Ledyard, Conn. – The Oil and Energy Service Professionals (OESP) and the Atlantic Region Energy Expo (AREE) have announced they will host a joint trade show and convention May 22-26, 2016 at the Foxwoods Casino Resort, Ledyard, Connecticut.

While details are still being finalized, the co-hosted event will feature a two-day trade show offering the latest products and services for the petroleum marketing and HVAC industry; expand the educational programs and opportunities offered to all company personnel – owners, managers, service managers, technicians and customer service representatives and offer fun social and networking events.

Eric DeGesero, executive vice president, Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey, a prime sponsor that provides show management services for AREE, said, “This joint venture is a logical step in a consolidating industry.”

DeGesero noted that AREE grew from its start as the annual convention of the Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey. FMA’s first convention was in 1933 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. In 1941, the convention moved to Atlantic City where it remained with few exceptions for decades. Over the years the show grew to be a regional one, and in 1993 was renamed the Atlantic Region Energy Expo and is co-sponsored by several state petroleum marketing associations.

“Our goal is to continue to provide the forum that brings all segments of the petroleum marketing industry together to network and learn. Not only will we be continuing these efforts on behalf of motor fuel and heating fuel distributors but adding the technical educational component that OESP does so well,” DeGesero said.

Judy Garber, executive director, OESP, said, “The joint show provides each of us the ability to sponsor an industry-wide convention and trade show that will provide a wider audience. It will also provide OESP greater exposure to our industry as we will now be able to showcase our extensive technical education programming to owners and managers. Additionally, it is our goal to have exhibitors take advantage of this exciting new opportunity by expanding their presence.”

The decision to host a joint show has been unanimously approved by both organizations’ boards.

There are still details to work out regarding the co-hosted event, including the new name. Foxwoods was chosen because OESP was already under contract with the facility, and they can accommodate the additional exhibit space and hotel rooms. OESP is also under contract with Hershey for 2017, and again they will be able to accommodate the larger event.

Back to this year: AREE will be held May 12-14, 2015 at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey and OESP will host their show May 17-21, 2015 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Visit www.areetradeshow.com