WESTPORT, Conn. - Show management announced they have officially cancelled the 2021 AHR Expo that was to take place in Chicago. With roadblocks set in place by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and resulting current state and local restrictions that prohibit mass gatherings over 50 people, an in-person event will not take place in 2021.

“We’ve examined every scenario and questioned every roadblock to see how we might hold an in-person event in 2021,” show manager Mark Stevens said. “Unfortunately, the pandemic continues to present unpredictable challenges and other variables that are beyond our control. The safety of all our participants – attendees, exhibitors, speakers, employees, venue staff involved at every level – continues to be our top priority. With these barriers, along with state and local restrictions due to COVID-19, we have unfortunately exhausted all efforts to bring the show to Chicago in 2021.

In mid-September, show management postponed the event due to COVID-19 and were attempting to determine the feasibility of hosting the event in Chicago, March 15-17. At the time, they announced they would make a decision by Oct. 15 on the 2021 show.

“We were hopeful that March would be a feasible solution, but there are too many obstacles that are beyond our control,” said Stevens. “We know how disappointing this news is for the HVAC industry and we are disappointed too.”

While many industry shows are going virtual, show management did not think it was a solution for AHR.

“More than ever we believe in the value of the AHR Expo live event experience and everything that you bring to the show floor in your booth displays. We know that a virtual show can’t possibly replicate the relationship building, new product discoveries, learning experiences, and industry community that makes the AHR Expo so special,” show management said it a letter to exhibitors.

Last year in Orlando, more than 50,000 attendees were at the event that showcased more than 1,900 exhibiting companies.

The 2022 event is scheduled for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 in Las Vegas.