Innovation on Display at AHR Expo
From AHR Today, 2020
ORLANDO, Fla.—Growth. Innovation.
Since the AHR Expo began in 1930, there has been a history of growth and innovation bringing together HVAC&R professionals from all sectors of the industry.
Ninety years later, history repeats itself as AHR Expo will have a projected 506,090 ft2 (47 017 m2) of exhibit space at the Orange County Convention Center, a jump from the 469,540 ft2 (43 622 m2) of exhibit space at the 2016 Show in Orlando. With 577 international exhibitors and 295 first-time exhibitors, there is definite interest in being seen at the Show and learning about the innovations taking place.
“This is a big year for HVAC&R with many changes happening across the industry—the phaseout of R-22 refrigerants, new U.S. DOE/NRCAN pump regulations for efficiency, etc.,” said Mark Stevens, Show Manager of AHR Expo.
“The exhibitors out on the Show floor are responding to these changes with new product launches, updates to equipment and technologies, and tools that support professionals who are responsible to put these changes into effect. Attendees have a great opportunity here to take away valuable information to support new standards.”
While exhibit space has grown, so has industry innovation. “We received more Innovation Awards entries than ever this year. That is telling in regard to the momentum of the industry right now,” Stevens said.
The annual AHR Expo Innovation Awards competition honors the most groundbreaking products showcased at the Show. A panel of third-party ASHRAE member judges selected the winning technologies based on innovative design, creativity, application, value and market impact. With winners already named in 10 categories, the Product of the Year will be announced this afternoon.
“We encourage attendees to walk the Show floor and take note of all the innovation on display from our exhibitors,” Stevens said.
Stevens also pointed out some other changes at this year’s Show.
“We have some exciting new additions to our program for 2020, including a Podcast Pavilion that will host some of our industry podcasters and a full day of talks from our AHR Expo Expert Council featuring trends heading into the coming year. We also have a growing education program with 228 sessions hosted by our endorsing associations from across HVAC,” Stevens said.
The Podcast Pavilion, based in the E Hall Lobby, is featured all three days of the Show. They are recording live, sharing content with guests from the Show floor and answering questions from attendees.
A full slate of sessions was presented Monday by the AHR Expo Expert Council. The council is a collaboration of HVAC&R experts and thought leaders, launched by the AHR Expo to educate and stimulate discussion concerning the biggest issues impacting the industry.
The 2020 education program includes more than 200 free seminars, new product and technology presentations, professional certifications and continuing education courses. Each year, the education program discusses some of HVAC&R’s biggest opportunities and challenges through a series of comprehensive, informative and industry-focused sessions hosted by leaders from every sector of the industry.
Attendees can download the MyShowPlanner App for iOS and Android to manage their Show and education program schedule.