
AHR Expo - International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition
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About this event
AHR Expo - International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition
Event Overview
The AHR Expo is the premier global platform for the HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) industry, connecting professionals through innovation, education, and networking. As the industry’s largest tradeshow, it features cutting-edge products, technologies, and insights that drive business growth and career development.
Dates & Location
When: January 25–27, 2027
Daily Hours:
Monday, January 25: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday, January 26: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday, January 27: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: McCormick Place Convention Center
Address: 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
Who Attends
55,000+ attendees from diverse HVACR sectors, including:
- Engineers
- Contractors
- OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
- Design/Build Professionals
- Wholesalers & Distributors
- Manufacturer’s Reps
- Architects
- Facility Managers
- Public Utility Professionals
- Industry Media & Content Producers
- Educators
Global Reach:
8,000+ international visitors from 100+ countries
500+ international exhibitors
Exhibitor Highlights
1,900+ manufacturers and suppliers showcasing innovations in:
- Heating & Cooling Systems
- Refrigeration Technology
- Ventilation & Indoor Air Quality
- Plumbing & Hydronics
- Building Automation & Control
- Sustainable Solutions
- Software & Tools
Sample Exhibitors (2027):
A.O. Smith, Big Ass Fans, BITZER, Bradford White, Carrier, Climate Control Group, Copeland, Daikin, Danfoss, DiversiTech, Fulton, GE, Goodway Technologies, Grundfos, Heatcraft Refrigeration, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Lennox, LG, Maxitrol Company, Mestek Machinery, Multistack, Navien, Inc., Regal Rexnord, Rheem, Samsung, Siemens, SPX Cooling Tech, Taco, Vicon Machinery, Viega, Weil-McLain, Yaskawa, ZIEHL-ABEGG
Education Programs
The free AHR Education Program includes:
- Industry Seminars: Trends, strategies, and performance enhancement
- Panel Discussions: Cross-disciplinary insights from leaders
- Product Presentations: Rapid-fire demos of new solutions
- For-Credit Courses: Professional development opportunities
- Live Podcasts: Real-time industry conversations
Previous sessions covered AI & controls, decarbonization, heat pumps, refrigerants, and workforce development.
Sample Buyer Fit Analysis
| Priority | Company | Website | Best Title to Target | Why This is a Good Buyer Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrier Global Corporation | https://www.carrier.com | Director of Product Innovation | Leading HVAC manufacturer seeking cutting-edge technologies and partnerships |
| 2 | Johnson Controls International | https://www.johnsoncontrols.com | Building Automation Manager | Pioneer in smart building solutions and energy management systems |
| 3 | Daikin North America | https://www.daikin.com | Director of Refrigeration Technology | Global leader in HVACR systems with focus on sustainability and innovation |
| 4 | Siemens Industry Software | https://new.siemens.com | Smart Building Solutions Manager | Key player in digitalization and IoT for HVAC systems integration |
| 5 | Grundfos North America | https://www.grundfos.com | Product Manager, Hydronics | Specializes in pumps and water management systems for HVAC applications |
| 6 | Honeywell Building Technologies | https://www.honeywell.com | Director of Controls & Security | Major provider of building control systems and IoT-enabled solutions |
| 7 | Lennox International | https://www.lennox.com | Residential Product Development Manager | Leading manufacturer of residential and commercial HVAC equipment |
| 8 | GE Appliances | https://www.geappliances.com | Director of Refrigeration R&D | Major brand in household and commercial refrigeration and HVAC solutions |
| 9 | Viega North America | https://www.viega.com | Product Manager, Hydronic Systems | Specialist in pipe fitting and hydronic systems for HVAC applications |
| 10 | Yaskawa America | https://www.yaskawa.com | Industrial Automation Manager | Provider of motion control and automation solutions for HVAC manufacturing |
| 11 | Siemens Industry Software | https://new.siemens.com | Building Systems Engineer | Key technology provider for building automation and energy efficiency |
| 12 | TRANE Technologies | https://www.tranetech.com | Sustainability Program Manager | Global leader in sustainable HVAC solutions and decarbonization initiatives |
| 13 | SPX Corporation | https://www.spx.com | Product Manager, Cooling Systems | Manufacturer of industrial and commercial refrigeration equipment |
| 14 | Navien USA | https://www.navien.com | Director of Boiler Technology | Specialist in high-efficiency boilers and water heaters for HVAC systems |
| 15 | Goodway Technologies | https://www.goodway.com | Product Manager, Maintenance Solutions | Leading provider of HVAC maintenance and cleaning equipment |
| 16 | Danfoss North America | https://www.danfoss.com | Director of Refrigeration Innovation | Global leader in compressors, valves, and energy-efficient systems |
| 17 | Bitzer USA | https://www.bitzer.com | Product Manager, Compressors | Manufacturer of compressors and components for refrigeration systems |
| 18 | Zehab Energy Solutions | https://www.ziehl-abegg.com | Director of Energy Efficiency | Provider of energy-efficient motors and systems for HVAC applications |
| 19 | Climate Control Group | https://www.climatecontrolgroup.com | Product Manager, HVAC Components | Distributor of HVAC components and accessories for residential/commercial use |
| 20 | Big Ass Fans (Legacy Lighting) | https://www.bigassfans.com | Director of Industrial Ventilation | Innovative ventilation and airflow solutions for industrial and commercial spaces |
Industry Recommendations
Based on Apollo industry classifications, top sectors to target include:
- Building Materials
- Industrial Automation
- Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
- Computer Software (Building Management Systems)
- Facility Management
- Environmental Services
- Energy & Utilities
Event Engagement Strategy
Position solutions around these key focus areas:
- Decarbonization & Sustainability
- AI & Smart Controls
- Heat Pumps & Refrigerants
- Workforce Development
- Water Conservation & Hydronics
- Energy Efficiency Standards
Target hybrid opportunities combining product demonstrations with educational content to maximize engagement with engineering and procurement decision-makers.
Data sheet
| Event Name | AHR Expo - International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition |
| Event Date | January 25–27, 2027 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | McCormick Place Convention Center |
| City | Chicago |
| State / Region | Illinois |
| Country | United States |
| Organizer | Organizer name not explicitly stated in the supplied official website text. |
| Official Event Website | ahrexpo.com |
| Event Type | Trade show and industry exhibition with education program |
| Primary Category | Industrial Engineering |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | Building & Construction; Power & Energy; IT & Technology |
| Audience Reach | Global |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | 55,000 attendees, 1,900 exhibitors, 350 speakers, plus 8,000 international visitors and 500+ international exhibitors as stated on the official event website. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Confirmed organizer-published event profile on the official website for the 2027 edition. |
| Main Purpose of Event | To bring the HVACR industry together for product discovery, sourcing, channel development, education, trend analysis, business networking, and buyer-supplier engagement across residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional markets. |
The AHR Expo is a large-scale HVACR industry event focused on heating, cooling, refrigeration, ventilation, plumbing, indoor air quality, building automation, sustainable solutions, software, and tools. Based on the official event website, the 2027 edition will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago from January 25 to 27, bringing together manufacturers, engineers, contractors, OEMs, distributors, architects, facility managers, public utility professionals, educators, media, and other industry stakeholders.
From a commercial intelligence perspective, AHR Expo matters because it combines product sourcing, channel relationship building, education, and trend visibility in one venue. It is positioned as a major HVACR marketplace with strong domestic and international reach, making it relevant for exhibitors seeking distributors, OEM partnerships, technology buyers, facility stakeholders, and procurement decision-makers involved in equipment, controls, services, software, maintenance, and infrastructure modernization.
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | Mechanical engineering firms, consulting engineering groups, HVACR design teams | Specify products, evaluate performance, influence approved equipment lists | High-value specifier audience for equipment, controls, software, and components |
| Contractors | Commercial HVAC contractors, service firms, installation companies | Source install-ready products, tools, replacement parts, and service technology | Critical buyers for field equipment, MRO, training, and recurring supply agreements |
| OEMs | HVACR manufacturers and system integrators | Buy components, controls, motors, valves, electronics, software, and production solutions | Strategic targets for supply-chain partnerships and component sales |
| Design/Build Professionals | Integrated construction and building systems firms | Influence vendor selection at project and retrofit stage | Good audience for project-led selling and bundled solutions |
| Wholesalers & Distributors | HVACR distribution networks, regional wholesale houses | Evaluate line cards, pricing, inventory support, and supplier programs | Very strong fit for channel expansion and volume sales |
| Manufacturer’s Representatives | Independent rep agencies and regional sales firms | Influence brand adoption and distributor introductions | Useful for go-to-market partnerships and territory coverage |
| Architects | Architecture and building design firms | Shape building standards, sustainability direction, and equipment preferences | Relevant for early-stage specification selling |
| Facility Managers | Commercial buildings, campuses, healthcare, industrial sites, institutions | Buy for retrofit, maintenance, IAQ, controls, and operating efficiency | High practical buying relevance for upgrades and long-term service programs |
| Public Utility Professionals | Electric and gas utilities, energy efficiency program teams | Influence rebate programs, grid-aware product adoption, and decarbonization priorities | Important for market access, program inclusion, and energy-efficiency partnerships |
| Educators and Training Leaders | Trade schools, technical institutions, workforce programs | Influence curriculum tools, training hardware, and brand familiarity | Supports workforce development and long-term product adoption |
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | Local contractors, engineers, distributors, facility teams, reps | High | Host-city advantage supports strong local and metro-area turnout |
| Illinois and Midwest | Regional building systems firms, OEM branches, utility professionals, wholesalers | Very High | Chicago is a major Midwest convention hub with strong access from surrounding states |
| Nearby business hubs | Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri, Iowa, and nearby industrial corridors | High | Strong fit for regional manufacturers, distribution centers, and institutional facilities markets |
| United States national reach | National HVACR buyers, manufacturers, contractors, and channel partners | Very High | Official website positions the event as a major industry-wide gathering across all sectors |
| International reach | Visitors from 100+ countries and 500+ international exhibitors | High | Confirmed on the official website as part of the event’s global reach profile |
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Global | Primary classification | The official website states 8,000 international visitors, 100+ countries, and 500+ international exhibitors, while also serving the full U.S. HVACR market. |
| National | Secondary reach description | Its Chicago location and broad category coverage make it a strong national sourcing and networking event. |
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier | OEM / manufacturer | Large HVACR buyer of components, controls, software, services, and supply-chain solutions | carrier.com | Director Procurement, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Supply Chain Director, Product Manager | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| Daikin | OEM / manufacturer | Major HVAC equipment producer with ongoing sourcing and technology partnership needs | daikin.com | VP Procurement, Commodity Manager, Engineering Director, Partnerships Director | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| Johnson Controls | Building systems / automation enterprise | Strong buyer for controls, building automation, digital services, and infrastructure support | johnsoncontrols.com | Director Procurement, Building Automation Director, Product Management Director, Operations Director | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| Honeywell | Industrial technology / controls buyer | Relevant for controls, sensors, building technologies, and software-led procurement | honeywell.com | Category Manager, Procurement Director, Controls Product Manager, Supply Chain Manager | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| Siemens | Industrial automation / building technologies enterprise | Relevant for smart buildings, controls, electrification, and digital infrastructure procurement | siemens.com | Head of Procurement, Smart Buildings Director, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Program Manager | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| Danfoss | Component and systems manufacturer | Buys industrial components, electronics, software, and supply-chain services | danfoss.com | Sourcing Manager, Procurement Manager, Product Director, Engineering Manager | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| Copeland | HVACR technology manufacturer | Procurement target for refrigeration and HVAC system components, controls, and software | copeland.com | Director Sourcing, Procurement Lead, Business Development Director, Product Manager | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| LG | Electronics and HVAC systems enterprise | Relevant for heat pumps, controls, smart systems, and channel partnerships | lg.com | Procurement Director, Product Strategy Director, Channel Partnerships Director, Operations Manager | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| Samsung | Electronics / HVAC solutions provider | Potential buyer of HVAC technologies, software integrations, and market partnerships | samsung.com | Procurement Manager, Product Director, Channel Manager, Engineering Director | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| Lennox | HVAC manufacturer | Large buyer for equipment subassemblies, materials, controls, and channel support | lennox.com | Strategic Sourcing Manager, Procurement Director, Supply Chain Director, Dealer Program Director | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| Rheem | HVAC and water heating manufacturer | Relevant buyer across heating, plumbing, controls, components, and distribution support | rheem.com | Procurement Director, Commodity Manager, Product Line Director, Distribution Manager | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| A.O. Smith | Water heating / plumbing equipment manufacturer | Relevant procurement-side account for plumbing, hydronics, controls, and manufacturing inputs | aosmith.com | Director Procurement, Supply Chain Manager, Engineering Director, Category Manager | Confirmed Current-Year Participant |
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Director of Procurement | Procurement | Director | Owns vendor selection, category strategy, and supplier evaluation |
| 2 | Strategic Sourcing Manager | Procurement / Supply Chain | Manager | Evaluates new suppliers, pricing, and component alternatives |
| 3 | Supply Chain Director | Supply Chain | Director | Important for logistics resilience, inventory strategy, and supplier onboarding |
| 4 | Category Manager | Procurement / Merchandising | Manager | Controls category-level sourcing and line-card decisions |
| 5 | Product Manager | Product | Manager | Shapes feature requirements, integrations, and product roadmap alignment |
| 6 | Engineering Director | Engineering | Director | Influences technical approval, specification, and adoption readiness |
| 7 | Facilities Director | Facilities / Operations | Director | Direct buyer for retrofit, energy efficiency, maintenance, and building performance |
| 8 | Operations Director | Operations | Director | Focuses on uptime, labor efficiency, lifecycle cost, and service execution |
| 9 | Business Development Director | Business Development / Partnerships | Director | Relevant for channel partnerships, co-selling, and technology alliances |
| 10 | IT Director / Building Automation Director | IT / Smart Buildings | Director | High relevance where software, controls, AI, sensors, or connected systems are involved |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Core HVACR engineering and system design audience | Specification-led product sales and technical partnerships |
| 2 | Construction | Design/build firms and contractor buyers are directly relevant | Project-driven equipment and service sales |
| 3 | Industrial Automation | Building automation, controls, and smart-system exhibitors are prominent | Controls, IoT, integration, and analytics opportunities |
| 4 | Building Materials | Relevant to building systems, mechanical products, and installation ecosystems | Sell into project specification and building-performance improvements |
| 5 | Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing | Controls, sensors, motors, instrumentation, and system electronics are central product areas | Component and subsystem targeting |
| 6 | Machinery | Many HVACR OEMs and equipment manufacturers fit machinery-centered targeting | Manufacturing inputs and industrial equipment sales |
| 7 | Facilities Services | Facility managers are an official attendee segment | Retrofit, maintenance, IAQ, energy, and controls selling |
| 8 | Utilities | Public utility professionals are named attendees | Energy efficiency programs, electrification, and rebate partnerships |
| 9 | Information Technology & Services | Software and connected controls are official product categories | BAS, analytics, AI, data, monitoring, and SaaS outreach |
| 10 | Wholesale | Wholesalers and distributors are directly listed in attendee profiles | Channel sales, stocking agreements, and distributor recruitment |
| 11 | Environmental Services | Decarbonization, refrigerants, and sustainability are promoted topics | Efficiency, compliance, refrigerant transition, and ESG-related offers |
| 12 | Commercial Real Estate | Building ownership and operations stakeholders often align with facilities-driven HVAC investment | Portfolio-wide retrofit and operational efficiency targeting |
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | 55,000 attendees | Confirmed | Official event website | Organizer-published figure for the 2027 event profile |
| Exhibitor count | 1,900 exhibitors | Confirmed | Official event website | Stated on homepage and exhibitor overview content |
| Buyer count | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. | Not publicly broken out | No buyer-only count in supplied official content | Attendee profile is broad and includes both buyer and non-buyer stakeholders |
| Speaker count | 350 speakers | Confirmed | Official event website | Presented as part of 2027 event profile |
| International visitors | 8,000 | Confirmed | Official event website | Part of official global reach statement |
| International exhibitor count | 500+ | Confirmed | Official event website | Supports the event’s global sourcing value |
| Country reach | 100+ countries | Confirmed | Official event website | Indicates broad international coverage |
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC equipment sourcing | Performance, reliability, product range, and availability | In-booth demos, spec discussions, channel meetings | Equipment, subsystems, components, aftermarket support |
| Building automation & control | Smarter control, integration, monitoring, and efficiency gains | Target IT, controls, engineering, and facilities stakeholders | BAS platforms, sensors, analytics, controls, edge devices |
| AI & controls | Predictive maintenance, optimization, and operational insight | Use ROI-led messaging with operators and product teams | AI software, diagnostics, analytics, automation tools |
| Decarbonization | Emissions reduction, electrification, and compliance planning | Engage utilities, OEMs, engineers, and facility leaders | Efficiency solutions, heat pumps, controls, monitoring, consulting |
| Heat pumps | Product selection, retrofit suitability, incentive alignment | Education-led selling and project qualification conversations | Heat pump systems, components, controls, installation accessories |
| Refrigerants | Transition planning, compliance, product compatibility | Technical workshops and conversion-readiness discussions | Refrigeration components, leak detection, compliance tools |
| Plumbing & hydronics | System efficiency, quality parts, integrated product sourcing | Cross-sell into heating and water systems buyers | Valves, pumps, fittings, water heating, controls |
| Indoor Air Quality | Health, comfort, filtration, and ventilation improvement | Target facility and institutional decision-makers | IAQ devices, filtration, ventilation, monitoring systems |
| Workforce development | Training, labor productivity, technician readiness | Useful for training vendors, tools suppliers, and service software firms | Training platforms, field service tools, enablement programs |
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | Very High | The event attracts engineers, contractors, OEMs, distributors, facility managers, and utility professionals with clear buying or specification influence. |
| Decision-maker availability | High | The event’s scale and education focus increase access to senior commercial and technical stakeholders. |
| Data collection potential | High | A large exhibitor base and broad attendee mix support strong lead capture, account mapping, and post-show qualification. |
| Apollo targeting potential | Very High | HVACR buyers align well with Apollo filters by industry, department, job title, company size, and geography. |
| Geographic targeting potential | Very High | Chicago location plus international attendance enables local, U.S. national, and global segmentation. |
| Best outreach approach | High | Use account-based outreach centered on efficiency, controls, decarbonization, retrofit ROI, and supply-chain value. |
| Overall lead quality | Very High | A strong event for B2B attendee list building, channel recruitment, account expansion, and product-led selling in HVACR. |
| Best use case | High | Ideal for HVACR buyer profiling, exhibitor targeting, distributor recruitment, OEM prospecting, and facilities-oriented lead generation. |
| Limitations / risks | Medium | Not all attendees are direct buyers; many are specifiers, educators, media, or exhibitors. Buyer-only counts are not publicly broken out in the supplied official content. |
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Mechanical or Industrial Engineering; Construction; Industrial Automation; Building Materials; Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing; Machinery; Facilities Services; Utilities; Information Technology & Services; Wholesale; Environmental Services; Commercial Real Estate | Capture the broad HVACR buyer ecosystem across OEM, channel, project, and facility markets |
| Departments | Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Facilities, Product Management, Business Development, Information Technology | Focus on both direct buyers and influential technical evaluators |
| Seniority | Manager, Director, VP, CXO, Head | Prioritize budget holders and strategic decision-makers |
| Job titles | Director of Procurement, Procurement Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Supply Chain Director, Category Manager, Product Manager, Engineering Director, Facilities Director, Operations Director, Building Automation Director, Business Development Director | Reach the most relevant buying and influence roles tied to HVACR procurement cycles |
| Geography | United States; Illinois; Midwest states; selected global HVACR markets where relevant | Support local follow-up, national campaigns, and international account expansion |
| Employee size | 51–200; 201–500; 501–1,000; 1,001–5,000; 5,001+ | Covers regional distributors through global OEM and building technology enterprises |
| Keywords | HVAC, HVACR, refrigeration, heat pumps, indoor air quality, building automation, controls, decarbonization, hydronics, plumbing, refrigerants, facilities, mechanical systems | Improve company and contact relevance in platform searches |
| Technologies | Use when relevant for BAS, IoT, AI analytics, smart building, or controls-related outreach | Narrow toward digital transformation and connected building buyers |
| Revenue range | $10M–$50M; $50M–$500M; $500M+ | Separate regional channel accounts from enterprise OEM and controls organizations |
| Company type | Private, Public, Subsidiary | Useful for segmenting outreach by sales motion and procurement complexity |
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHR Expo Official Website | Official event website | Event name, 2027 dates, Chicago location, McCormick Place venue, show times, attendee segments, exhibitor count, attendee count, speaker count, global reach, product categories, and sample 2027 exhibitors | Very High |
| McCormick Place | Official venue website | Venue identity and venue legitimacy for the Chicago convention location | High |
| Supplied official website text excerpt from user prompt | Primary source extract | Used as the primary source of truth for all directly stated event facts in this report | Very High |
🎯 Selling to this event's audience? Get a free tailored buyer list
Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to AHR Expo - International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.