ASHRAE Wraps Up 2019 Annual Conference

Includes keynote message from former NASA astronaut

ATLANTA — Sustainable energy, building performance, and refrigeration technologies were some of the topics discussed at the 2019 ASHRAE Annual Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. More than 1,600 individuals attended this year’s conference.

The five-day conference included eight conference tracks, tours, social events, and a keynote message from former NASA astronaut and author, Mike Massimino. Technical, standards, and standing committee meetings also took place throughout the week to further the development of resources and direct the future of the built environment.

Darryl K. Boyce, P.Eng., fellow life member ASHRAE took office as the 2019-20 ASHRAE president. His theme for the society year, “Building for People & Performance. Achieving Operational Excellence,” focuses on overcoming the challenges associated with the efficient operation and performance of buildings by leveraging the latest strategies and innovative technologies to ensure operational success for the people living and working within them.

“ASHRAE’s leadership will be crucial as we employ new strategies for obtaining optimal operational and performance in buildings,” said Boyce. “Meetings like our Annual Conference are the ideal place to develop better methodologies from our lessons learned, share best practices, and transfer great designs into effective building operations.”

The plenary session featured a presentation of awards and honors recognizing the outstanding achievements and contributions of members to the Society and the industry.

The conference’s technical program addressed trends in integrated building design, big data, and the process for achieving zero energy office buildings, among other topics. A seminar highlighting ASHRAE’s 2019 strategic plan offered a look into the background, implementation, and monitoring of initiatives as the Society prepares for the plan’s upcoming release.

The 2020 ASHRAE Winter Conference takes place Feb. 1-5, 2020, and the AHR Expo, Feb. 3-5, 2020, in Orlando, Florida.

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