The AHR Expo show management just announced the 2012 event in Chicago established a new all-time attendance record with 40,000 registered visitors. Plus, the 1,968 exhibitors took up over 430,000 square feet of McCormick Place in Chicago. This indicates that our industry is big and strong.

We have weathered the recession, and we are back. The AHR Expo continues to attract a huge audience of potential buyers. Can you believe that 40,000 contractors, distributors, engineers, and foreign visitors braved the winter weather to find out about new products and new market opportunities? This is in stark contrast to the International Builders Show, which is a mere shadow of its former self, and it is even held in sunny Orlando.

I also believe the show turnout proves that face-to-face marketing and selling is alive and well. The social media zealots will have to wait a few years before they take over our industry.

Several of the AHRI members are missing the boat. Their lack of participation in recent years created a void, but it has been quickly filled with new technology companies and international competitors.

Congratulations, AHR Expo, on a new record for an 82-year-old event. The NEWS was on hand and involved at the first show, and in 2012 we were at the show in full force. Visit our post-show product roundup and AHR Expo page to see our editors’ reports from the show.