The AHR Expo( International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) wrapped a week in Las Vegas, taking over the Central and South Halls at the Las Vegas Convention Center February 2-4. 53,315 professionals – including engineers, sales channel partners, owners, contractors, installers and more – came together to experience the latest offering from 1,956 exhibitors over 578,980 sq. ft. of show floor.

Show Manager Jeff Stevens said HVACR professionals come together to tackle emerging challenges and discover new opportunities.“ As the pace of change continues to accelerate, our work together is more important than ever in shaping a built environment that is comfortable, safe, and efficient. AHR gives our industry the opportunity to connect with the technologies, ideas, and partnerships that move us forward.”

The HVACR industry continues to dive ahead into smarter ways to provide heating, cooling and refrigeration to the built environment. The steadfast application of legacy technologies all the way through the introduction of novel products and practices allows professionals to converge and refresh their knowledge, discover new paths and expand a network to help align and achieve goals.

“ AHR Expo is three days of productive engagement with valued customers, suppliers and partners,” said Steve Ribaudo, VP & GM, Commercial HVAC Americas at Carrier.“ We wrapped up a truly energizing week in Las Vegas, where the team at AHR Expo and our incredible team put on an amazing show and customer reception.”

Experts lend access to education and training This week in conversation we heard about data centers, methods to strengthen workforce development initiatives, discussions of steadying refrigerant shortages coupled with a push in direction to new refrigerants, updated regulations, and more. In addition to the free industry program, the Education Program featured the 2026 Panel Series. Highlights include: Monday and Tuesday featured a series of standing room only discussions on topics including refrigerants, data centers, workforce development, industry communication channels, heat pumps, ERV systems and the annual State of the Industry Panel.

“ Standing in the back of a packed room this morning, listening to the state of the industry at AHR Expo. A stark reminder of why this industry works best when we’ re actually together. Not because of one company or one product, but because it brings the whole ecosystem into the same conversation,” said Katie Blaufuss, Trane Technologies.

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“ I work for a company and I support specific clients. That matters, but so does staying connected as an industry while everything around us continues to shift. Manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, dealers, and industry partners all in one room, listening, sharing perspective, and wrestling with what’ s hard right now and where opportunity really exists. This industry doesn’ t move forward without all of those voices at the table.”

Ryan Sen, who moderated the panel Data Center Demands: Cooling Solutions, BMS Advancement and the Next Generation of HVAC, said of the session,“ Standing room only! Yes, you heard me right— our Data Center Demands panel was certainly one of the most heavily attended sessions at AHR Expo 2026, and with good reason. Given the speed, scale, and investment being made in this vertical, it was timely for the engineering, HVAC, and BAS communities to come together to hear from real subject matter experts helping to shape standards and technology adoption. These included none other than David Quirk, Justin Seter, Ken Duncan, and Davin Sandhu.”

You can find full length videos of all sessions in the 2026 Panel Series on ahrexpo. com soon.

STUDENTS EXPERIENCE HVACR’ S SHINING MOMENT On Monday, student engineers from ASHRAE’ s youth programming joined us for a curated tour and panel discussion. HVACR professionals from across the industry came together to talk about career paths, industry entry, and real-world advice for building and sustaining a successful career. On Wednesday, high school students enrolled in a dual-enrollment program from Clark County Public Schools joined us for their own hands-on experience. Mirroring Monday’ s programming, students participated in a curated tour led by industry ambassadors who highlighted the innovation, technology, and career potential within HVACR. Students also attended a panel discussion exploring the wide range of career pathways available in the industry.

AHR Expo will return to Chicago January 25-27, 2027. Registration is expected to open in summer. For more information about AHR Expo visit ahrexpo. com. l FON

20 MARCH 2026 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www. fueloilnews. com