Conference Sponsorship

2021 Winter Conference Plenary

Keynote Speaker

Ann Daniels, Record-Breaking Polar Explorer

Success is an Adventure

Polar Explorer Ann Daniels is a world record holder and one of Britain’s leading female explorers. Starting out as a mother of young triplets and without any outdoor experience whatsoever, pure hard work and belief led her to being selected from over 200 more experienced women to take part in her first North Pole expedition. From these humble beginnings, she went on to conquer the South Pole and in 2002, became the first woman in history to ski to the North and South Poles as part of all women teams. Experiencing temperatures as low as -50C and dealing with various encounters with Polar bears, she has sledge-hauled over 2000 miles, in the most inhospitable environments in the world, completing over 10 polar expeditions and surviving over 400 days on the ice. She understands the importance of good planning, hard work and a positive attitude in the most difficult circumstances. As a Polar guide and the only leader of all 3 Catlin Arctic surveys she is living proof that good leadership, teamwork and believing in yourself does make a difference.

Using photographs and video the presentation will share Ann’s journey through the harshest environments on earth. It will tell the story of how Ann became a world record holder when she skied to the North and South Poles as part of all women teams and then went on to lead many scientific expeditions on the Arctic Ocean, working with scientists around the world including NASA and the European Space Agency to better understand this fragile part of our planet.

Her most recent expeditions in 2017 and 2018 saw Ann working with NASA and the European Space Agency to help scientists understand what is happening in the fragile Polar ices cap. She has some exciting projects coming up soon including 2 major expeditions and a tv drama documentary series.

Her achievements have been recognized by many bodies including the Guinness book of records, The Pride of Britain Awards, The Foreign Office and the Women of the Year Awards. She has appeared on t.v. and radio and along with bringing up her four children is currently working on her next North Pole venture.

2021 Winter Conference Welcome Party

The Welcome Party will take place at the Chicago Cultural Center on Saturday, January 23.

About the Chicago Cultural Center
Completed in 1897 as Chicago’s first central public library, the building was designed to impress and to prove that Chicago had grown into a sophisticated metropolis. Located on the south side of the building in Preston Bradley Hall, the world’s largest stained glass Tiffany dome was restored to its original splendor in 2008.

2021 Winter Conference Women in ASHRAE Breakfast

The Women in ASHRAE Breakfast is an event designed to bring women in the HVAC&R industry together to make connections and share their experiences. The Women in ASHRAE Breakfast takes place on the Monday of the Conference. The events are open to everyone. Join women from around the world to share ideas and learn how to be active at the chapter, region, and/or Society level. Current ASHRAE members will share insight and experiences. Breakfast will be served. 

2021 Winter Conference President's Luncheon

2020–21 ASHRAE President Chuck Gulledge will provide an update on his presidential theme. Major contributors to the ASHRAE RP Campaign will also be recognized.

2021 Winter Conference Members' Night Out

The Conference concludes with the Members’ Night Out celebration!  Members’ Night Out takes place on Tuesday evening at the headquarter hotel. The evening includes special guest introductions, Presidential remarks, reception, plated dinner and local entertainment.

Feeling lucky? Take a chance and join us for an evening of fun with another Chicago “back room” action casino party. Here’s the deal, come and test your skills or enjoy being serenaded by a local jazz band.