WESTPORT, Conn. — Early indications are that the 2014 AHR Expo, set for New York City next Jan. 21-23, is on pace to be a record-breaking show, according to Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Co., which produces and manages the expo. Stevens reports that more than 90 percent of the available exhibit space at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has already been reserved.

“Based on these encouraging numbers, we are expecting a sold-out show,” Stevens said. “And due to the steadily improving economy and sheer size of the HVACR market in the Northeast, we may set new attendance records.”

Stevens noted that in addition to several positive economic indicators, the last time this major HVACR show was in New York in 2008 it established a then all-time attendance record of more than 39,000 visitors with over 6,400 buyers coming from 138 countries. Including exhibitor personnel, the total number of attendees reached over 57,600. Although the 2012 AHR Expo in Chicago did eclipse New York’s record number of visitors, show management is optimistic that the 2014 New York show could regain the all-time attendance record based on the following forecasts and economic indexes:

• The Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) forecasts the HVAC sector will increase 4 percent in 2013 and another 7 percent in 2014.