The international Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) set six all-time records, including more than 72 000 attendees and 49 995 registered visitors.

The seventieth edition of the world’s largest heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) marketplace took place in Chicago at the largest convention centre in North America, McCormick Place, on January 22 to 24.

Four additional records were set, including the number of exhibitors, countries represented and square feet of exhibit space. There were 2 155 exhibiting companies at the expo, 169 countries were represented and the exhibit space comprised 49 617 m2.

Exhibition space at next year’s show has already sold out and 90% of this year’s attendees forecast excellent or good business conditions in the coming year, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers Journal research.

“The excitement generated by this year’s record crowds of attendees and exhibitors was palpable from the show floor to the training sessions,” says AHR Expo manager Clay Stevens.

“Whether you are designing a building’s HVAC&R system from the ground up, or want to make your existing spaces warmer, cooler or more comfortable and efficient, the AHR Expo is the only place where you can see and experience it all, learn from the industry’s top experts and stay at the forefront of innovation.”

The ten winners of the coveted 2018 AHR Expo Innovation Awards were recognised in a ceremony honouring their achievements. The AHR Expo Innovation Awards is an annual competition that honours the most inventive and original products, systems and technologies showcased at each year’s AHR Expo.

Products go head-to-head in the following categories: building automation, cooling, green building, heating, indoor air quality, plumbing, refrigeration, software, tools and instruments, and ventilation.

Green building category innovation winner technology designer Danfoss won Product of the Year for its Turbocor TTH/TGH high lift compressor. Optimised for air-cooled chiller and heat recovery applications, Danfoss Turbocor models feature oil free, variable speed, magnetic bearing operation for outstanding full- and part-load efficiency, low vibration and sound, a small footprint, and reduced maintenance.

Next year’s show will be held in Atlanta on January 14 to 16.