Increased building activity, operational demands, changes in codes and design and new energy efficiency strategies were some of the topics discussed among building professionals at the 2019 ASHRAE Winter Conference and AHR Expo. The 2019 ASHRAE Winter Conference took place January 12-16 at the Omni Hotel, Atlanta at CNN Center and the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, ASHRAE’s headquarter city. More than 2,700 individuals registered for this year’s Winter Conference.

The AHR Expo attracted HVACR professionals from around the globe and provided a forum for manufacturers to showcase the latest products and services. The Expo drew more than 65,000 attendees, with 1,809 exhibitors in all, including 496 international exhibitors from 35 countries and 107 first time exhibitors. The Winter Conference technical program featured more than 300 presentations, with interest surrounding this year’s new track, Renewable and Natural Systems, where session topics included exploring energy technologies, renewable energy sources and the future of the smart grid. At the conference, ASHRAE President Sheila Hayter provided Society updates and initiatives related to the Society theme, ‘Building Our New Energy Future.’