What’s in Store at AHR Expo 2026

LAS VEGAS, NV — The 2026 Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Exposition returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center this February 2nd through the 4th. To date, there have been 75 AHR Expos since the inaugural show in Philadelphia, in 1930, as a spin-off of The National Exposition of Power and Mechanical Engineering.

More than 1,800 manufacturers, suppliers, designers, inventors and stakeholders from around the industry are scheduled to exhibit their latest innovations at the show. Product categories include not only heating, ventilation, cooling and air conditioning, but also plumbing, piping, building automation, sustainable systems and the latest apps, software, tools and instruments. Last year in Orlando the show drew more than 50,000 attendees.

But Wait, There’s More

In addition to all the products and services to see and sample out on the expo floor, the show offers education sessions, networking opportunities, panel series, live podcasts and more.

If all that weren’t enough, AHR co-locates with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) Winter Conference, which includes both the annual Meeting of the Members as well as important meetings of the Society’s many committees and sub-committees.

In fact, the show is so big, with so much going on, that a comprehensive guide is well beyond the scope of this article. Instead, we hope to provide targeted advice specific to plumbing, hydronic and mechanical systems professionals—advice to help our readers get the greatest value out of their time.

The indispensable resource is the AHR website, www.ahrexpo.com. There you will find the full exhibitor list (ahr26.mapyourshow.com/8_0/#/) searchable by name, booth number, and product category.

The full education offering is also available on the site  (ahr26.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/#/) broken out by Industry Seminars, New Product Theaters, Panel Series, For- Credit Sessions and Podcast Pavilions.

Lastly, the site offers a Show Planner (ahr26.mapyourshow.com/8_0/login/login.cfm) that allows users to better organize their time by saving favorite exhibitors, products, and sessions. Enter your information to receive personalized recommendations.

On the Schedule

Here is just a small sampling of the free education sessions that have peaked the interest of the  CONTRACTOR editorial team.

Gas Absorption Heat Pumps in Hydronic Applications – Feb. 2nd, 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Given by Bo DeAngelo, speaker and technical training expert, talks about GAHPs, and the exceptional performance they are able to deliver in cold climates when used in hydronic applications.

Heat Smarter: Leveraging Radiant Systems for LEED and Carbon Reduction – Feb. 2nd, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Rehau’s Saeed Danesh explores the history, types, and core principles of radiant systems, with a focus on their ability to enhance energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor environmental quality.

Delivering a Hybrid Heat Pump and Boiler Solution — Feb. 3rd, 8:30 am to 9:30 am

Chris Lane, Product Manager for the Cleaver-Brooks Company, offers guidelines on successfully executing hybrid solutions, including selecting the backup boiler type, piping and system design, controls and sequencing options

Stand Out Where it Matters: Build Visibility in Your Community with PR — Feb. 3rd, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Heather Ripley, CEO of Ripley PR discusses how effective PR attracts qualified leads, fuels growth, and enhances your reputation, while deepening connections with your community,

Recruiting in the Trades: Modern Tactics with Proven Results — Feb. 3rd, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Westie Magnuso , CPO at Cornel's Plumbing Heating & Air shares practical, culture-driven strategies that helped his company earn recognition as one of Oregon’s Top 100 Companies to Work For.

On the Expo Floor

Just a few of the booths that are high on our list of ones to visit. 

ASHRAE – Booth #C2102

As the driving force behind the Expo, the ASHRAE booth is always worth a visit. The Society boasts over 53,000 members globally—including 5,500 student members—dedicated to their mission of advancing the HVAC/R arts and sciences to advance humanity and build a more sustainable world.

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) – Booth #SU773

IAPMO is a global team of experts engaging industry and government for a safer built environment. The Association’s deep expertise in codes and standards is applied to its rigorous product testing, certification and inspection services, professional development offerings, industry research, policy and advocacy work.

Armstrong Fluid Technology – Booth #C4735

Get Your Badge’s Worth

Plan ahead – the show is just too big for anyone to see everything. Get the show app or use the show planner to build your schedule and budget your time. Be sure to budget in time to rest—the Las Vegas Convention Center is huge and getting from one end to the other can mean miles of walking by the end of the day.

Wear comfortable shoes – see above.

Eat and hydrate – the convention center sells food and beverages, but lines can be long and prices can be steep; you might want to pack a powerbar or two.

Take a break – hey, you can’t be working the whole time. Check out our Things to Do and See in Las Vegas gallery at www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/kitchen-bath-industry-show/media-gallery/20882089/going-to-ahr-expo-2025-things-to-do-and-see-in-las-vegas.

Stay home or back at the hotel if you’re feeling sick – it’s tough to miss out, but it’s better than spreading it around.

Safe travels, and we’ll see you at the show!