Months — perhaps even years — prior to the 2002 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), more negative than positive talk surfaced regarding the 54th annual show. The site, Atlantic City, seemed to elicit the most complaints. Atlantic City’s distance from a major airport was a sore spot for many attendees and would-be attendees. The closest major airport is in Philadelphia, an hour’s drive from the New Jersey coast.
That did not stop contractors, wholesalers, manufacturers’ reps, and international representation from taking the trek. Before the close of the second day, the 2002 version had more visitors than the three-day totals from Atlanta last year.