WHVACR 22ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE

From First Impressions to Lasting Connections: A Hands-On Networking Workshop

Sydnee Olsen, Hook Agency

Tuesday, October 7 (1:45 – 2:45; 3:00 – 4:00)

Do you network like it is your job? Whether you are new to the HVACR industry or just looking to sharpen your networking skills, Sydnee Olsen, with Hook Agency will lead you through how to make a great first impression that will lead to lasting professional connections. This presentation will be centered around building professional relationships to grow your network, yourself as a professional, and your business.

Included in the presentation will be a custom GPT for attendees to help develop their personal brand, and a schedule for ongoing professional connections, including weekly or monthly discussion topics, book recommendations for professional growth, and engaging ways to stay in touch with your new connections.

Sydnee will bring impactful workshop elements for attendees to meet their neighbors in the room and exchange information to start the process of networking, as well as role-playing initial interactions.

The presentation will be interactive with different scenarios on where you can network, and concrete examples of dos and don'ts.

Attendees will leave this session with a large number of valuable tools:

• Greater confidence to engage in networking
• Tools and tactics to make a strong first impression
• Intro examples and scripts to practice
• Groups and examples of where to start networking,
• Connections from the room
• And a roadmap to continue building the relationship into the future.

The Generational Advantage: Unlocking Strengths Across the Workforce

Alyssa McCoy, Owens Corning

Tuesday, October 7 (1:45 - 2:45; 3:00 - 4:00)

Thriving workplaces embrace and leverage the diverse perspectives and strengths of each generation. This workshop focuses on the unique dynamics of leading and working within cross-generational teams. It will equip you with the skills to embrace and align those strengths to deliver a culture that stands apart. Participants will bring their own stories and experiences to this fun and empowering session and leave with:

• Strategies to leverage the diverse perspectives and strengths of each generation
• Techniques to foster inclusive communication and address potential conflicts in the workplace.
• Best practices from Alyssa and other participants for creating cohesive teams and culture.

Alyssa regularly trains and writes on this topic and brings her unique background in HR and field sales/support and her infectious energy to this to this workshop. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to build on the strengths of any business or team…their people. Key takeaways:

1. Language replacements that you can easily use today.
2. Character cards with characteristics of each generation for reference and discussion with your teams.
3. Ways to approach as a collaborative leader when reacting to challenges in the workplace.
4. Perspectives you can use to attract and retain younger generations to your team or business.

Leading with Boldness: Real Stories and Strategies for Taking Smart Risks

Lauren Zak, Angaeli Pozsik, Allied Air Enterprises

Tuesday, October 7 (1:45 - 2:45; 3:00 - 4:00)

In today's fast-paced business landscape, taking calculated risks isn't just a choice - it's a necessity for growth. In this workshop, participants will hear from the Allied Air Customer Experience and Product teams, who share how taking bold risks shaped their careers and led to meaningful change within the organization. They identified key areas for improvement and took the initiative to create new departments and panels - demonstrating visionary leadership. Both Lauren and Angaeli have worked across multiple departments and held a variety of roles, using each opportunity to take calculated risks that furthered their professional growth and impact.

Whether you're a business owner exploring new service lines or an individual contributor looking to take on new challenges, this session will equip you with:

• Actionable strategies for evaluating and taking smart risks.
• Real-world examples from professionals who transformed their careers.
• Practice tools to make confident decisions and seize new opportunities.

Creating Culture That Attracts and Inspires

Lindsay Bedard, Lanessa Bannister, Lennox

Tuesday, October 7 (1:45 - 2:45; 3:00 - 4:00)

In today's fast-paced, competitive talent landscape, building a thriving company culture isn't just a nice-to have - it's a strategic advantage. In this dynamic and interactive session, Lindsay Bedard and Lanessa Bannister will share real-life strategies for creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Participants will dive into practical ways to attract, develop, and retain top talent, while learning how to lead teams across different cultures, backgrounds, and generations with confidence and empathy. The session will also explore how to boost employee engagement through purpose-driven efforts such as employee resource groups and volunteerism.

Attendees will not only benefit from Lindsay and Lanessa’s extensive leadership experience in HR and business leadership but leave with actionable insights and compelling examples to help foster a culture grounded in trust, inclusion, and innovation - one where employees don't just stay, they grow and thrive. Whether you're a people leader, team member, or culture champion, this session will give you the tools to shape a high-performing, values-driven organization from the inside out.

Protecting Your Business and Your Employer, a Dual Approach to Cybersecurity

Eli Gallup, Marsh McLellan; Haley Yancey, Wright Brothers

Tuesday and Wednesday

It can happen without you even knowing it. An employee clicks a link, you open an email from what you think is a trusted contact, you share a password in the name of efficiency or need to solve an immediate problem…and next thing you know, there is a breach. Many companies are challenged to stay abreast of the threats and understand how they can be best prepared and protected.

This custom- developed workshop brings together the cybersecurity expertise of Eli Gallup with the perspective of HVACR contractor- leader Haley Yancey to walk through the fundamentals of a strong cybersecurity strategy suitable for the HVACR contracting and services industry. They will cover:

• Cybersecurity basics roadmap for business protection
• How to be prepared for a breach (what can they look like?)
• What IT resources do you need for your business
• What are the responsibilities of the employees?
• What do you need from your partners and vendors
• What to do if you have a breach
• Eli’s tips for safe business operation

This workshop is a must attend for business owners and employees who need to work together to combat the increasingly creative cyber threats. Don't miss this opportunity to update your cyber-readiness. And for the WHVACR coaches, suppliers and advisors – think about taking a copy of this presentation with you on your next contractor visit.

Beyond the Business Card: Building Meaningful Connections in HVACR

Karen Crnkovich, DMC Services

Wednesday, October 8 (12:45 – 1:45; 2:00 – 3:00)

In the HVACR industry, who you know can be just as important as what you know. But building the right professional connections - ones that are meaningful, reciprocal, and enduring - takes more than trading business cards or adding people on LinkedIn. In this session, longtime Women in HVACR member and business owner, Karen Crnkovich, will share practical, real-world dos and don'ts for cultivating connections that lead to opportunities, mentorship, business growth, and stronger industry collaboration.

Drawing on her 15 years of experience as the owner of a successful HVAC company and 10 years as a committed WHVACR member, Karen will cover strategies that work (and ones that backfire), how to connect across generations and backgrounds, and how to follow-up in ways that feel natural, not salesy. Whether you're an industry newcomer or a seasoned pro, you'll leave with actionable tips to elevate your network with confidence and purpose. Key takeaways:

• Proven ways to make lasting, authentic professional connections.
• Common pitfalls to avoid when networking in and outside the HVACR space.
• How to add value first and stand out.
• Tips for staying connected after the first meeting.

From Buzzword to Business Tool: Making AI Work for You

Amy Meyers, Market Arc, LLC

Wednesday, October 8 (12:45 – 1:45; 2:00 – 3:00)

AI in almost every business headline, but what does that mean in your business? This session provides a clear, practical understanding of how artificial intelligence is reshaping the HVAC and home services industries. The presentation demystifies the complexities of AI by

• grounding attendees in essential terminology
• dispelling common misconceptions
• exploring how AI processes, stores and utilizes data
• and illustrating the real business value of AI-powered systems.

Amy will bring her extensive and unique experience in technology, business development and market analysis to this discussion. She has more than 20 years of experience helping companies align innovation, growth and sustained competitive advantage. She will cut through the buzzwords and help Attendees discover

• actionable steps for identifying high-impact AI opportunities
• considerations for successful AI implementation
• methods for safeguarding intellectual property

all to empower business owners and leaders to confidently leverage AI as a strategic tool for their business success. This is a great fundamentals session that can help either a business owner or leader get confident about their AI roadmap.

Bet on Yourself with Confidence and Clarity

Jen Helton, Kara Moore, Mediagistic

Wednesday, October 8 (12:45 – 1:45; 2:00 – 3:00)

Is fear holding you back from growing your career or your business? What does it really mean to bet on yourself? It all starts with confidence and clarity. In this session, Jen Helton and Kara Moore or Mediagistic share practical tools and hard-earned insights to help attendees build a mindset that supports growth through calculated risks. From difficult decisions in hiring and firing to vendor changes, personal branding and business expansion, this session explores how to evaluate risk, strengthen decision-making, and move forward with confidence.

Jen and Kara bring their extensive experience working with home services businesses to grow their businesses and their creative mindsets to this session. Don’t miss this opportunity to work with a couple of very experienced pro’s who have helped guide HVAC companies to growth. Attendees will leave with a framework for identifying worthwhile risks and strategies to build personal resilience when the outcome is uncertain. This session is about:

• real stories
• practical tools
• giving attendees the clarity and confidence to make bold decisions in their businesses

From Insight to Impact: Shaping Culture for Performance & Belonging

Amanda Lock, Kearsten Huddleston, Carrier

Wednesday, October 8 (12:45 – 1:45; 2:00 – 3:00)

In today's fast-moving, talent-driven world, culture isn't just a buzzword - it's a business imperative. This dynamic session is designed to energize and equip leaders with the tools to build workplaces where people want to stay, grow, and innovate.

Join Amanda Lock and Kearsten Huddleston as they bring their interesting mix of multi-industry experiences, as well as HVAC industry grounding in HR, customer service, business development and marketing and distributor engagement to this practical discussion. Through real-world examples, interactive insights, and practical strategies, attendees will learn

• how to intentionally shape culture to drive performance, inclusion, and adaptability.
• Decoding work styles with Predictive Index
• Leveraging AI for smarter collaboration

This session blends the human and the strategic to help organizations thrive in change. Whether you're leading a team, shaping HR strategy, or championing transformation, this session will leave you inspired and ready to act.

Protecting Your Business and Your Employer, a Dual Approach to Cybersecurity

Eli Gallup, Marsh McLellan; Haley Yancey, Wright Brothers

Tuesday and Wednesday

It can happen without you even knowing it. An employee clicks a link, you open an email from what you think is a trusted contact, you share a password in the name of efficiency or need to solve an immediate problem…and next thing you know, there is a breach. Many companies are challenged to stay abreast of the threats and understand how they can be best prepared and protected.

This custom- developed workshop brings together the cybersecurity expertise of Eli Gallup with the perspective of HVACR contractor- leader Haley Yancey to walk through the fundamentals of a strong cybersecurity strategy suitable for the HVACR contracting and services industry. They will cover:

• Cybersecurity basics roadmap for business protection
• How to be prepared for a breach (what can they look like?)
• What IT resources do you need for your business
• What are the responsibilities of the employees?
• What do you need from your partners and vendors
• What to do if you have a breach
• Eli’s tips for safe business operation

This workshop is a must attend for business owners and employees who need to work together to combat the increasingly creative cyber threats. Don't miss this opportunity to update your cyber-readiness. And for the WHVACR coaches, suppliers and advisors – think about taking a copy of this presentation with you on your next contractor visit.