Driving greatness for Rheem.

Building on the huge success of their first-ever Pro Partner National Conference in 2017, Rheem put the pedal to the metal and raised the bar for its second National Conference – Driving Greatness – assembling their best HVAC contractors from across the country at the Walt Disney World® Swan and Dolphin Resort. There, a united Rheem team connected face-to-face, celebrated their victories and drove new business thinking.

The largest production the Walt Disney World Dolphin has seen in 25 years, the event was truly Disney-worthy, and perceived by some as a “Rock Show for Furnaces.” With over 3,000 attendees, a star-studded lineup of inspirational speakers and entertainers, an action-packed two-day agenda, supersized expo and larger-than-life graphics, magic was bound to happen. Here are a few highlights from this epic event.

Going Big – right from the green flag
Rising to the occasion, the conference was nothing short of a major theatrical production. Main stage touted the largest video wall ever at Disney’s Dolphin Resort. It became the canvas for a heart-pumping introduction video that made you feel like you were in an iMax theater. Pro Partner slice-of-life testimonial videos and other compelling content were also splashed up on the big screen. And wherever you walked throughout the Dolphin, you were immersed in a digital takeover as every available screen was filled with conference updates and high-impact racing graphics.

Inspiring Speakers
On Day 1, Rheem leadership kicked off the conference with valuable insights painting the industry big picture, as well as a deep dive into the heating and cooling business and the Rheem family of brands. A mix of vision, storytelling, humor and gratitude, these addresses laid the foundation for a personable and informative event.

On Day 2, Captain Scott O’Grady and Coach Joe Gibbs took the stage to inspire the crowd with compelling words on the importance of people in a successful organization and the power of courage, leadership and teamwork.

A Strong Curriculum
The entire conference was built around the pillars of Radiating Passion, Fueling Partnership and Accelerating Growth. Breakout sessions were designed with the intent to help Pro Partners advance their business, stay ahead of the curve and leave the conference with actionable items they can instantly apply. Topics spanned revving up a winning team, accelerating acquisition in the digital age, fueling growth with innovation and developing a plan for sustainable profitability. Beyond breakout sessions, the event also promoted a massive expo giving Pro Partners access to some of the heating and cooling industry’s leading companies in marketing, product manufacturing, tools and parts.

A Platform to Connect
The Pro Partner Conference invited a panel of peers to take main stage for a rubber-meets-the-road look at how fellow contractors can overcome daily hazards and win in today’s fast-paced market. Attendees were engaged in the conversation via live polling and encouraged to make their voices heard by sharing feedback in the contractor app about how Rheem can be better for them.

A Worthy Cause
As a sponsor of breakfast on Day 2, Rheem’s philanthropic program – Heart of Comfort – seized an opportunity to partner with Homes For Our Troops, a non-profit group that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured veterans. Rheem made noteworthy monetary and equipment donations, as well as matched Pro Partner donations made at the event to help support this worthy cause.

Some Fun in the Florida Sun
Business aside, Rheem wove in plenty of fun. The expo touted desirable raffle prizes and a Pit Crew Challenge, christened by Rheem executives. The winner of the challenge – the fastest to dissemble an HVAC unit – was given a custom championship belt to hoist in victory. An exclusive party with VIP after-hours access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – including exciting attractions, thrilling rides and a private concert with rock legends 38 Special – ended the conference with a bang.

Big Red Rooster’s Involvement
Big Red Rooster was thrilled to partner with Rheem on the 2019 Pro Partner Conference. For two years, we worked alongside Rheem executives to create the theme, custom website, conference messaging and executive speeches, print and digital signage, countless videos, conference promotional materials, breakout session content and experiential elements.

“After two years of extremely detailed planning and preparations, you accomplished something remarkable this week. This event was truly amazing – to a level never before attempted or accomplished in our industry. Our customers experienced the culture and commitment to Driving Greatness that you deliver every day. Your sincere and extraordinary dedication to your customers, your fellow employees and our supplier partners is recognized and greatly appreciated. You should feel extremely proud. I am filled with pride to work with each of you.”
– Mike Branson, President of Rheem’s Global Air Business