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Join AHR Expo 2025: Innovative Sessions & Panels

The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) released the full schedule for the 2025 AHR Expo Education Program. The program will feature more than 250 sessions, including free industry seminars, a robust panel series lineup, new product presentations, and more. AHR education program “Educating our current and future workforce is an area of dedicated attention and effort across most industry conversations,” said Show Manager, Mark Stevens. “Over the years, the AHR education program has grown into an important complementary asset to the show floor experience, lending an opportunity for deeper understanding of what’s happening within the industry, how to apply skill and knowledge, and how to prepare for shifts.”  real-world applications Areas of niche discipline, as well as broader discussion of topics that stretch the full supply chain The AHR Expo Education Program provides attendees with expert advice aimed at better understanding real-world applications and learning relating to current trends and practices across the industry. Areas of niche discipline, as well as broader discussion of topics that stretch the full supply chain, will be available to stimulate industry conversation and professional development.  session learning “AHR Expo is a unique opportunity to pair session learning with application practice due to the complementary aspect of our education programming and the exhibition floor,” said Kim Pires, Director of Education. “Taking learning one step further, attendees can apply what they’ve just learned in a classroom to products, technology, or conversations on the show floor, creating a valuable opportunity that’s hard to find elsewhere in the industry.” Attendees can expect the program to address a wide variety of topics and are encouraged to explore the full program on the website.  2025 Panel Series AI and Plumbing: How Smart Applications Can Lead to Smooth Waters Ahead Monday, February 10th at 11:00 AM with John Mullen, IAPMO, and Susan Frew of PHCC leading a discussion for plumbing professionals. Everything users Need to Know About the Refrigerant Transition and A2Ls Monday, February 10th at 3:00 PM led by AHRI and including Chuck White, VP of Regulatory Affairs at PHCC; Jim Cika, Director of PMG Technical Resources at ICC; Samantha Slater, VP of Government Affairs at AHRI; Scott Stone, Founder and President at Glencoe Strategies LLC; and Tom Deary, Director of Codes at AHRI.  2025 State of the Industry: Today’s Market, Challenges, Opportunities & What’s Ahead Tuesday, February 11th at 10:00 AM moderated by Bryan Orr of HVAC School, including discussion with M. Dennis Knight, President 2024-2025 ASHRAE; Stephen Yurek, CEO of AHRI; Talbot Gee, CEO of HARDI; and Dominick Guarino, President and CEO at National Comfort Institute Inc.  Free Industry Series The 2025 show will feature more than 230 free sessions led by industry experts. Sessions will range from 20 minutes in the product theaters, and one to two hours in the classroom sessions and aim to address the industry’s most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities. Attendees are invited to attend general HVACR-related sessions, as well as those that dive deeper into specific professional practice areas.  AHR Expo Education Program “The AHR Expo Education Program is the industry’s best place to learn trends, tips, and growth strategies that span the full industry,” said Kimberly Pires, AHR Expo Education Program Director. “Our associations design their sessions to address the most pressing topics within their areas of the industry. The goal is to provide diverse perspectives from every professional and perspective in HVACR. The opportunity for shared insight supports healthy communication across the industry.” Additional highlights Attendees are encouraged to explore the full program. Additional highlights for the 2025 AHR Expo Free Industry Seminar program include:  Contractors Refrigerant Detection Systems for Flammable, A2L Refrigerants Chris Forth, Vice President of Regulatory, Codes & Environmental Affairs, hosted by WHVACR In this session, the user will review the transition to low-GWP refrigerants, including mildly flammable A2Ls, and learn about refrigerant detection systems (RDS). Join to gain an understanding of what features an RDS must have, how these systems function, and how to quickly determine if they are optional or required for an installation.  SMACNA Large Duct Construction & HVAC Duct Systems Inspection Shawn O’Hara, Senior Project Manager, SMACNA National; Geoffrey Parks, Senior Project Manager, SMACNA National, hosted by Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association In this session, users will learn what's driving larger ductwork in the industry today and how to properly construct and support larger ductwork using the SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards (4th Edition).  Empowering Green Choices: How Financing Makes Energy Efficiency Affordable Erica Leonor, Director of Business Development at Goodleap; and Erik Summers, hosted by WHVACR In this session, users will discover how innovative financing options can empower homeowners to invest in high-end, energy-efficient HVACR systems through the exploration of financial tools that make eco-friendly upgrades accessible.  The Digital Revolution in HVAC: AI, Automation, and the Future of Customer Service Josh Crouch, Founder of Relentless Digital and Co-Host of Service Business Mastery Podcast, and Tersh Blissett, CEO, of Service Emperor; Co-Host of Service Business Mastery Podcast, hosted by AHR Expo  In this session users will learn strategies to integrate 'digital coworkers' into the business, enhancing efficiency and customer service by reviewing real-world examples of AI improving customer journeys and operations.  Distribution/Supply Chain Repair, Replacement or Maintenance: Which Strategy Aligns Best with Consumer Behavior? Megan Adair, Senior Account Development Manager, Mediagistic; Jennifer Helton, Account Development Manager, Mediagistic; hosted by WHVACR Attendees will gain deep insight into how consumer behavior drives better HVAC marketing outcomes. Discover how focusing on repairs, rather than installations, can be a game-changer for the HVAC business, as we reveal industry secrets and case studies that showcase significant growth through service-to-installation strategies.  Revolutionizing the business with OpenAI Colleen Keyworth, Director of Sales & Marketing, Online Access, hosted by WHVACR Attendees will learn more about the transformative impact of OpenAI technologies in business, focusing on ethical applications to enhance problem-solving, creativity, and efficiency.  Engineers Decarbonizing Commercial and Industrial Heating with Hydrogen Part 1 Paul Glanville, Sr. R&D Director, GTI Energy; Vince McDonell, Director, UC Irvine Combustion Laboratory, UC Irvine, hosted by AHRI Part 1, What is the Decarbonization Potential, will introduce the current state of research to define the upper practical limit of using H2 to decarbonize large commercial and industrial heating equipment currently using natural gas, the structure of the project for the California Energy Commission with partners GTI Energy, UC Irvine, EPRI, AHRI, and other industry partners (AHRI members); provide the context for displacing natural gas in heating equipment with H2 as a blend or through full conversion to 100% H2 with an overview of key developments and demonstrations in North America; and review the project’s preliminary Technoeconomic Assessment of using H2 in commercial/industrial facilities throughout California and review the Technical Survey of current research regarding the practical limits of using H2 in heating equipment.  Advancing AI-Driven Microcontroller Solutions: Innovations and Applications David Kniepkamp, President, of Smart Controls, hosted by LonMark International Attendees will uncover the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI-driven microcontroller solutions in commercial buildings, supported by real-world case studies showcasing significant energy savings, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced tenant satisfaction.  Empowering our Workforce with Emotional Intelligence: Building a Sustainable Future Karine Leblanc, ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, Engineer, and Author of How to Be Human in a Technical World, hosted by AHR Expo What is Emotional Intelligence (EI)? In this session, visitors will discover the importance of EI for HVAC professionals in managing client demands and team communication under pressure. They will explore the science behind EI, and the benefits of high EI and learn how to create a personal action plan through developing strategies that enhance emotional intelligence to improve leadership and performance in demanding scenarios. For Credit Courses  AHR Expo attendees have the opportunity to participate in professional development courses through ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI), as well as short courses/professional development seminars approved for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that can apply toward maintaining P.E. licensure. Attendees are required to register and pay tuition fees in advance of the show and can do so either onsite or by visiting the ASHRAE registration website. Starting the Path to Net-Zero Buildings Using ASHRAE 90.1-2022 hosted by ASHRAE Learning Institute Led by McHenry Wallace, P.E., Member ASHRAE, LEED®AP; Intermediate 3 PDHs/AIA LUs | Check with the state for their continuing education credits requirements. $249 ($189 ASHRAE Members); early bird discounts may apply.  Changing Environments and Loads for Data Center (High Density, Liquid Cooling, Edge Computing) hosted by ASHRAE Learning Institute Led by Brandon Gill, P.E.; Jeff Stein, P.E.; Entry Level 3 PDHs/AIA LUs | Check with the state for their continuing education credits requirements. $249 ($189 ASHRAE Members); early bird discounts may apply.  Commercial Building Energy Audits hosted by ASHRAE Learning Institute Led by Joe Hofstetter, P.E.; Intermediate 6 PDHs/AIA LUs | $629 ($509 ASHRAE Members); early bird discounts may apply. Check with the state for their continuing education credits requirements.  New Product Theaters Attendees are invited to follow up presentations with a visit to the booth for a more in-depth explanation Attendees are encouraged to sit in on exhibitor presentations in the New Product Theater. More than 145 presentations lasting approximately 20 minutes each are planned across all three days of the show. These free presentations will provide brief overviews of new product announcements and technologies that can be found in exhibitor booths on the show floor. Attendees are invited to follow up presentations with a visit to the booth for a more in-depth explanation and 1:1 interaction with products and representatives. No fee or individual session registration is required, however, show registration is required.  Safely Handling Flammable Refrigerants in Heat Pumps hosted by Sensata Technologies Inc. The core of any Heat Pump is the balance between the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant which drives system efficiency and safety, particularly with the safety measures needed to manage R-290 refrigerant. This session addresses sensor-driven solutions to handle flammable refrigerants.  Faced with the AIM ACT: 3 Simple Steps to Reduce the Impact of Refrigeration hosted by MATELEX The refrigeration market is undergoing major changes. Regulations are limiting the availability of fluids with high global warming potential, leading to higher prices and supply difficulties. At the same time, refrigeration plant leakage rates and energy consumption remain high, posing a challenge for refrigeration professionals. Matelex offers a simple 3-step solution to reduce the environmental and financial impact of refrigeration and simplify the management of a fleet of installations.  Sustainable & Data-Driven Cooling: Güntner’s Intelligent IOT Solutions hosted by Güntner U.S. LLC Discover the Intelligent IOT Solutions that can contribute to a better future. Güntner’s Intelligent IOT Solutions bring significant water savings, energy efficiency, low maintenance, and other benefits. The First Step in the building Decarbonization Journey hosted by ABB HVAC Building Automation and Controls ABB Ability™ Building Analyzer tracks both building data (occupancy, equipment runtime hours, temperatures, and costs) and utilities (energy, gas, water, steam) in real-time and provides actionable insights to help users save money while improving energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant awareness. Attendees can view the complete AHR Expo Education Program schedule, including the New Product Theaters, on the AHR Expo website. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to manage their show floor and education program agenda by creating a free MyShow Planner account and downloading the AHR Expo app.

2025 AHR Expo: Top Innovations In HVACR Announced

The AHR Expo (International  Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) today announced the winners of the 2025 AHR Expo Innovation Awards. Winners are chosen annually in ten industry categories, representing the most innovative products and technologies in the market.  Innovation Awards “To be recognized as an award winner is a true honor within our industry,” said Show Manager, Mark Stevens. “We are thrilled to highlight the dedication of manufacturers and team members as they work to create real solutions. The Innovation Awards aim to highlight these companies, professionals, and their innovation trajectory and to celebrate those that are pushing the bar.” evaluation criteria Evaluations are based on overall innovative design, creativity of the product or service offered The Innovation Awards draw hundreds of manufacturers to enter breakthrough designs for new and never-before-seen solutions or improvements upon existing products and technologies. All entries are reviewed and selected by a panel of third-party judges made up of distinguished ASHRAE members. Evaluations are based on overall innovative design, creativity of the product or service offered, product or technology real-world application, as well as overall potential market impact.  affordability, energy consumption, compliance “The continued growth of the awards program is an encouraging indication that manufacturers are responding to problems with creative solutions,” continued Stevens. “Moreover, the winning innovations must satisfy a range of factors, such as affordability, energy consumption, compliance, and production efficiency, while also addressing performance gaps in products and technology. Congratulations to all our 2025 winners!”  AHR Expo Workforce Development program In addition to celebrating innovation in HVACR, the Innovation Awards provide a means to strengthen the industry by allowing for the AHR Expo Workforce Development program, which aims to grow the industry through programming geared to inspire future members of the HVACR community. Funds collected from the entry fees are donated to programming at the student level, including show field trips, curated introductions to professionals and manufacturers, laboratory equipment, and monetary donations to student programs in the hosting city.  Winners for the 2025 AHR Expo Innovations Awards BUILDING  AUTOMATION Winner:  Distech Controls Innovation: Eclypse Facilities  AHR Booth: 781 Eclypse Facilities is a game-changer for system integrators, equipment manufacturers, and leading digital partners who can leverage unparalleled openness and interoperability with Eclypse controllers to deliver advanced digital services. Buildings implementing Eclypse ensure the highest occupant satisfaction, equipment performance, and minimal operational costs to maintain the highest asset value.  COOLING Winner:  Climate Control Group Innovation:  EnviroKIT™ AHR Booth: 3927 The EnviroKIT™ is a quick, simple, and budget-friendly solution for restoring vertical stack fan coil unit performance. Sustainably replace aging components in just a few hours per room without drywall demolition. Ideal for the hospitality industry, this kitted solution improves the cooling performance of fan coils with minimal room downtime. HEATING Winner:  AERCO, A Watts Water Company Innovation: AERCO CFR AHR Booth: 743 CFR is the world’s first stainless steel condensing boiler that can be installed in a Category I vent, making it an ideal solution for the commercial retrofit market. It delivers energy savings, reliable performance, and cost-saving installation flexibility in a compact footprint to cost-effectively comply with local energy mandates.  INDOOR AIR QUALITY Winner:  Senva Inc. Innovation: TotalSense Indoor Air Quality Sensor AHR Booth: 581 The TotalSense Air Quality sensor is the most configurable air quality sensor available with any combination of ten sensors including Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), relative humidity (RH), temperature, occupancy detection (PIR), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), Ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM), barometric pressure and ambient light.  PLUMBING Winner:  Grundfos Innovation: Grundfos ALPHA HWR AHR Booth: 1808 The Grundfos HWR is the first high-efficiency, digitally connected circulator for domestic hot water recirculation systems. It is the most efficient circulator available, with a best-in-class energy rating of 215 from the Hydraulic Institute. The fully digital solution achieves advanced comfort with maximum water and energy savings.  REFRIGERATION Winner:  Danfoss Innovation: Danfoss BOCK HGX56 CO2 T AHR Booth: 1301  Danfoss BOCK HGX56 CO2 T is a transcritical 6-cylinder CO2 compressor with an expanded range to enable larger refrigeration and heat pump applications with a smaller footprint and strong energy-efficient performance.  SOFTWARE Winner:  Radiant Professionals Alliance Innovation: Building Efficiency System Tool™ 6.2 (BEST  6.2) AHR Booth: 2175 The Radiant Professionals Alliance’s (RPA) free interactive Building Efficiency System Tool™ 6.2 (BEST 6.2), revolutionizes HVAC system efficiency comparison. BEST Software is held by Taco (which has control over the content and function thereof). The Software is copyrighted and protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions.  SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Winner:  LG Electronics U.S.A. Inc. Innovation: LG Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump AHR Booth: 6643 Conventional heat pumps suffer significant degradation in performance when confronted with temperatures below 0°F (-17.8°C), making them less reliable and efficient in cold climate regions. New heat pump products such as this innovation from LG have been developed to combat cold climate challenges, operating down to -31°F (-35°C).  TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS Winner:  PassiveLogic Innovation: PassiveLogic Sense Nano AHR Booth: 1191, 1391 The Sense Nano is the first truly wireless sensor — communicating via Bluetooth mesh, while extracting its operating energy from the surrounding environment. Goodbye, battery replacements. Installing in 15 seconds, it fits in the palm of your hand. And it packs a punch with seven sensors inside a 45mm diameter ring.  VENTILATION Winner:  Rosenburg USA, Inc. Innovation: Rosenberg I-Series Backward Curved Fans AHR Booth: 5751 Rosenberg has developed 23 models of I-Series fans, ranging from 355MM to 630MM. The high-efficiency, high-volume I-impeller features five backward-curved, hollow-profiled, airfoil section aluminum blades, with efficiency-optimized circumferential diffusers. The new impeller can increase efficiencies by up to 11% while reducing noise levels by more than half compared to older impellers.  2025 Product of the Year winner The 2025 Product of the Year winner is awarded based on exceptional leadership in HVACR In addition to category winners, one overall 2025 Product of the Year winner will be announced and awarded in Orlando. This prestigious honor is awarded based on exceptional leadership in HVACR innovation. “Innovation in our industry will continue to increase in urgency as we battle workforce shortages, increased demands, changing regulations, and the call for fast, reliable training,” said Kim Pires, AHR Expo. Innovation Awards program “Participating in the Innovation Awards, along with the honor of being named a winner, is an indication to the industry that you are at the forefront of where HVACR is heading in the future.” “What’s more, fees from the Innovation Awards program support workforce development through donations to HVACR high school programming in the cities where the show is hosted. It is a means to inspire, connect, and secure innovation for the future of the industry,” continued Pires.

AMCA International Names Nazme Mohsina Global Technical Director

Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International Inc. announces the appointment of Nazme Mohsina to the position of global technical director. Mohsina, who returns to AMCA International following two years with a climate and energy consultancy, is responsible for driving consistency, integrity, and engineering quality in the establishment and application of product testing and certification requirements applied by global staff, members, and partners. Additionally, she provides leadership to achieve technical objectives and operational goals and serves as an arbitrator in technical appeals related to standards and functions. Spreadsheets of product data With a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton, Mohsina got her start with AMCA International in 2011, working part-time checking manufacturer catalogs for compliance with requirements of the Certified Ratings Program (CRP). She proved to be a quick study, eventually landing a full-time position as project engineer. Mohsina volunteered to develop databases and spreadsheets of product data When the U.S. Department of Energy announced its intention to regulate fans, Mohsina volunteered to develop databases and spreadsheets of product data and to analyze the data in support of AMCA International advocacy efforts. She soon was drawn into other projects, including the development and updating of AMCA International test standards. Meanwhile, her knowledge of Middle Eastern and Indian culture proved integral to AMCA International’s growth in the Middle East. International advocacy efforts In March 2017, Mohsina was promoted to associate director of certification, a role that saw her responsible for directing the activities and managing the staff of the CRP. Her technical acumen and intense focus on member satisfaction led to her promotion to technical director in May 2019, a position that saw her responsible for the operations of the AMCA International headquarters laboratory, AMCA International independent laboratories, the AMCA International Laboratory Accreditation Program, and the CRP. In 2020, Mohsina was named to Engineered Systems magazine’s 20 to Watch: Women in HVAC list.

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