PENTON STARTS VIRTUAL TRADE SHOW; REDESIGNS "EE PRODUCT NEWS".

Penton Media's (Cleveland, OH) Mechanical Systems/Construction Group has begun the production of the "HVACRshow place.com" online trade show for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry. The launch is Penton's first online trade show.

Penton said the site "is designed to serve as a global information and commerce portal for the HVACR industry." The site includes the participation of over 30 industry manufacturers and service providers. Registration is free.

Each "exhibit booth" in the show includes company information and history, product showcases, new product information and demos, software downloads, presentations and industry links. Penton ceo Thomas Kemo said the new site "is a great model of how Penton is positioned to fully leverage the interactive and transactional power of the Internet as an extension of our print content and event assets." Kemp said the company is "developing more online products, including virtual trade shows."

Penton's MS/C Group includes Contracting Business, HPAC Engineering, Energy & Environmental Management and HVACR Distribution Business magazines and related trade shows and seminars.

In related news, Penton has redesigned EE Product News magazine to become the print search engine" for its accompanying Web site. Now, engineers who want more information on a product or review in the magazine can access the Web site of either the magazine or the advertiser for detailed specs, application notes, pricing and local distribution. Publisher Matt Reseska said the objective of the change is to make RE Product News the "Designers Guide to Products on the Web." The magazine now carries product-specific URLs, Web- based information on specific semiconductor classes, and reviews of industry-related Web sites.