The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is responding to these extraordinary times with extraordinary measures, including a four-day live virtual event at a significantly reduced registration fee. The 2020 ASHRAE Virtual Conference is structured to allow participants from all over the world to take advantage of the society's strong technical content.

The virtual conference will include more than 90 technical sessions, updates from society leaders, and virtual networking events. Technical sessions will be available starting June 22, with conference activities and additional live sessions addressing the latest information relating to the COVID-19 pandemic taking place daily starting June 29 and continuing through July 2. Conference registration is now open at www.ashrae.org/2020virtual.

During the weeks leading up to the conference, ASHRAE will also conduct online versions of the business and technical meetings that typically are held during its onsite annual conference.

"While we realize that there is no substitute for the special level of interaction that face-to-face conferences provide, we are excited to present this unique format for our members to interact, collaborate and learn," said 2019-20 ASHRAE President Darryl K. Boyce, P.Eng. "The unprecedented challenges of this year's pandemic have afforded us a great opportunity to further our reach and level of engagement in a meaningful way to professionals from across the globe."

The cost to attend the virtual conference is $99 for ASHRAE members ($329 for non-members, which includes an annual ASHRAE membership) and offers the following:

• Twelve live technical sessions with live Q&A with presenters
• An on-demand technical program of some 90 sessions
• Scheduled live video chat sessions with speakers from on-demand sessions
• Downloadable copies of all conference papers
• ASHRAE Leadership Moments each day from society leaders
• Virtual networking happy hours

Registrants will be receiving an in-depth learning experience, providing solutions, technology demonstrations and industry insights. The technical program will explore how building and energy systems interact, while examining how buildings are becoming integrated, flexible and resilient systems to respond to climate change challenges.

"The traditional tech-heavy and diverse topics of the onsite technical program is maintained and enhanced by interactive elements and sessions suited for the virtual environment and a worldwide audience," said Bing Liu, conference chair. "Literally hundreds of opportunities will be in place for attendees to interact with speakers during the Q&A session via a live chat with session speakers. Every day the virtual conference will feature several live sessions to highlight hot topics and COVID-19 related topics as well. Industry professionals have a wide-range of choices of sessions to select from in tracks on resiliency, zero energy buildings, residential, the grid, fundamentals, equipment and professional development." 

Additionally, incoming 2020-21 ASHRAE President Chuck Gulledge, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, will present the society theme for the coming year, "The ASHRAE Digital Lighthouse and Industry 4.0."

Professional development hours can be earned for all on-demand sessions and 12 live sessions upon successfully completing a short quiz. Registration includes access to all the technical content on-demand for 18 months. Company packages are also available. To learn more and to register, visit www.ashrae.org/2020virtual.