ASHRAE calls for Winter Conference abstracts

ASHRAE is accepting abstract submissions for the 2026 Winter Conference to be held in Las Vegas, from January 31 to February 4, 2026.

“Our upcoming Winter Conference’s technical program will dive deep into practical strategies and proven best practices on important topics within the built environment – including the role of artificial intelligence, future-proofing and indoor environmental quality,” says technical conference chair Aaron Boranian.

“In addition, we’re excited to bring back the highly regarded Research Summit track, which continues to showcase innovative findings and foster meaningful dialogue among researchers and practitioners. We look forward to welcoming the global ASHRAE community to Las Vegas for a week of learning, collaboration and insights.”

Conference topics

ASHRAE has requested papers covering the following topics:

• Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) for healthy buildings – exploring advancements in design, operation and best practices for improving IEQ, including ventilation, filtration, acoustics, lighting and occupant health, safety and comfort
• Artificial intelligence – covering applications for AI and machine learning technology in building automation and controls to enhance energy efficiency, occupant comfort, cyber security and daily operation of HVAC systems and equipment
• Pathways to building decarbonisation – highlighting research, case studies, new methods or resources, and policies, regulations, codes, and government programs that can reduce carbon impacts and achieve net zero (or net positive) building design
• Energy storage and grid resiliency – focusing on advancements in thermal and electrical energy storage, integration of energy storage systems in building envelopes or HVAC systems, and grid resiliency
• Future-proofing the built environment – highlighting innovative technologies and strategies that reimagine our relationship with the built environment now and into the future, including design strategies for extreme climates and weather and responses to energy supply distributions.
• Research summit – featuring active research, and the exchange of research findings, critical to the development of the HVAC&R industry and built environment. The track includes a partnership with ASHRAE’s archival journal, Science and Technology for the Built Environment
• Refrigerants and refrigeration – exploring refrigeration systems that generate and use cold for a range of processes, from food preparation and conservation to vaccine preservation, to long-term protection of fragile ancient inks of historical documents
• Fundamentals and Applications – providing opportunities for papers of varying levels across a large topic base. Concepts, design elements and shared experiences for theoretical and applied concepts of HVAC&R design are included.

How to submit

ASHRAE says abstracts of 400 words or less are due May 28, 2025. If accepted, final conference papers (maximum length of eight pages) are due September 3, 2025.

In addition, technical papers (complete 30-page maximum papers) are also due May 28, 2025. All accepted papers will be considered for publication in Science and Technology for the Built Environment, ASHRAE’s research journal.

For questions regarding abstract submissions, contact [email protected]. For additional details on abstract submissions and updates on the 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference, visit ashrae.org/2026Winter.

Image courtesy of Adam Kliczek / Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0