FRIGAIR 2018 Catalogue FRIGAIR 2018 Catalogue | Page 5

3 Grant Laidlaw SAIRAC president A show to remember O n behalf of the South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (SAIRAC), I would like to welcome the exhibitors, speakers, visitors, and organisers to the FRIGAIR 2018 exhibition. The HEVAC&R industry forms an integral part of the economy and is found in many sectors and subsectors in South Africa and indeed, Africa. Globalisation has brought with it technological changes. We as a country need to keep pace to secure food stability and maintain quality for the entire population — refrigeration represents a critical area in the maintenance of the cold chain. In the air-conditioning space, high-quality, energy-efficient systems and products; the introduction of innovative designs and technological solutions; and their efficient application in industrial, commercial, and domestic buildings and residential housing, are paramount in taking us forward. Over the course of three days, the FRIGAIR expo and conference deliver the most valuable and comprehensive business-to-business networking event serving the HEVAC&R industry. Companies that participate in the event gain a high level of brand recognition and targeted business development opportunities from key buying audiences involved in industry. Based on the previous FRIGAIR’s attendance, more than 4 400 engineers, decision-makers, technical experts, and innovators are expected to attend. Coupled with the expo, we have three short courses with international guest speakers from ASHRAE. This offers us the distinctive opportunity to gain from international leaders and academics in the field. The topics include the design and operation of HVAC systems for health care facilities, high-performance building design, and how to apply variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems to a wide range of building types. Closer to home, free-to-attend workshops are being held, with local and international experts speaking on a wide range of topics ranging from www.frigairexpo.co.za legislative issues, training, pipework design, and refrigerants, to new South African qualifications. In addition, I am delighted to announce that the first ever A TMOsphere networking event, in association with shecco, will be held during FRIGAIR 2018, giving the expo a further international flair and promoting the uptake of natural refrigerants in South Africa and beyond. We invite SAIRAC members to a breakfast on day two of the event. In overview, the stage is set for a fantastic FRIGAIR — perhaps the best one ever held! On behalf of SAIRAC, I extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the organisers, committees, and all involved with the expo. I would like to thank all the exhibitors and visitors without whom FRIGAIR would not be possible and wish all a memorable experience. I read somewhere that “FRIGAIR is where old friendships are rejuvenated and new ones forged.” May FRIGAIR 2018 continue with this wonderful tradition. Grant K Laidlaw SAIRAC president 2018 AFRICA’S ONLY DEDICATED HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING, REFRIGERATION & ENERGY EVENT FRIGAIR 2015 2018 | Official catalogue MESSAGES