The AHR Expo, often referred to as the premier event for the HVACR sector, is making its highly anticipated return to Orlando for the first time since the pandemic. Scheduled for February 10-12, 2025, the expo will take place at the Orange County Convention Center, where industry professionals can explore thousands of cutting-edge products and technologies while gaining extensive education from leading experts in the field.
Nicole Bush, the director of marketing for the AHR Expo, asserted the value of attending, stating, “People that I've talked to have said this is six months’ worth of education spread over three days.” The expo aims to cater to a wide array of attendees, whether they are seeking to network, discover new products, find solutions to industry challenges, or attend educational sessions on pressing topics in the HVAC sector.
As the HVACR industry gears up for the challenges of 2025, attendees can expect a plethora of discussions surrounding significant regulatory shifts imposed by the changing political landscape. Bush noted that the event will feature a robust panel series aimed at addressing common themes across various stakeholder groups including distributors, contractors, and engineers. A key highlight of the programme will be the “State of the Industry” discussion on February 11 at 10 a.m., featuring esteemed speakers like Talbot Gee from HARDI and M. Dennis Knight, the president of ASHRAE, among others.
De-carbonisation and electrification are set to be focal topics, with Bush emphasising the ongoing advancements in heat pump technology and the discussion surrounding electrical grid capacity. The A2L refrigerants will also be spotlighted, with sessions providing insights into the implications of the evolving political climate on this segment of the market.
The growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in HVAC practices will be prominently discussed at the expo. Bush explained, “I think what is interesting to see is how AI is being talked about in those various perspective forums." This indicates a recognition of AI's potential to reshape roles within the industry and its applications in enhancing operational efficiencies.
In addition to regulatory discussions, the AHR Expo will provide a platform for extensive educational programming, an aspect that has seen considerable growth post-pandemic, according to Bush. Attendees can engage in various educational sessions that will complement the showcase of innovative products across the exhibition floor.
Notable highlights include the return of the Podcast Pavilion, which debuted in 2020, showcasing an array of industry podcasts that reflect the growing prominence of this format within the HVACR sector. Moreover, the Innovation Awards will again acknowledge top-tier products and solutions presented at the expo.
Participants can also look forward to innovative presentations from leading companies in the field. Johnson Controls will commemorate its 140th anniversary and highlight pioneering products like its York HH8 Side-Discharge Heat Pump, designed for optimal performance even in extreme cold conditions.
LG, anticipating a surge in research collaborations aimed at improving energy-efficient HVACR solutions, plans to showcase its Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump, which has already garnered awards for its sustainable design capabilities. The heat pump functionally operates effectively at extremely low temperatures, addressing the growing demand for high-performance comfort systems.
Grundfos will exhibit its advanced heating and hot water recirculation pumps that integrate smart technology for improved efficiency and reliability. The introduction of products like the Alpha HWR will demonstrate a commitment to sustainable living by assisting homeowners in water efficiency and utility savings.
Distech Controls will highlight its AI-integrated solutions aimed at enhancing building intelligence and energy management. Their innovative Eclypse controls and people-counting technology reflect a trend towards smarter and more sustainable building operations.
Overall, the AHR Expo 2025 positions itself not only as a pivotal event for showcasing emerging technologies and regulatory trends but also as a crucial gathering for industry professionals aiming to connect and exchange knowledge. Bush encapsulated the essence of the event, indicating a significant return on investment for attendees, emphasising the potential to enhance operational efficiencies and knowledge acquisition upon their return to work.
Source: Noah Wire Services