2016 AHR Expo Draws Record Number of Attendees

Orlando, Fla. – The 2016 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), held January 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., welcomed a record 60,926 registered attendees to what show organizers have billed as the world’s largest HVACR marketplace.

Despite winter storm havoc, canceled flights across the U.S. and travel bans in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, the 2016 AHR Expo welcomed tens of thousands of contractors and engineers, OEMs, distributors and plant managers from all facets of the global HVACR industry, event officials said.

The final Expo report says 469,540 square feet of exhibit space – the equivalent of about 20 football fields spanning Florida’s largest convention center – was occupied by 18,254 exhibitor personnel representing 2,063 exhibiting companies, presenting to an estimated 42,672 attendees, according to the show’s management company, International Exposition Company.

The event’s global appeal was underscored by the 3,570 international exhibiting personnel representing 561 international companies and 3,570 exhibiting personnel. Overall, an estimated 9,410 international attendees were present during the three-day even, officials said.

“A lot goes into making this show such a valued platform for today’s professionals to come together,” said Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company.

Many exhibiting companies, including Beloit, Wisc.-based Regal Beloit America, Inc., which develops systems for converting power into motion in climate solutions and other market applications, returned as well-seasoned AHR Expo participants.

“Regal has been exhibiting at AHR Expo for well over 30 years, and I’ve been coming for 16 of those years in various roles,” said Heather Scaggs-Richardson, marketing communications manager. “It’s the premier event for HVACR professionals, and one of the few places to see what’s happening, live and in person, in our ever-changing industry.”

Others agreed.

“Efficiency is a major buzzword on everyone’s minds these days,” said Anthony Quinn, key accounts manager at Danfoss. “A lot of people are having to redesign systems to meet newly imposed standards. Coming to AHR Expo allows us to scope out what other companies are offering and receive in-person reactions to the solutions we propose. Our new product line meets all of ASHRAE’s new standards, but we want to know what we can be doing even better.”

Attendees also had the option of engaging in a full schedule of educational programs, including a mix of exhibitors’ new product and technology presentations, ASHRAE Learning Institute courses, certification exams, PM Live seminars and many free programs offered by endorsing associations and other groups.

“If you have any sort of need in the HVACR industry, AHR Expo is the place to be, but the educational aspect of this show is truly invaluable,” said Juliet Pagliaro Herman, Johnson Controls’ director of service marketing for systems and services, North America. “I don’t see why someone would come to this show and not partake in the array of seminars offered. They’re something I look forward to each year.”

Another show highlight: Tuesday afternoon’s presentation of the 2016 AHR Expo Innovation Awards, and the official announcement of Aeroseal’s duct sealing technology as the 2016 Product of the Year winner, drawing a standing room only crowd. Companies in ten product categories – building automation, cooling, green building, heating, indoor air quality, plumbing, refrigeration, software, tools & instruments, and ventilation – also received awards.

About Xcel Mechanical Systems, Inc.
Xcel Mechanical Systems is one of Southern California’s recognized industry leaders in large-scale mechanical and plumbing engineering, design-build, and construction. Building owners, general contractors and consultants trust Xcel Mechanical to deliver cost-effective, dependable solutions that make buildings more comfortable, energy efficient, and easier to manage. We specialize in the Aerospace, Healthcare, Education, Data Center, Government, Commercial, and Entertainment sectors. For more information, please visit: www.xcelmech.com