One of the largest HVACR marketplaces in the world is returning to the Atlanta for the first time in nearly two decades. The 2019 AHR Expo is taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center, Jan. 14-16. 

HVACR accounts for billions of dollars in revenue and is a key economic driver for Georgia, the AHR Expo reported on its website. U.S. Department of Labor projections indicate that the Atlanta market will see nearly 20 percent growth in the coming years, making it a top location for the trade show.

Co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI, the AHR Expo is expected to bring more than 60,000 attendees and thousands of exhibitors representing 35 countries. Following is a preview of the companies, professionals and events that will make for yet another exciting expo.

Showcasing Product Trends

More than 2,100 manufacturers and suppliers will be exhibiting at the 2019 AHR Expo. Representing companies from around the world, the exhibitors will showcase products and services that are driving the PHCP industry. From complete systems engineered for large commercial and industrial buildings to labor-saving tools and profit-generating services for residential contractors, the odds are in attendees’ favor for planning for 2019 and beyond. 

“What is valuable is attendees can touch the product,” said Sally Boyer, marketing and communications manager for NIBCO, on the AHR website. “People always have questions about the capabilities and functionality, and we bring our experts here to give them the answers they are looking for.” 

Offerings to look for include heating systems, air-conditioning units, refrigerating equipment, ventilators, ducts, fans, filters, building automation, controls, networking, energy management systems, radiant heating, hydronic systems, tools, instruments, design software, estimating and service business management, solar and geothermal.

Industry Knowledge

AHR Expo is not only about showcasing offerings; it is also about showing attendees how to use those offerings. All attendees will have access to more than 50 free seminars hosted by industry associations and groups. Conducted by experts, these sessions typically last one to two hours and take place at various times throughout the day so attendees can balance their schedules between exploring the expo floor and sitting down for educational updates. 

“The AHR Expo packs all the industry knowledge under one roof,” noted Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr, Caleffi’s training and education manager and a speaker for AHR’s 2019 Education Program. “This is the one big event that all in the HVAC Industry need to attend. It’s the one place where you can see, meet and touch all the latest cutting-edge technology, equipment and training available today.” 

Additionally, attendees can pre-register for paid courses, certifications and exams offered during the expo. ASHRAE will offer 20 of its Learning Institute (ALI) courses where professionals can earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or Continuing Education Units (CEUs). ALI continuing education courses are a full day and will earn attendees six PDHs, Learning Units (LUs) or 0.6 CEUs. 

Half-day courses also are offered where attendees can earn three PDHs. Topics range from fundamentals of the commissioning process to complying with requirements of ASHRAE standards. Classes include “Professional Development Seminar: Effective Energy Management in New & Existing Buildings (code 61),” “Short Course: Advanced Designs for Net Zero Buildings (code 63),” and “Professional Development Seminar: Choosing the Right Energy Code for Your Project — IECC 2018 or ASHRAE 90.1-2016 (code 75).”

“The demands placed on buildings professionals and their teams mean that maintaining a high level of knowledge is essential to keep up with the technological advances within our industry,” said Sheila J. Hayter, 2018-2019 president of ASHRAE, on the AHR website. “ALI courses provide in-depth, high-quality technical training, giving professionals the tools needed to create a healthier, more energy-efficient built environment.” 

Several review sessions and exams will also be available to expo attendees. The offerings include NAFA Certified Air Filter Specialist (CAFS) Testing and a two-hour tutorial; NCT Testing Commissioning Authority (CxA) Workshop and Exam; HVAC Review and NATE (North American Technician Excellence) Testing; New Construction Commissioning and ACP Exam; and ASHRAE Certification Exams.

Rewarding Innovation

Each year, products in 10 categories are recognized by AHR for innovation as products, systems and technologies. Those selected as winners are featured at the show through special announcements and marketing efforts. 

“Every year, we look forward to award submissions that set the bar for innovation and professional practices in HVACR,” said Clay Stevens, AHR Expo manager, on the AHR website. “Year after year, we continue to receive entries that exceed our expectations. We congratulate these winners as leaders from across all facets of the industry and look forward to seeing these inventive solutions at the 2019 AHR Expo and in real-world practice.” 

Awardees are also recognized at a special ceremony, which is slated for January 15. The AHR Expo Product of The Year is not announced until this ceremony. Winners and finalists announced include: Plumbing — Anvil International, AnvilPress Copper, copper press fittings and coupling systems; Heating — Regal, Genteq Ensite motor; Cooling — Johnson Controls Inc., YORK YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller; Refrigeration — Emerson, Copeland Scroll fractional-horsepower, low-temperature compressors; Tools & Instruments — Dwyer Instruments Inc., The Wireless Hydronic Balancing Kit, Series 490W; Ventilation — Energy Wall LLC, The Energy Wall Universal ERV (U-ERV); Software — Taco Comfort Solutions, Taco Tags featuring eLink; Green Building — enVerid Systems, HVAC Load Reduction module 1000E-M; Building Automation — Automated Logic Corp., OptiFlex virtual integrator; and Indoor Air Quality — CPS Products Inc., IAQ SmartAir.

Special Events

And, what would a week full of learning be without some fun? AHR Expo is a leading event for education as well as networking! A host of hospitality events will be hosted both onsite and offsite by associations, manufacturers and affinity groups. As an official host of the AHR Expo, ASHRAE has a lineup of events planned for its members as well as attendees.

Some of the events to note include the Welcome Party, Women in ASHRAE Breakfast, and the Meet & Greet. The party will take place Jan. 12, from 6:30 p.m. EST until 8:30 p.m. EST at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, where guests can grab a cocktail and catch up under the stars in the Star Gallery. At an admission cost of $55, the party also will include access to all of the permanent exhibits. 

The breakfast will take place Jan. 14 from 7:00 a.m. EST until 8:30 a.m. EST at the convention center. Admission is $20 to come and hear ASHRAE 2018-2019 President Sheila J. Hayter, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, and meet other women in the industry over breakfast. 

Finally, the meet-and-greet will also take place Jan. 14 from 9:30 a.m. EST until 11:00 a.m. EST. Featuring Executive Chef Greg Wright, the event is open to all registered attendees and will feature a cooking class with an Atlanta twist focused on Coca-Cola peanut brittle.

“As a design professional, the AHR Expo is the one event I can attend to stay up-to-date on all the latest products and innovations from across the HVACR industry,” said Brad White, of SES Consulting Inc., and a 2019 AHR Education Program speaker. “I never fail to come away having learned something new that I can immediately apply in my work.” 

PHCPPros will be on hand at all of the events as well as on the expo floor at Booth #C7218! We’re running a special social media campaign, so be sure to stop by and see what our polaroids can win you!