A new all-time attendance record of 39,298 registered visitors (excluding exhibitors) was one of several new milestones achieved by the recently concluded 2008 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), Jan. 22-24, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Until this year, the highest visitor attendance was achieved at the 2003 Show in Chicago, with a total of 38,224. When compared with past shows held in the Northeast, the 2008 AHR Expo also set new records for number of exhibitors and square feet of exhibit space. A new all-time record was also established in New York for the number of registered international attendees (6,778), who came to the show from 132 countries.

“We are thrilled to surpass so many major milestones at this year’s event,” said Clay Stevens, president of IEC, show producers and managers of AHR Expo. “As it has been 17 years since the show was last held in New York, HVACR professionals took full advantage of the city’s accessibility to visit the world’s largest HVACR event and see the thousands of new products and technologies on display.”

The NEWS heard from many exhibitors who echoed Stevens’ sentiments and added their enthusiasm for the number of contractors present. Inside the pages of this week’s issue are new product highlights from the show.

During the presentation of the Expo’s Innovation Awards, nine companies received the first place honor; 30 were awarded Honorable Mention. (See The NEWS Jan. 7, 2008 issue for complete information.)

Nordyne received its second AHR Expo Product of the Year award for its 23 SEER air conditioner with the iQ Drive™.

More than 30 free educational sessions were offered by the AHR Expo and endorsing associations, including one sponsored by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and moderated by John R. Hall, business editor of The NEWS. ASHRAE also offered 35 educational sessions to ASHRAE members.

The 2009 AHR Expo will be held Jan. 26-28, 2009, at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

- Mike Murphy

Publication date: 02/18/2008