The International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating (AHR) Expo, takes place Jan. 30 – Feb. 1 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas. Sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI, this year’s show promises to address a myriad of interests from every facet of the industry — from product designers and engineers to installers and end-users — there will be something for every one.

88 years ago, the expo was just a heating and ventilation show. But today, it has grown into premiere HVACR event of the year, with more than 2,000 exhibitors attracting crowds of 60,000 industry professionals from every state in America and 150 countries worldwide. 

Although the final registration count is not available yet, advance registration numbers indicate registration is running ahead of all previous shows. “One of the factors that generally influence the number of visitors is the overall size of the show, and the 2017 event in Las Vegas will be the largest AHR Expo held in its 88-year history,” says Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Co.

Industry professionals will come together to share new products, technologies and ideas. You don’t want to miss this show and your opportunity to source the latest products, learn about the newest technologies and network with peers. 

Walk the show floor where exhibitors will display more than 760 different types of products in categories including: AC, heating and refrigeration systems; equipment and components; building automation, controls and networking products; energy and facility management products; specialized climate control systems; radiant heating and hydronic systems, plumbing products; ventilation, air movement, ducts, filters and other IAQ products; technical support and services; and labor-saving tools and instruments, software and business services.
In addition to aisles of innovative products, there will be three special product sections that will allow attendees with specific product interests to focus their time in a single area with a range of similar products. These sections include the Building Automation and Control Showcase, the Software Center and the Indoor Air Quality Association Pavilion.

What’s new

Each year, what’s new is led by the innovations of exhibitors. The AHR Expo has become known as the annual arena where information can be gleaned, and solutions can be seen and experienced, in regard to where the HVACR industry is headed next. 

“For 2017, the show is already breaking records with exhibits that span a half million square feet (11.5 acres),” says Stevens. “This includes a record number of 169 exhibitors in AHR Expo’s Building Automation and Controls Showcase, which features the latest products and services in building automation, energy and facility management systems, climate controls, monitoring systems, wireless and cloud-based solutions, and other networked building systems such as lighting, security, fire alarms and more.” 

While you’re planning your walk around the show floor, make sure to take a look at all the educational opportunities available at this year’s expo. With 115 exhibitor product and technology presentations, 56 free industry sessions, 17 ASHRAE Learning Institute seminars and courses (there will be a new residential market-focused education track, including four completely free sessions), and five certification exams, there is sure to be something for you! 

“Recognizing the value AHR Expo provides to attendees as a centralized annual environment for learning, we have continued to expand the formal educational opportunities available to attendees for 2017,” adds Stevens.  

What to look for 

Many of the exhibitors will be making notable announcements at the show, as AHR Expo is historically the launch pad of many HVACR businesses’ new initiatives for the year. 61 percent of 2017’s exhibitors have indicated they will introduce new products in Las Vegas, and 43 percent plan to introduce new products that specifically improve energy efficiency.

Highlighting some of the most compelling advances from this group, the 2017 AHR Expo Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, will showcase the most inventive and original products, systems and technologies in the categories of building automation, cooling, green building, heating, indoor air quality, plumbing, refrigeration, software, tools and instruments, and ventilation. Additionally, one 2017 AHR Expo Product of the Year award winner, selected from among the 10 category winners, will be announced during the ceremony.

“We want all attendees to take away at least one unique idea or method, and at least one new point of information, from what they will see on display at the show — things that they did not previously know about, and those that will contribute to the success of their business and their general future in the HVACR industry,” says Stevens. 

The AHR Expo is undoubtedly a place where relationships are forged and valuable connections are made that can help attendees grow and progress in their businesses long after the show ends.  

“We hope that attendees will capitalize on the once-a-year opportunity to cast such a wide net in networking with colleagues from across the HVACR industry,” adds Stevens. 

As you’re planning for the show, keep in mind that advanced registration is free and on-site registration will be $30. With three days to see all of the latest and greatest the HVACR industry has to offer, preparing an advance strategy is key. “There is undoubtedly one golden rule to abide by in attending AHR Expo — plan ahead,” says Stevens. 

For more information on the show, hotels and travel, discounts and education sessions, and to register, visit www.ahrexpo.com.