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ASHRAE Concludes 2026 Winter Conference and AHR Expo with Strong Momentum for Indoor Environmental Quality and Healthy Buildings

  • 06 Feb 2026
  • Conference
  • Atlanta

ASHRAE Concludes 2026 Winter Conference and AHR Expo with Strong Momentum for Indoor Environmental Quality and Healthy Buildings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         

MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Buckley Washington
Associate Manager – Public Relations
kbwashington@ashrae.org

ASHRAE Concludes 2026 Winter Conference and AHR Expo with Strong Momentum for Indoor Environmental Quality and Healthy Buildings

ATLANTA (February 6, 2026) – ASHRAE concluded its 2026 Winter Conference in Las Vegas with renewed momentum around indoor environmental quality (IEQ), healthy buildings and the evolving role of HVAC&R professionals in shaping the future of the built environment.

Held February 2–4, the Winter Conference convened HVAC&R leaders, engineers, policymakers and researchers from around the world to examine the intersection of technology, sustainability, health and human experience in buildings. Across hundreds of sessions and committee meetings, attendees explored emerging trends including artificial intelligence, low-global-warming-potential refrigerants, energy storage, geothermal systems and occupant-centered design.

The conference drew 3,825 registrants and featured more than 400 committee meetings, over 100 technical sessions and a robust slate of networking and professional development opportunities.

Running concurrently, the AHR Expo transformed the Las Vegas Convention Center into a global showcase for HVAC&R innovation. The Expo hosted 1,945 exhibitors, including 601 international companies and 186 first-time exhibitors, across 565,000 net square feet of exhibit space, welcoming an estimated 50,000 attendees over three days.

Technical Focus Reflects Industry Priorities

Among the most highly attended Winter Conference sessions were:

  • The Liquid Revolution: Best Practices in Cooling for Tomorrow’s Data Centers
  • AI in Action: A Real World Application of AI for Campus Energy Optimization
  • Demystifying GenAI: What HVAC Professionals Need to Know
  • Can We Eliminate VAV Zone Reheat During Cooling? Real-World Results Using ASHRAE Guideline 36 Sequences
  • AI Optimization and Control of Chiller Plants: Reducing Energy Consumption and Improving Comfort Levels

President Highlights Progress on Healthy Buildings and IEQ Leadership

During his State of the Society Address, 2025–26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade shared progress on the Society’s focus on healthy buildings and indoor environmental quality, emphasizing the transition from vision to sustained action.

“Six months into this Society year, we are seeing real progress,” said McQuade. “To ensure this work translates into lasting impact, we established the IEQ Center of Excellence – a dedicated platform to advance a coordinated roadmap, strengthen collaboration, and support ASHRAE’s leadership in policy, advocacy and global engagement.”

McQuade also highlighted advances in water safety, pathogen mitigation and integrated approaches to health-focused building design. His full State of the Society presentation is available at ashrae.org/president.

Presidential Initiative Challenge Advances Local Impact

At the conference, McQuade announced the recipients of the 2025–26 Presidential Initiative Challenge, a grant program supporting chapter-led projects that advance energy efficiency, emissions reduction and indoor environmental quality at the local level.

Supported by the Gordon Holness Presidential Fund and administered by the Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) committee, the program received 21 submissions and awarded six projects, with grants totaling $46,350:

  • Regina Chapter – Blanket of Warmth Project ($5,500)
  • Nigeria Chapter – Project BREATHE: Building Resilient Environments for Air, Thermal, Health and Efficiency ($7,150)
  • Falcon Chapter – Healthy Classroom for a Low-Carbon Future ($9,200)
  • Ghana Chapter – IEQ Improvements at Ayeduase Health Center ($10,000)
  • Cedar Valley Chapter – Air Quality, Lighting and Plumbing Upgrades for Ullo Kindergarten Center, Ghana ($9,500)
  • Monterrey Chapter – Healthy Learning Environments: Bright Futures Initiative ($5,000)

Expanding Global Collaboration

In the months leading up to the Winter Conference, ASHRAE strengthened its global and industry-aligned partnerships by renewing memoranda of understanding with 17 organizations across engineering, architecture, public health, energy and standards development.

  • AFE, Association for Facilities Engineering
  • AIA, American Institute of Architects
  • AMCA, Air Movement and Control Association
  • ASHE, American Society of Healthcare Engineers
  • ASPE, American Society of Plumbing Engineers
  • DKV, Deutscher Kälte-und Klimatechnischer Verein
  • IAPMO, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, Inc.
  • IDEA, International District Energy Association
  • IUVA, International Ultraviolet Association
  • JSRAE, Japan Society of Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers
  • NAFA, National Air Filtration Association
  • NASEO, National Association of State Energy Officials
  • NSF, National Sanitation Foundation International
  • PHVACRS, Pakistan HVACR Society
  • SAREK, Society of Air-conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers of Korea
  • VISRAE, Vietnam Society of Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Engineers
  • BCxA, Building Commissioning Association (New)

Honors, Membership Growth and Policy Impact

ASHRAE recognized outstanding member contributions during its Honors and Awards Program. Executive Vice President and Secretary Jeff Littleton also provided an update on the Society’s growth and influence.

Littleton announced the approval of two new chapters in Region XIV, the Benelux Chapter and the DACH Chapter, along with the addition of 13 new student branches. ASHRAE now includes 202 chapters, 42 sections and 342 active student branches worldwide.

He also highlighted ASHRAE’s expanding role in public policy, noting that during the past year the Society submitted letters or testimony on 22 IEQ-related bills. Legislation referencing ASHRAE standards was signed into law in Virginia, Colorado and New Jersey, with additional indoor air quality legislation under development in several other states.

Education and Professional Development

The ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) offered 21 courses during the conference, with top attendance for:

  • Guideline 36: Best in Class HVAC Control Sequences
  • Advanced Concepts in Designing and Retrofitting Energy Efficient Data Centers
  • Demystifying Dehumidification: Designing Efficient and Effective HVAC Moisture Removal Systems

For the first time, ALI also delivered a Fundamentals of District Cooling System Design (MENA) course, providing region-specific instruction led by local experts to better serve practitioners across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

All registered attendees, both in-person and virtual, will have access to the conference platform during the event and for 12 months following.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference will take place June 27 – July 1 in Austin, Texas. The 2027 Winter Conference will take place January 23 – 27, 2027, and the AHR Expo, January 25 – 27, 2027 in Chicago, Illinois.

Additional photos are available for media use. Please direct inquiries to Karen Buckley Washington, kbwashington@ashrae.org.

About ASHRAE
ASHRAE is an international society of more than 50,000 heating, refrigerating and air-conditioning professionals from over 132 nations dedicated to serving humanity and promoting a sustainable world.

Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is an industry leader in research, standards writing, publishing, certification and continuing education, ASHRAE its members are dedicated to promoting a healthy and sustainable built environment for all, through strategic partnerships with organizations in the HVAC&R community and across related industries.

The Society is showcasing integrated building solutions and sustainability in action through the opening of the ASHRAE Global Headquarters building in metro-Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on ASHRAE, visit ashrae.org, connect on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube or download the ASHRAE 365 app to stay connected on the go.

 

 

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