Representatives from AHR Expo show management, along with co-sponsors ASHRAE and AHRI, met the week of Oct. 4 in Vegas for an in-person planning meeting for the 2022 event. Though pre-show meetings in the event city and venue are not unusual at this stage in the planning cycle, this year’s meeting was especially important. After spending nearly a week in Vegas for meetings and multiple site visits, leadership concluded the trip with positive momentum for the return to large-scale, in-person events, and the 2022 AHR Expo as the kick-off that will welcome back the HVACR and water heating community.

“We want exhibitors and attendees of the 2022 AHR Expo to be assured that safety is a top priority as we return to our first in-person show since 2020,” said Jeff Littleton, ASHRAE executive vice president. “While we are aware of the concerns regarding the evolving state of the COVID-19 pandemic, AHR Expo Show Management, AHRI and ASHRAE are committed to taking every precaution possible to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere, in full compliance with all public health guidelines. We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to this industry-leading event, where ideas and emerging HVACR technologies will be shared.”

The meeting’s agenda included typical topics, such as show floor planning and general logistics; however, this year the committee prioritized new considerations for COVID-19 and related industry challenges.

“We are aware of the challenges that members of our industry are navigating, including safety concerns,” said Mark Stevens, manager of AHR Expo. “The JEPC serves as our opportunity to stay informed of these concerns and challenges and to work together in devising solutions that mitigate them. At the top of our list for the 2022 Show is hosting a safe event to welcome everyone in the industry back to business and large-scale networking. We are energized by last week’s meeting, as well as the work our partners are continuing to get us back on the floor for crucial face-to-face meetings. I am confident as we head into Vegas, it's really going to be a great Show and a much anticipated welcome back.”

The JEPC brings together a sharing of ideas and action items to prepare for a successful event. This year, time in Vegas was spent at length planning safety measures that will roll out onto the Show floor. Show Management remains in contact with city and state officials for updates to the latest government mandates and recommendations. The JEPC takes careful consideration of HVACR community organizations, as well as expert guidelines released by ASHRAE when planning guidelines for the AHR Expo.

While recommendations will continue to be updated as January approaches, at the present time, the following safety measures will be implemented:

• Masks will be required for all attendees indoors, including vaccinated individuals
• No masks will be required in outdoor spaces
• Social distancing in small areas such as bathrooms will be encouraged
• A designated first aid area will be provided for any immediate needs or medical issues
• Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the building

Additionally, the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) was awarded the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR facility accreditation by ISSA: The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. Considered the gold standard for safe facilities, the GBAC program was designed to control the risks associated with infectious agents, including the virus responsible for COVID-19. The LVCC was the first facility in Nevada to receive the accreditation. (source: LVCC website)

Show Management continues to maintain open lines of communication with the Las Vegas Convention Center and all partnering vendors that affect Show attendees and exhibitors. Leadership is especially encouraged by the discussion of the successful events happening now around the country, including in Vegas at the Show venue, as well as those scheduled to take place between now and AHR Expo’s kick-off in the new year. Just recently, PACK Expo wrapped up a successful event, exceeding their expected attendance by nearly 5,000. This encouraging news further demonstrates the desire to return to larger-scale events, where innovation and business networking are uniquely offered.

"AHRI and our member manufacturers are very much looking forward to reconvening the industry at the 2022 AHR Expo in Las Vegas," said AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek. "The Expo is truly where the global industry meets, and having the manufacturers, distributors, contractors, technicians, and engineers gathered once again under one roof will reconnect us and reinvigorate our shared goal of providing the most innovative, most energy-efficient equipment to improve the health, safety, and comfort of our customers," he added.

Additionally, AHR Expo Mexico recently hosted a successful event at Cintermex in Monterrey, N.L., Sept. 21-23, 2021. Exhibitors and attendees alike shared enthusiasm to once again gather for a jam-packed week of new products, technology, innovation, education and networking.

“AHR Expo Mexico was such a positive and safe experience full of energy and excitement to be back together,” continued Stevens. “It was an excellent opportunity to see how safety protocols and planning are the key to getting us back to business. Last week’s AHR Expo Vegas JEPC meeting reassured just that — we are fortunate in this industry to have such skilled and strong partners and we are unified in securing the success of the HVACR industry, including getting us back to events such as the AHR Expo that are crucial to future growth. Let’s get back to business, we look forward to hosting you in Vegas!”