DALLAS - The last time Dallas hosted the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating (AHR) Expo was 2000. This year’s event will be even bigger than the last time it came to Dallas, with more than 1,600 exhibiting companies from 35 countries, including 320 international exhibitors and nine new international pavilions.

The 2007 show has already exceeded the amount of exhibit space occupied at the last Dallas show. This year’s expo will cover more than 350,000 square feet, compared to 315,000 square feet in 2000. In addition, at least 300 more companies will be exhibiting this year, representing a 25 percent increase over the 2000 expo.

The 77th annual event is expected to attract more than 45,000 HVACR professionals (including over 25,000 visitors) from over 100 countries. The attendees will convene Jan. 29-31 at the Dallas Convention Center to see all the latest products and technologies from the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers.

EXHIBITORS READY TO GO

Companies exhibiting at the expo are excited about displaying their products at the industry’s largest trade show. Mike Taylor, vice president, Americas marketing, Honeywell Building Solutions, Golden Valley, Minn., stated that the expo gives his company an opportunity to showcase new offerings.

“It provides an excellent opportunity to rekindle old relationships and create new ones with HVACR professionals, partners, and suppliers. It also gives us an opportunity to attend and participate in the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) technical meetings. So it’s valuable from several perspectives for our organization.”

Lisa Tryson, marketing communications manager, Danfoss Refrigeration & Air Conditioning North America, Baltimore, Md., agreed, noting, “AHR is the premier show for HVACR, so it’s a great platform for launching our new products and solutions, meeting potential customers, and strengthening our relationship with existing customers.”

Demonstrating new products is a prime reason why companies like to exhibit at the AHR Expo. Taylor noted that Honeywell will showcase its Energy Manager, which is an advanced energy management and information system that integrates with building systems, and allows users to track, view, and manage energy consumption in a facility.

Danfoss will introduce the Universal TR6 thermostatic expansion valve. “This product offers homeowners the opportunity to increase the efficiency of older air conditioning units and heat pumps, regardless of the manufacturer, and reduce energy costs without investing in more expensive 13 SEER or higher equipment,” stated Tryson.

Exhibitors will also have the opportunity to demonstrate their products at the New Product Theater, which is located on the show floor. Companies that will showcase their latest offerings include ClimateMaster, which will demonstrate its new Tranquility (TMW) water-to-water heat pumps; Munters Corp., which will showcase its single packaged HVAC system that incorporates heat pump and desiccant technologies; Arzel Zoning, which will present the science of high-velocity zoning; and Fieldpiece Instruments, which will highlight three new field service instruments.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

There will be over 30 free educational sessions available to AHR Expo attendees. Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), and ASHRAE are just three of the many organizations presenting free seminars. Examples of the free sessions include the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), which will lead “Green Buildings, Operations & Design: What’s Driving the Market?” The session will cover market change, new initiatives, and the impacts of green building on the corporate market.

The Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) will present a session titled “Mechanical Systems that Work,” which concerns ventilation. Given that today’s homes must be adequately ventilated to meet codes and avoid litigation, a quality ventilation system is a profitable upgrade and if installed properly, will make a house a healthier, more comfortable place to raise a family. Participants at this session will go through the ASHRAE 62.2 Residential Ventilation Requirements and learn how properly installed systems prolong the life of a structure and may solve IAQ problems like mold.

The NEWS and ARI will present “Ways to Find and Retain Qualified Technicians/Employees.” Contractors who want to know how to find and keep people at a time when labor shortages are creating havoc should come and listen to the contractors from award-winning companies who are successfully navigating this troubling issue. These “Best Contractor to Work for” award recipients received special recognition from The NEWS for the innovative approaches they employ with their co-workers. Keeping customers happy starts with keeping employees happy.

Energy Star will introduce participants to the key elements of the Energy Star Commercial Buildings program in its session titled, “An Energy Star Primer - Save Energy, Save Money, Protect the Environment.” Session leaders will discuss federal and state incentives, which help buy down the costs of retrofits; frame the importance of energy efficiency as the first and most important step to green buildings; and finally through the use of building case studies, discuss how the service and product provider industry can use technology to enhance client building energy performance.

To register online or for a complete list of exhibitors and educational opportunities, visit www.ahrexpo.com.

Publication date: 01/15/2007