ASHRAE Closes 2026 Winter Conference with Strong Focus on IEQ and HVAC Innovation

AHR Expo Showcases HVAC Innovation at Scale

Operating concurrently with the convention, the AHR Expo turned the Las Vegas Conference Heart into a worldwide showcase for HVAC&R expertise and gear. The Expo hosted 1,945 exhibitors, together with 601 worldwide firms and 186 first-time exhibitors, throughout 565,000 internet sq. ft of exhibit area. Organizers estimate whole attendance at roughly 50,000 over three days.

For contractors and system designers, the mixed occasions supplied a uncommon alternative to attach technical requirements growth with real-world gear advances, controls methods and jobsite-ready options.

Technical Classes Mirror Actual-World Challenges

Among the many most closely attended Winter Convention classes have been displays addressing information middle cooling, superior HVAC controls and the rising position of synthetic intelligence in system optimization, together with:

• The Liquid Revolution: Greatest Practices in Cooling for Tomorrow’s Information Facilities

• AI in Motion: A Actual World Software of AI for Campus Vitality Optimization

• Demystifying GenAI: What HVAC Professionals Have to Know

• Can We Eradicate VAV Zone Reheat Throughout Cooling? Actual-World Outcomes Utilizing ASHRAE Guideline 36 Sequences

• AI Optimization and Management of Chiller Vegetation: Decreasing Vitality Consumption and Enhancing Consolation Ranges

President Emphasizes IEQ and Wholesome Buildings

Throughout his State of the Society Handle, 2025–26 ASHRAE President Invoice McQuade highlighted progress on the group’s wholesome buildings and indoor environmental high quality initiatives, stressing the shift from technique to execution.

“Six months into this Society 12 months, we’re seeing actual progress,” mentioned McQuade. “To make sure this work interprets into lasting impression, we established the IEQ Heart of Excellence—a devoted platform to advance a coordinated roadmap, strengthen collaboration, and help ASHRAE’s management in coverage, advocacy and international engagement.”

McQuade additionally pointed to advances in water security, pathogen mitigation and built-in, health-focused constructing design approaches. His full State of the Society presentation is out there at ashrae.org/president.

Presidential Initiative Helps Chapter-Stage Initiatives

McQuade additionally introduced recipients of the 2025–26 Presidential Initiative Problem, a grant program designed to help chapter-led tasks that enhance vitality effectivity, scale back emissions and improve indoor environmental high quality on the native stage.

Backed by the Gordon Holness Presidential Fund and administered by the Younger Engineers in ASHRAE committee, this system acquired 21 submissions and awarded six tasks totaling $46,350, together with initiatives targeted on school rooms, well being facilities and group services in North America, Africa and Latin America.

Increasing World and Business Partnerships

Main as much as the Winter Convention, ASHRAE renewed memoranda of understanding with 17 organizations spanning engineering, structure, public well being, vitality and requirements growth. These partnerships are meant to strengthen alignment throughout disciplines and reinforce ASHRAE’s position in international requirements, workforce growth and coverage engagement.

Membership Development and Coverage Affect

Throughout the convention’s Honors and Awards Program, ASHRAE acknowledged excellent member contributions and shared updates on organizational progress. Government Vice President and Secretary Jeff Littleton introduced the approval of two new chapters in Area XIV—the Benelux Chapter and the DACH Chapter—together with 13 new scholar branches.