CHICAGO — AHR Expo show management announced the annual HVACR event has already established three all-time records.

As of the first week in January, there were more than 2,100 exhibiting companies occupying more than 480,000 net square feet of exhibit space — both new records for the 67th iconic event. The 2015 AHR Expo will be at least 10 percent larger than the previous largest show and will feature 8 percent more exhibitors than last year’s event in New York City. Additionally, there will be 380 first-time exhibitors this year.

This year, 592 international companies from more than 30 countries will be showcasing their products and solutions in Chicago, representing a 16 percent increase over the previous record.

“Chicago is always where our largest shows take place,” said Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Co., which produces and manages the AHR Expo. “We are thrilled at just how much bigger the 2015 show will be.” Stevens added that the six largest shows, and five of the six best-attended events, have all taken place in Chicago.

These record-breaking numbers also bode well for a strong visitor attendance. Stevens said preregistration is currently running ahead of the last Chicago show in 2012, which set an attendance record at that time.

In recognition of AHR Expo’s importance to the greater Chicago area, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has declared Jan. 26-28 “Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating Week in Chicago.” The proclamation cites AHR Expo’s contribution to educating the industry, “improving our greater society,” and making donations to local charitable organizations.

The AHR Expo is endorsed by 38 leading HVACR industry associations and is co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI. For more information, visit www.ahrexpo.com.

Publication date: 1/26/2015

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