ample, dedicated time for attendees to visit exhibits, providing you with a prime opportunity to showcase your products and services to industry leaders—all in one place, on one day.

Grow Your Customer Base
This conference connects you with key contractors, business owners, and decision-makers, offering a valuable platform to expand your customer base. Whether you're a seasoned manufacturer, manufacturer's rep, distributor, or another HVAC/R professional supporting contractors, this one-day event will help you engage with potential new clients and strengthen existing relationships.

Boost Your Brand Recognition
Exhibitors receive special recognition from ACA/NE before, during, and after the event. Participation in our conference also enhances your company's reputation with both new and existing customers, positioning your brand as a trusted partner in the industry.
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And don't forget, you're welcome to attend any of the conference sessions! While these are designed for contractors, the insights you gain can provide added value when shared with your customers.
additional registration information
Registration Types and Fees​
Contractors – Members: $225 first attendee, $200 additional company attendees (Save $25 per attendee with early bird pricing!)
Contractors – Non-members: $350 per attendee (Save $50 per attendee with early bird pricing!)
Exhibitors – Members: $650 includes exhibit space and two admissions (Save $50 with early bird pricing!)
Exhibitors – Non-members: $1200 includes exhibit space and two admissions (Save $200 with early bird pricing!)
Non-exhibiting Vendors: $600 (Save $200 with early bird pricing!)

Early bird pricing is valid through January 5, 2026. Register here!

Registration Refund and Cancellation Policy
Plans change! If something comes up, and you're not able to attend for any reason, you can contact us for a full refund before registration closes on February 18, 2026. Registrations may be transferred to someone else from your company at any time up until the day of the conference. Simply call or email your request. Refunds will be returned to the payment method used at registration.
Venue Information
Boxboro Regency Hotel and Conference Center
242 Adams Place
Boxborough, MA 01719

Phone: (978) 263-8701

Web: www.boxbororegency.com

Coming from out of town? This year, we've reserved a small number of rooms to make travel easier for our attendees. Call to book your stay and mention the Air Conditioning Association of New England for a discounted rate of $119/night. 

Cut-Off: February 4th, 2026

The Boxboro Regency has an indoor pool that is open year-round, an on-site restaurant—Minuteman Grille—with a menu full of delicious options for any meal of the day, free wifi, and free parking.

To get to the conference, drive toward the left side of the parking lot, past the restaurant, and park in the side lot. The side entrance will bring you directly into the conference center.


CONTACT US
PRIVACY POLICY

  • About
    • Leadership
    • Staff
    • Committees
  • News
  • JOIN
  • MEMBER RESOURCES
    • Membership Directory
    • Membership Affinity Programs
    • Code of Ethics
  • MEMBER BENEFITS
    • Contractor Membership
    • Associate Membership
  • TRAINING AND EVENTS
    • 2026 Sales & Management Conference >
      • Speakers and Exhibitors
    • Heat Pump Business System
    • 2026 Golf Tournament
    • Industry Training Programs
    • Recent Events >
      • Worcester Railers
      • HVAC ProBlog Seminars
      • Heat Exchanger Experts Training
      • HVAC/R Career Day