The XII edition of the CIAR left very good impressions on all its attendees. The academic component, the additional activities and the commercial sample were proof of the success of the event.
by Duván Chaverra Agudelo
After the 1991 edition, the Ibero-American Congress of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration – CIAR returned in 2013 to the city of Cartagena, Colombia, to bring together the most recognized professionals of the guild in one place.
ACR LATINOAMÉRICA could not miss this renowned meeting that this time was characterized by the quality of the technical-academic conferences, by a commercial sample with the participation of important brands and by the presence of the most experienced HVAC/ R experts in Latin America.
Again, the Colombian Association of Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration (ACAIRE) was in charge of organizing the XII edition of the CIAR. "The recognition of excellence in all aspects of the congress has been unanimous and the meeting of the Presidents of the Associations that make up the Federation of Ibero-American Associations of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration – FAIAR, confirmed the commitment of the directives to continue leading the organization of the CIAR every two years," said Claudia Sánchez, executive director of ACAIRE.
Cartagena offered an attractive environment for the nearly 700 visitors, coming from more than 20 countries: Argentina, Aruba, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Portugal, Uruguay, USA, and Venezuela
52 conferences were presented by national and international professionals; 24 technical-commercial conferences offered by the sponsors, and four forums on each of the strategic axes around which the congress was structured: Sustainability, Energy and Innovation, Refrigeration, and Standardization, Training and Certification.
Claudia Sánchez recognizes the work and commitment of the participants in the conferences, respecting the conditions on the topics. The work carried out by Camilo Botero and Fabio Clavijo, in charge of selecting the topics of the academic program, is also highlighted: "All the speakers took advantage of the Commercialism Policy of the XII CIAR, according to which only in the presentation dispositive a company could be mentioned, and it was categorically forbidden to make commercial references. Each of the presentations was reviewed by the Academic Committee, ensuring compliance with the Policy."
'There is interest in training'
The executive director of ACAIRE recognizes that professionals do have an interest in the subject of training, so in addition to this type of congress, she invites companies to invest more in learning spaces for.
"In most of the professionals of the guild there is interest in training, but this recognition of the need for permanent training should be general in companies, so that they see this aspect as an investment and not as an expense. ACAIRE plans to optimize with its project of a Training Institution, this work that has been developing throughout its 32 years of existence, training professionals and technicians in the sector, "says the executive director.
Likewise, our guest assures on the subject of training that "the quality and seriousness is more important than the quantity of these spaces, as well as the academic rigor".
ACAIRE Perspectives
Making a brief analysis of the Colombian market, the impression of its executive director is that the guild in 2013 has not had good results. "I think our sector is very much related to construction and industry, and their performance in 2013 has not been the best in recent years."
However, he recognizes that the industry is on the right track and imagines the HVAC / R of Colombia "looking for growth and the development of the potential it has, and committing to respect for the environment and looking for sustainable and energy efficient technologies. At ACAIRE we are all protectors of the environment."
Impressions of the attendees of the XII CIAR
"My most sincere congratulations for the development of the activities of the CIAR that went above expectations thanks to their work and the team that accompanies", Julián Trujillo, Fiberglass Colombia.
"I wish to express my thanks to the Organizing Committee of the event, my feelings for the kindness to me and my family and congratulations for a CIAR very difficult to match", Álvaro Tapias, Álvaro Tapias & Company.
"Many thanks to ACAIRE from all over our company for their effort and dedication in this event that was a resounding success. Congratulations to Claudia and Irma, it came out spectacular", Ximena Gómez, Daikin McQuay Colombia.
"Really all that great effort from everyone was rewarded with that fabulous assistance and with the good results in every way." Roberto Leal.
"Thank you so much for this fantastic CIAR meeting, you are great hosts and we feel welcome and happy," Ross D. Montgomery, ASHRAE.
"It was very pleasant to have participated in ciar XII in Cartagena. To all of you: President, Members of the Board of Directors, Executive Management, ACAIRE officials and all those who supported and worked for the event, I want to express my sincere congratulations for the professional commitment you assumed. Commitment that was reflected in the resounding success of the congress". Sergio Faccini, Air Conditioning & Ventilation.
Other activities of the XII CIAR
The additional activities to the Congress gave a highlight to the event and excited many participants to join ACAIRE and learn more about its activities as a representative entity of the sector in Colombia:
- ASHRAE certifications, with the highest number of candidates in a certification session outside the United States: https://www.ashrae.org/education--certification/certification/special-ashrae-certification--exam-administration
- NAFA Certification: with 35 candidates
- Brand Sample of the main supplier companies in the sector
- Annual Meeting of Representatives of the FAIAR (Federation of Ibero-American Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Associations)
- Lunch Tribute to Eng. Álvaro Tapias
- Welcome Cocktail
- Affiliate Assembly
