Events and Exhibitions
to get the most out of those few days. Events, launches, press
conferences, forums, congresses, skills demonstrations, brunches
and tours … you need a clear plan before you go into this because
there is simply so much to see and do. So, you plot the non-
negotiables and complete the rest as you go along.
SKIPPING PAST THE GOOD BITS
The elaborate account of the four days that followed will be
published in the Cold Link Africa (CLA) January/February 2019
edition. It will include many tales of me taking selfies with people
considered industry legends and key role players. There is a lot of
walking, a lot of being impressed, and quite the compilation of all
the South Africans I encountered at the show.
I’ll share a few picture highlights, but for the rest, make sure
you get your hands on a copy of CLA — whether it be digitally or
in print.
Meeting Neil Everitt, Cooling Post founder and editor — what a
privilege.
www.hvacronline.co.za
The press lunch in progress — trade press around the world unite.
Similar to 2016, this year was all about refrigerants. With the
phase-down of HFCs in full swing in Europe, manufacturers have
spent a great deal of time and money on R&D to keep up with
the future. Wherever you looked, there were new equipment
specifically designed to run on any designation of refrigerants you
can name (and some you’ll never remember).
R290 was the real star of the show and CO 2 was still quite big.
From unitary equipment to large industrial chillers, there really
was something for every application. Natural refrigerant chillers
featured quite strongly, while on the unitary side, R32 was still the
golden child on every stand.
There was a big focus on the Internet of Things (IoT) and
ways to make products more intelligent without making it
more complicated to use. User-friendly interfaces and controls
were highlighted as suppliers try and make their products more
accessible.
Smaller footprints and increased energy efficiency will always
be in fashion and improved coefficient of performance (COP) was
shown off at stands throughout the exhibition halls.
The ‘Connecting Experts’ theme pulled through to the stands
where this year, more and more exhibitors set aside generous
portions of their stands for meeting areas. A lot of business gets
done at this international show and it’s not just about displaying
products, but also clinching those deals.
Chillventa boasted many products for retail applications
specifically, but the entire spectrum was represented — from light
commercial applications (some arguably domestic even), all the
way through to heavy industrial.
So many product launches, so many exciting new ranges —
after all, this is what the global industry works towards every
two years.
I cannot wait to see what Chillventa 2020 will bring! RACA
TRENDS AND OBSERVATIONS
The ASHRAE Steves selfie, from left: Steve Comstock, Ilana
Koegelenberg, and Steve Gill.
What was your Chillventa like?
Did you attend this year? What was your
version like? What were your show highlights?
What did you learn? Share your experience
(and your photos) at ilana@interactmedia.co.za.
RACA Journal I January 2019
15