2023 Modern Hydronics Summit: Building community in B.C.

The sun was shining down on the Greater Vancouver Area on Thursday, September 21 as the doors opened for the first Modern Hydronics Summit event held in Western Canada at the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam, B.C.

Started in 2013, the Modern Hydronics Summit, hosted by HPAC Magazine, brings together expert speakers and product manufacturers and distributors to share the latest in technology and know-how with the mechanical contractors who design, install and service hydronic systems in Canada.

The one-day conference and  tabletop trade show has been growing larger with every edition in the Toronto area, and this year’s event was sold out thanks to the overwhelming industry support in Vancouver.

The keynote presentation to kick off the day was a tag team event by John Siegenthaler and Robert Bean (Siggy and The Bean), with the duo addressing the “Whys” and “Hows” for electrifying hydronics.

Bean opened with the Whys, focusing on how as a society we’re wasting a lot of energy in the buildings we produce today, and as we improve building performance the introduction of low temperature hydronic systems for heating and cooling will be a natural fit. And Siegenthaler demonstrated some of the Hows, showing examples of hydronic systems that incorporate heat pumps.

John Siegenthaler (left) and Robert Bean reunited for the opening presentation.

A panel discussion followed with a focus on the future of fuelling mechanical systems in B.C. and the nation. Moderated by Mark Evans, panelists included representatives from Wolseley Canada, FortisBC and the City of Burnaby. There was a lot of talk about renewable natural gas, and the potential of hydrogen in the gas lines, all to complement the electrification of heating and cooling systems.

Two of the panelists, James Lota, City of Burnaby (left) and Ben Nishi of FortisBC.

HPAC contributor Curtis Bennett spoke about the economics of dual fuel systems whereby customers can reap the benefits of operating a hybrid gas & electric hydronic system.

Curtis Bennett addresses the Modern Hydronics crowd in B.C.

Gary Milligan, president of the Thermal Environmental Comfort Association (TECA) addressed the current regulatory landscape in B.C.

Gary Milligan.

And John Siegenthaler returned to the stage to wrap up the event with his Keynote presentation that included a series of applications where hydronic systems are able to provide heating, cooling, domestic and assist in ventilation.

John Siegenthaler.

In addition to the main stage, a new element this year was the HPAC Educational Hydronic Build Event spearheaded by Terence Chan, owner of Impetus Plumbing and Heating in the Vancouver area. Chan enlisted a crew of social media personalities including Michael Flynn (@flynnstone1) , Jessica Bannister (@hvacjess), George De Jesus (@georgetheplumber), Ben Poole (@hvactactical) and Adam Gordon (@gordbotplumbing) along with some local mechanical contractor talents to pitch in and provide guidance to an invited list of business owners (plumbing/HVAC), apprentices, wholesaler and manufacturer sales reps and more for a day of hands-on experience.

The influencer crew who led the teams in the HPAC Educational Hydronic Build Event.

The sold out Modern Hydronics Summit received positive reviews from those in attendance and the HPAC team looks forward to hosting another Summit in Western Canada in the years to come.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 MODERN HYDRONICS SUMMIT SPONSORS:

Platinum sponsor: Resideo

Keynote sponsor: Caleffi

Opening session sponsor: Uponor

Tool sponsor: Kane Canada

Refreshment sponsor: Roth

Ticket giveaway sponsor (Canucks): Lochinvar (AquaTech)

And the over 40 exhibitors on the trade show floor.