“This industry just keeps getting more exciting,” said Jeff Stevens, show manager. “We’re proud to serve as the place where HVACR professionals come together to tackle emerging challenges and discover new opportunities. As the pace of change continues to accelerate, our work together is more important than ever in shaping a built environment that is comfortable, safe, and efficient. AHR gives our industry the opportunity to connect with the technologies, ideas, and partnerships that move us forward.” 

And the numbers say it all. The event drew 53,315 industry professionals (nearly 3,000 more than last year), including contractors, engineers, manufacturers, content creators, suppliers, technicians — filling the packed central and south halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

And they weren’t just there browsing booths.  

The first two days of the show featured standing-room-only sessions on workforce development, data centers, refrigerants, heat pumps, industry communication channels, and more.  

“Standing room only — yes, you heard me right — our [Data Center Demands: Cooling Solutions, BMS Advancement and the Next Generation of HVAC] panel was certainly one of the most heavily attended sessions at AHR Expo 2026, and with good reason,” said Ryan Sen, who moderated the panel. “Given the speed, scale, and investment being made in this vertical, it was timely for the engineering, HVAC, and BAS communities to come together to hear from real subject matter experts helping to shape standards and technology adoption.” 

On the show floor, 1,956 exhibitors spread across 578,980 square feet showcased everything from equipment and controls to training solutions and tools. At almost any point in the day, attendees could move from booths right into education sessions or panel discussions spanning topics from building automation and control, energy conservation/efficiency, testing and balancing, ventilation, heating and cooling, building design, certification, and much more.  

If a formal session wasn’t the vibe, the Podcast Pavilion offered another option with podcasters taking the stage every hour. For those who were just too busy to make it to a session — or the Pavilion — recordings will soon be available. (For this writer who spent most of her time bouncing from one booth to the next and chatting it up on the show floor, what a relief.) 

“Wow, what an amazing experience,” said Steve Doring, owner of Paradise Heating & Cooling Ltd. “I was blown away by the number of vendors and HVAC professionals visiting from all over the world. Truly inspired by the seminars, the hands-on tool demos, and great conversations with industry professionals.” 

Another notable theme this year was the industry’s continued dedication and investment in its future workforce.  

Student engineers from ASHRAE’s youth programming joined the Expo for a tour and panel discussion where they explored career paths, entering the industry, and how to make a living in the trades. High school students from a Clark County Public Schools dual-enrollment program also attended, gaining hands-on experience while learning more about career pathways, innovation, and emerging technologies.  

“We are so incredibly grateful for our time at the AHR Expo this week,” said Lilianna Bonderov, principal at Central Technical Training Academy. “I've attended a lot of trade shows, but this one blew my mind. The size, the innovation, the community. I can't stop telling people about what an exceptional experience it was. I appreciate the thought that went into the programming for our students; it was relevant, meaningful, and engaging. I left feeling inspired, and I know that our staff and students did as well.” 

That sense of inspiration seemed to emanate throughout the entire event — whether on the show floor, in hallway conversations, or in sessions. Maybe it was Vegas. Maybe it was the growing recognition that the industry’s challenges require stronger partnerships. Or maybe it’s just what AHR does best. But out of every angle of every eye at the show, people were engaging, learning, and connecting — and leaving excited. 

Ironically, that spirit is what started the show off for attendees of the HVAC Tactical Awards ceremony, where Adam Nasser (@wolfofhvac) accepted the award for Best Social Content. 

“HVAC truly changed my life, and I will never regret choosing this trade,” said Nasser. “Before moving to the United States and choosing this career, I was a lost cause, but this country has helped me become something, and this community is just amazing. I have never seen it in any other industry … HVAC will always be the king of trades.” 

The 2027 Expo will be back January 25-27 in Chicago.