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ASHRAE Highlights Industry Priorities in 2026 Annual Conference Technical Program

Comprehensive sessions in Austin to address system performance, workforce needs and evolving building technologies

  • 15 Apr 2026
  • Conferences
  • Atlanta

ASHRAE Highlights Industry Priorities in 2026 Annual Conference Technical Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         

MEDIA CONTACT:

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


ASHRAE Highlights Industry Priorities in 2026 Annual Conference Technical Program
Comprehensive sessions in Austin to address system performance, workforce needs and evolving building technologies

ATLANTA (April 15, 2026) – ASHRAE released its technical program for its 2026 Annual Conference, taking place June 27–July 1 in Austin, Texas. The conference will bring together industry professionals, researchers and practitioners from around the world for a week of knowledge-sharing, technical exploration, professional development and peer engagement.

The complete schedule is now available online and through ASHRAE 365, enabling attendees to build personalized conference itineraries in advance.

This year’s technical program features a comprehensive range of sessions across eight distinct tracks, highlighting both foundational principles and emerging directions in the HVAC&R industry:

  • Fundamentals and Applications
  • HVAC&R Systems and Equipment
  • Research Summit
  • Workforce Development
  • Ground Source Heat Pumps
  • Hot Climate Building System Design, Operation and Resilience
  • AI in Building Design and Construction
  • Building Decarbonization

“The ASHRAE Annual Conference brings together established practices and new ideas that are reshaping how we design, build and operate buildings,” said 2025-26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP. “Attendees will find opportunities to deepen their expertise, discover innovative approaches and connect with peers tackling similar challenges.”

With sessions led by subject matter experts from around the globe, the program offers a mix of research-driven presentations, interactive discussions and collaborative opportunities designed to support professionals at every stage of their careers.

Key sessions include:

  • AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity: Why Do They Matter for Smart Building Design?
  • Integrated Modeling and Optimization of Data Center Cooling and Waste Heat Reuse
  • Minding Your Business: Preparing for Tomorrow's Workforce Today
  • Resilience, Affordability, and Regulation: The Future of Community Energy Systems
  • Achieving Healthier Buildings with Lower Cost and Energy Use
  • Engineering the Backbone of AI Cooling: TCS Design and Commissioning

The ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) will also offer 10 continuing education courses, all approved for continuing education credits toward maintaining P.E. licensure. 

New and updated courses being offered are:

  • Laboratory Controls - Devices and Strategies for Proper Airflow
  • Basic Concepts for Demystifying Dehumidification
  • Understanding Design and Installation Requirements for A2L Refrigerant Systems
  • Advanced Dehumidification System Design
  • Decarbonization Tactics: Making Buildings Grid-Interactive
  • Starting the Path to Net Zero Buildings Using ASHRAE 90.1 – Featuring 2025 Updates 

The conference will feature a plenary session with Society updates and the farewell address from President McQuade. During the President’s Luncheon, ASHRAE will install its new officers and directors, and incoming 2026–27 ASHRAE President Sarah Maston will deliver her inaugural address on the Society’s new theme: “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience.”

Attendees are encouraged to register by April 27 to take advantage of early bird rates. In-person rates start at $885 for ASHRAE members and $1,160 for non-members, which includes a complimentary one-year ASHRAE membership. Virtual attendance options are also available for individuals and organizations. Additional pricing details can be found on the conference website.

For more information and to view the full schedule, visit ashrae.org/2026annual.

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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