ATLANTA — Rheem Manufacturing Co. and Ruud, one of its 50 brands, recently hosted Rheem’s largest Pro Partner International Conference to date.
The event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, with attendees from around the globe, rallied thousands of key partners with the theme “Next Starts Now,” a press release from Rheem said.
The conference featured business learning sessions with industry leaders and recognized experts, the press release said. Presenters included television personality Chip Wade, a designer and craftsman, and best-selling author Ryan Leak, who provided financial training for contractors and business owners.
Rheem also unveiled a documentary at the conference that chronicled the manufacturing giant’s journey and evolution over the last 100 years.
“Industry partners from across the globe came together to share new product and service innovations, gain actionable business insights, and explore opportunities for growth,” said Mike Branson, president of Global Air at Rheem. “As Rheem celebrates its historic 100th anniversary, the strength of our flagship Pro Partner event is a testament to a century of building industry partnerships. The conference had a dynamic energy and excitement about the incredible opportunities ahead.”
This year’s conference was the first-ever Pro Partner gathering to combine heating, cooling, and water-heating professionals, and highlighted product innovations, with a focus on developments in heat-pump technology, the press release said. With a packed agenda, attendees enjoyed educational sessions, entertainment, and networking opportunities. They were also empowered with strategies for success, all aimed at helping their businesses thrive in 2025 and beyond, the press release said.
“Relationships have been at the foundation of our business for the last 100 years and remain key to Rheem’s and our partners’ success,” said Rich Bendure, president of the Water Heating Division at Rheem. “By teaming with our Air Division in our first combined event, we were honored to celebrate our centennial anniversary with thousands of contractors, plumbers, and distribution partners. This incredible experience allowed us to share an empowering vision for our Pro Partners by offering them the broadest array of products, tools, and support in plumbing and HVAC while listening deeply to their feedback. It represents our commitment to investing in the industry’s present and future, because we believe that true success comes from working together.”