Global TechCon

Global TechCon is an ASHRAE Society-level technical conference designed to deliver high-value, regionally relevant education for the HVAC&R industry while reinforcing ASHRAE’s global leadership. 

The conference rotates annually across regions including Asia, Europe, the Middle East & Africa (MEA), Latin America, and North America to promote global knowledge exchange, professional networking, and local engagement.  

Conference Format

• Typically held over 2.5 days
• Includes 4 technical tracks, keynote sessions, and networking events
• Features a blend of peer-reviewed content and invited speakers
• Structured similarly to other ASHRAE topical conferences
• Designed for both ASHRAE members and nonmembers  

Programming is developed collaboratively by a local steering committee with support from ASHRAE’s Conferences and Expositions Committee (CEC), ensuring alignment with global standards while reflecting regional priorities.  

Key Objectives 

• Deliver region-specific technical education
• Strengthen ASHRAE’s global presence and influence
• Foster international collaboration and networking
• Support local industry engagement and market relevance
• Global TechCon combines ASHRAE’s established conference model with a locally tailored approach, creating a scalable platform for global expansion while maintaining technical excellence and regional relevance. 

ASHRAE Society oversees the overall planning, budgeting, and strategic direction of Global TechCon, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial performance. Conference Programs and Conference Services staff manage the technical program and logistics, while the Conference Chair and Steering Committee support program development, local engagement, and sponsor outreach. The Conferences and Expositions Committee (CEC) provides governance and oversight, ensuring the conference meets ASHRAE standards and policies.

To request consideration for hosting a Global TechCon, please complete the attached form and submit it to the Society’s Conference and Expositions Committee (CEC) staff liaison at rmchan@ashrae.org. Upon receipt, CEC will review the submission and coordinate a follow-up meeting to discuss the request in further detail.

Global TechCon Request for Consideration

The success of a Global TechCon largely depends on the clarity and effectiveness of the roles and responsibilities assigned to key individuals, each of whom plays a critical part in ensuring its overall success.

Conference Programs Staff 
Provides oversight of the full technical program and serves as project manager for the call for papers and presentations. Responsibilities include communicating with authors, ensuring compliance with ASHRAE’s commercialism policy, and providing onsite support for the speaker lounge. 

Conference Services Staff 
Manages all logistical components of the conference, including venue sourcing and contracting, budgeting, registration, marketing, shipping, and onsite logistics. 

Conference Chair 
Leads the development of the steering committee and oversees its activities, working in close collaboration with ASHRAE staff. 

Steering Committee 
Guides the overall development of the conference program, including oversight of the call for presentations. The steering committee also leads outreach efforts to identify and engage potential Global TechCon sponsors. 

Conferences and Expositions Committee (CEC) 
Appoints and oversees the steering and scientific committees to ensure the conference aligns with ASHRAE’s mission and complies with the CEC commercialism policy. 

Sponsorships
Sponsorship goals will be created by ASHRAE Staff based on the overall conference budget. The steering committee will appoint 1-3 members of the committee to lead the outreach to possible sponsors. Staff will support where needed based on past conference sponsor relationships. If sponsorship goals are not met, the conference may end up with a deficit. Steering committee outreach is imperative to the success of a topical conference. Sponsor benefit packages and prospectuses will be developed by ASHRAE Staff and approved by steering committee before being published on conference website and sent out by steering committee members. Once the signed sponsorship agreement has been received, ASHRAE staff will be responsible for ensuring all sponsor benefits are fulfilled and payment is received.  

To request consideration for hosting a Global TechCon, please complete the attached form and submit it to the Society’s Conference and Expositions Committee (CEC) staff liaison at rmchan@ashrae.org. Upon receipt, CEC will review the submission and coordinate a follow-up meeting to discuss the request in further detail.

Global TechCon Request for Consideration

Hosting a Global TechCon conference is an opportunity for a chapter to showcase its leadership, professional community, and regional strengths. While the Society maintains full fiscal responsibility including budget authority, space contracting, vendor selection, and overall event logistic, the host chapter plays a critical role in providing local engagement, subject matter support, and regional insight. Chapters interested in hosting must demonstrate the ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of a high‑quality, practitioner‑focused technical program. 

The host chapter will lead the development of the Global TechCon technical program, including defining the overall conference theme and identifying relevant tracks and session topics. The chapter will curate a forward‑looking, innovation‑driven program that is globally relevant while remaining regionally adaptable. Emphasis should be placed on real‑world application, such as how ASHRAE standards are applied locally, along with region‑specific challenges and solutions. The program should highlight case studies, lessons learned, best practices, and cost‑effective, easy‑to‑apply solutions, recognizing that overly complex or expensive approaches are often impractical and of limited value to practitioners. Content should also reinforce core fundamentals, acknowledging that even experienced professionals may have gaps in foundational understanding. The proposed conference program will consist of four technical tracks delivered over three days, comprising more than 40 technical sessions in total. 

A host chapter–led steering committee will oversee the overall development of the program, including management of the call for presentations. IThe objective of the Global TechCon is to bring together the most relevant, high‑quality technical content from the host region and elevate it within a global forum for knowledge sharing and professional exchange, while ensuring the program remains grounded in practical application and the needs of practitioners working in diverse regional contexts. 

1. Chapter Commitment & Organizational Capacity  

Chapters must show they have a dedicated and active volunteer base capable of supporting the planning process and conference week activities. Expectations include: 

• A host chapter committee with defined roles
• Ability to recruit adequate volunteers for on‑site support
• Demonstrated history of successful events (chapter meetings, regional conferences, workshops, or other large‑scale gatherings).  

2. Local Professional Community & Industry Engagement  

TechCon is strengthened by host chapters that can mobilize regional professional networks. Bidding chapters should outline their ability to: 

• Engage local industry leaders, universities, and partners for technical tours, sponsorship interest, and speaker recommendations. 
• Highlight unique regional technologies, innovations, or facilities that align with TechCon themes. 
• Support Society led outreach and marketing efforts through chapter communication channels. 
• Engage potential Conference sponsors  

3. Geographic Suitability & Accessibility  

Since Society staff handle site selection and contracting, chapters must illustrate that their region can support a global conference by providing a location with: 

• A major transportation hub with reliable access for domestic and international attendees. 
• Adequate hotel inventory within close proximity to the meeting space 
• Attractive local features (dining, cultural areas, safe walkability) that enhance attendee experience.  

The chapter is not responsible for contracting or cost commitments but should confirm that the region is conducive to hosting TechCon attendees.  

4. Local Insights Supporting Logistics and Programming  

Although Society oversees logistical execution, chapters provide essential local context to support decision making. This may include: 

• Recommendations for conference venues, local suppliers, cultural elements, potential technical tour sites, and regional experts. 
• Awareness of any seasonal, political, or infrastructure considerations that may affect event planning.  

5. Alignment with Society’s Strategic Goals  

Chapters should demonstrate how hosting TechCon in their region supports broader Society objectives, such as: 

• Global outreach and member engagement, especially in emerging or high growth technology markets. 
• Inclusive principles, ensuring accessible and welcoming experiences for attendees. 
• Expanding technical leadership through unique regional expertise, tours, or collaborations.  

6. Volunteer Support During the Conference  

During the event itself, the host chapter assists Society staff with: 

• Registration desk assistance  
• Assisting with speaker support and room monitoring 
• Various volunteer support as needed   

These functions enhance the conference experience while leaving full operational management to Society staff.  

7. Non-Financial Responsibility  

To avoid confusion, the criteria explicitly clarify that: 

• The Society retains all fiscal responsibility, including budgeting, contracts, vendors, and financial risk. 
• The chapter does not provide funding, underwrite expenses, or enter into contracts. 
• Chapter participation focuses on volunteerism, regional expertise, and professional engagement, not financial obligations.  

Timeline for a Global TechCon   

To request consideration for hosting a Global TechCon, please complete the attached form and submit it to the Society’s Conference and Expositions Committee (CEC) staff liaison at rmchan@ashrae.org. Upon receipt, CEC will review the submission and coordinate a follow-up meeting to discuss the request in further detail.

Global TechCon Request for Consideration