5 HVAC Conferences to Attend in 2016

If you’re already an HVAC professional or still in HVAC training to become one, industry conferences and trade shows can be a great place for networking and learning about new products and techniques. Here are some of the conferences being held this year across the country.

1. Eastern Energy Expo 2016

The Eastern Energy Expo is held in Mashantucket, Connecticut, at the Foxwoods Resort Casino from May 22 through May 26, 2016. With an expected attendance of 4,000 people, the Eastern Energy Expo will include trade shows for the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association, Atlantic Region Energy Expo, and the Oil and Energy Service Professionals. ¹ This Expo will feature the latest in services and products for the HVAC industry and the petroleum marketing industry, networking events, and educational opportunities and programs.

2. IDEA 2016

The International District Energy Association (IDEA) has their annual trade show and conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, from June 20 through June 23, 2016. Members of this organization focus on the design, development, and operation of the district energy systems found in municipalities, airports, utilities, colleges and universities, industrial parks, hospitals, military bases, and other physical plant systems that primarily supply steam energy, as well as cold and hot water, for cooling, heating, and process use. ²  This is the organization’s 107^th conference, making it one of the oldest gatherings of members of the HVAC industry in the country.

Workshops include “District Energy in Cities: Building Capacity for Climate Adaptation” and “Community Energy Planning and Community Energy: Moving Microgrids Forward.” 

3. ABMA Summer Meeting 2016

The American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA) is having their summer meeting in Incline Village, Nevada, from June 24 through June 27, 2016. With approximately 900 people expected to attend, the forum is a great place to meet new professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends. Known for their cutting-edge topics concerning the boiler manufacturing industry, the ABMA is renowned for pulling in some of the top-ranking professors, economists, government authorities, and industry analysts.

4. ASHRAE 2016 Annual Conference

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) will hold its annual conference in St. Louis, Missouri, from June 25 through June 29, 2016. This HVAC professional organization’s goal is to provide the attendees with new technical information and networking opportunities. Tracks include “Smart Building Systems,” which discusses the IT revolution as it pertains to the built environment, “Professional Skills Beyond Engineering,” and “Advances in Refrigeration Systems and Alternative Refrigerants.”

5. Comfortech 2016

Comfortech will be held September 20 through September 22, 2016, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is an excellent event for HVAC professionals that will include educational opportunities, competition, and numerous networking opportunities. About 2,000 HVAC industry members and between 150 and 175 exhibitors are expected to attend this conference. ³

Staying Current on Industry Trends

If you’re looking for HVAC conferences or trade shows, there are plenty available throughout the country. Most of them offer instruction, information about new products, and chances to network with other professionals in the field. HVAC is a dynamic industry that changes often, thanks to advances in technology to boost efficiency and convenience and legislation to protect the environment. Attending conferences can help HVAC techs stay current on the latest trends.