2021 AHR Expo moves to March

The 2021 AHR Expo, a major Chicago-based HVAC&R event, has been postponed to March 15–17, 2021, due to the coronavirus. The show was originally planned to be held at the McCormick Place from January 25–27, 2021.

The AHR Expo Show Management says the postponement reflects a survey it conducted showing that nearly 80 per cent of exhibitors and attendees were in favour of pushing back the January dates.

The joint organisers of the event are the AHR Expo, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Still exploring the feasibility of hosting the live event in March, the parties have stated that a final decision will be announced no later than October 15, 2020.

“We continue to exhaust all possibilities that will allow us to host a safe and successful event for all industry stakeholders,” says show manager Mark Stevens. “But we have to take into account that there are barriers for allowances within the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago that we cannot control. We remain cautiously optimistic that we can meet together in Chicago in March.”

In partnership with its co-sponsors and the advisory committee, show management has been working closely with McCormick Place, the city of Chicago, show vendors, and other officials to provide the best guidance to host the event.

“All of us in the industry understand the vital role HVAC&R plays in the world,” says Stevens. “We at AHR Expo know the importance of the Show in providing a unique environment where members of the HVAC&R community can congregate to learn, share, and grow as professionals while experiencing all that’s new in the industry.

“I think we all understand the challenges this year has presented thus far, and while HVAC&R has emerged as a primary player in how we can hope to combat COVID-19 and other pandemic threats of the future, there are safety, governmental, and practical considerations that have to be taken into account.”

Since 1930, the AHR Expo has offered a forum where manufacturers, OEMs, engineers, contractors, facility operators, architects, educators and other industry professionals can gather under one roof to explore the latest trends and applications and to cultivate mutually beneficial business relationships.