Events and Exhibitions
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were selected in a total of 10 industry categories along with an
overall Product of the Year winner and honoured in a ceremony
hosted during the AHR Expo.
“It was an honour to win Product of the Year for our Danfoss
CO 2 Adaptive Liquid Management (CALM) at the AHR Expo
in Orlando considering all of the other category winners,”
said Peter Dee, Sales director, Food Retail, North America
at Danfoss. “It exemplifies the Danfoss culture, people, and
commitment to innovation. We continue to strive through
innovation to help our customers and the industry meet
their sustainability requirements and it is an honour to be
recognised by the industry for these achievements.”
The Innovation Awards received the most entries ever this
year since the programme began 17 years ago. What’s more,
the innovation featured by the winners, finalists and entrants
is a true indication that the industry is in a season of change.
“The Innovation Awards is always an exciting time for us at the
Show because we get to pause and give recognition to those in
the industry who are challenging themselves to make HVACR
better,” said Stevens. “This year really delivered, not only
in the awards ceremony but also out on the Show floor. We
congratulate all our winners —and Danfoss for developing a
phenomenal Product of the Year with the CALM Solution— and
challenge everyone in the industry to keep innovating, taking
risks and working to better the industry.
“Additionally, the Innovation Awards gives us the
opportunity to leave a mark on the communities we visit
through the donation of entry fees,” continued Stevens. “This
year we were fortunate to give back the largest donation
ever —USD26 300 (R392 328)— to the Orange County Police
Athletic League (PAL) serving the Orlando/Apopka area.
We are delighted to be able to support the strong youth
programme they have developed.”
FIRST EVER PODCAST PAVILION
For the first time ever, the AHR Expo introduced the Podcast
Pavilion, hosting some of the industry’s most prominent
podcasters. This year Bryan Orr of HVAC School; The HVAC Jerks;
Tersh Blissett with Service Business Mastery; Mike Mayberry, the
HVAC Refer Guy; Matt Nelson with HVAC 360; and Gil Cavey of
HVAC Uncensored welcomed guests in two podcast stations all
three days of the Show.
As a pilot year for the AHR Expo, the Podcast Pavilion quickly
became an attendee favourite. Guests included representatives
from endorsing organisations, such as Danielle Putnam and
Colleen Keyworth from Women in HVACR and Stephen Yurek,
Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
president, as well as industry experts and personalities like HVAC
www.hvacronline.co.za
YouTuber AK Greaves, and Richard Trethewey, from the PBS
show This Old House.
“When I heard that AHR Expo was going to include us in a
podcast pavilion at the 2020 Show I was really excited. The reality
far exceeded all of my expectations,” said Bryan Orr of HVAC
School. “The space was a great way for us to share and connect
and it shows a real commitment by AHR to staying involved and
relevant in the new media age. Well done!”
The HVAC Jerks added, “The Podcast Pavilion that AHR Expo
created this year was a huge success! We had such a positive
response from our existing fans that came out to see us, and so
many new ones who found us at the Show. The HVAC Jerks would
like to thank the AHR Expo for their drive to stay on the cutting
edge of the HVAC industry. See you in Chicago!”
Visitors and
exhibitors
interacted on
the AHR floor.
PRODUCT AND TECHNOLOGY PRESENTATIONS
The 2020 Show also featured more than 100 product and
technology presentations given by exhibitors. The twenty-
minute presentations were spread out over the three days and
drew crowds into three theatres just off the exhibitor floor.
Much like the Innovation Awards programme, the products
and technologies featured showcased real progress in HVACR
and gave a preview to some exciting things ahead for HVACR.
Between the exhibitor booths, education sessions and product
and technology presentations, this year presented a number of
changes and immense growth within the HVACR industry. The
trends exhibited at this year’s Show point towards an equally
successful year for the 2021 AHR Expo.
“If the 2020 AHR Expo is any indication of where HVACR is
headed, this industry is on the path to exciting things,” concluded
Stevens. “We look forward to following along as we head into the
2021 Show in Chicago!”
Follow ahrexpo.com for updates regarding the 2021 AHR
Expo, to be held from 25 – 27 January at the McCormick Place
Convention Center in Chicago. RACA
RACA Journal I April 2020
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