The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) 2024 Innovation Awards call for entries is now open. Entries will be accepted through July 25, 2023. The competition, held annually, looks to honor the most innovative and original products, systems and technologies to be featured on the floor in Chicago’s McCormick Place Jan. 22-24, 2024. Exhibitors with a signed contract are encouraged to submit new or upgraded products. To request more information or to receive forms for entry, please email info@ahrexpo.com.

The 2024 Innovation Awards and Product of the Year

Debuted in 2003, the Innovation Awards provide an opportunity to highlight those in the industry who are pushing boundaries to create innovative solutions for existing and arising challenges. What’s more, they honor the most inventive, useful, and original products, systems, and technologies disrupting the HVACR market today.

Winners are selected from ten industry categories, including building automation; cooling; heating; indoor air quality; plumbing; refrigeration; software; sustainable solutions; tools & instruments; and ventilation. Entrants are evaluated by a panel of third-party judges selected by ASHRAE for their knowledge and experience within their area of expertise. Scores are tabulated and recognition is then given to winners and finalists demonstrating the highest levels of innovative design, creativity, application and performance, product and solution value, and market impact. 

In addition to category winners, one overall Product of the Year winner will be announced and awarded at the show. This prestigious honor is awarded based on exceptional leadership in HVACR innovation.

“The Innovation Awards competition has grown along with the industry,” said Mark Stevens, manager of AHR Expo. “HVACR has been tested with new and emerging goals and challenges in recent years and the birth of new ideas, products, and technologies has exploded as a result. The Awards have reflected this boom and our entrants as a whole are shaping the industry as we know it.”

Stevens continued, “The winning companies continue to define the future of the industry and provide new and exciting avenues for growth. We look forward to highlighting those in the industry taking the lead with innovation.”

Winners will be invited to attend a special reception in Chicago where they will be presented with their award.  Additionally, winners and finalists will receive acknowledgment in print and online features highlighting the Innovation Awards in major industry publications, on the AHR Expo website, and on all AHR Expo social media channels.

Submissions and Judging

All confirmed exhibitors for the 2024 AHR Expo are eligible to enter the Innovation Awards and may submit one product in each category. Submitted products will not be considered if they have previously been a category winner. To be considered, products must be exhibited at the 2024 show and must be available for purchase by the end of February 2024. Completed entry forms, along with a non-refundable $150 entry fee, must be submitted no later than July 25, 2023.

Entry Fees Support AHR Expo's Workforce Development Program

Entry fees for the 2024 Innovation Awards (approximately $25,000) will support AHR Expo’s Workforce Development initiative through partnership with a Chicago area HVAC student training program as a means to strengthen the future of the industry. Learn more about the AHR Expo Workforce Development program here.

For More Information

For more information about the 2024 AHR Expo or the Innovation Awards Competition, please visit ahrexpo.com. Specific questions regarding Innovation Awards submissions can be emailed to kpires@iecshows.com.