The 2016 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), held January 25 to 27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., welcomed 60,926 registered attendees to the world’s largest HVACR marketplace. Despite havoc from Winter Storm Jonas, including flight cancellations across the country and travel bans in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, the Read more
Events
The 2016 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), held January 25 to 27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., welcomed 60,926 registered attendees to the world’s largest HVACR marketplace.
Despite havoc from Winter Storm Jonas, including flight cancellations across the country and travel bans in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, the 2016 AHR Expo was successful in welcoming tens of thousands of contractors and engineers, OEMs, distributors and plant managers from all facets of the global HVACR industry.
In total, 469,540 square feet of exhibit space was occupied by 2,063 exhibitors, 334 of which participated in AHR Expo for the first time in 2016. This year’s 18,254 exhibitor personnel addressed 42,672 visitors, based on a preliminary attendance count by the show’s management company, International Exposition Company.
“A lot goes into making this show such a valued platform for today’s professionals to come together, but I’m proud to be part of making it all happen,” said Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company. “Based on early feedback, we’re already working on several aspects of next year’s show to accommodate more attendees and to make the experience even more worthwhile.”
The 2016 AHR Expo show floor encompassed a compelling 20 football fields’ worth of exhibits throughout Florida’s largest convention center. Many exhibiting companies, including Beloit, Wisc.-based Regal Beloit America, Inc., which develops systems for converting power into motion in climate solutions and other market applications, returned as well-seasoned AHR Expo participants.
When asked about the value in attending AHR Expo, many exhibitors shared common sentiments. Both Lindsey Ford, manager of multi-channel communications at Rheem, remarked on how an influx of international attendees has positively affected both networking and sales efforts.
“Rheem has been exhibiting at AHR Expo for years – it’s a great networking opportunity that sets the tone for the year,” said Ford. “The show has become much more international lately, allowing us to establish relationships and connections around the world. Admittedly, it’s sometimes easier to use technology, but you can’t put a price on the face-to-face interaction you get by attending.”
Lindsey Simpson, business development associate at Rinnai America Corporation, noted the importance of keeping up with industry standards and trends.
“We work in an industry that is rapidly changing, particularly in recent years,” said Simpson. “It’s tough to stay on top of the Department of Energy standards. Yes, a lot of us are in competition with one another, but on the other hand, we have to work together to meet these standards to better the world we live in. By exhibiting at AHR Expo, we get names, faces and a better understanding of who’s on our team.”
While there was no shortage of things to see and discover on the show floor, the thousands of AHR Expo attendees and exhibitors also had the opportunity to engage in a full schedule of educational programs. A mix of exhibitors’ new product and technology presentations, ASHRAE Learning Institute courses, certification exams, PM Live seminars and many free programs offered by endorsing associations and other groups filled the Orange County Convention Center’s many conference rooms. Attendees and exhibitors were able to expand their knowledge on a wide range of topics – from how to commission an economizer, to cyber security measures for intelligent buildings, to the latest advancements in China’s indoor air quality market.
At the close of three action-packed days in Orlando, many 2016 AHR Expo attendees were eager to share their experiences.
“When I first thought about coming here, I thought it was just a bunch of vendors showing things that I may or may not use,” said David Perrotta, president/owner of P P C Contractors in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. “What I’ve learned is that many of the exhibitors are not only willing to talk to you, but are willing to train you and give you very informative demonstrations on their products. You can’t get that over the phone or via email. The in-person meetings are invaluable.”
Next year’s AHR Expo will be held in Las Vegas from January 30 to February 1, 2017.
On Tuesday, January 12th, Designer Bath (the showroom division of Salem Plumbing Supply) in Beverly, MA hosted their 4th annual “What’s on Tap” Showroom Sampler for industry professionals. The event featured tutorials and demonstrations on some of today’s hottest brands in the bath and plumbing industry presented by representatives from Brizo, Electric Mirror, Elkay, Infinity Read more
On Tuesday, January 12th, Designer Bath (the showroom division of Salem Plumbing Supply) in Beverly, MA hosted their 4th annual “What’s on Tap” Showroom Sampler for industry professionals.
The event featured tutorials and demonstrations on some of today’s hottest brands in the bath and plumbing industry presented by representatives from Brizo, Electric Mirror, Elkay, Infinity Drain and Toto.
A raffle of items from the participating manufacturers benefited the New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
I just finished up an awesome few days at the 2016 AHR EXPO in Orlando, Florida. And what a show it was with over 60,000 in attendance. This show was top notch top to bottom and front to back. This show had fantastic energy and displayed some great new products. And even though it’s considered Read more
I just finished up an awesome few days at the 2016 AHR EXPO in Orlando, Florida. And what a show it was with over 60,000 in attendance. This show was top notch top to bottom and front to back. This show had fantastic energy and displayed some great new products. And even though it’s considered an HVACR show, there’s plenty of products, tools, and technology for plumbers and plumbing contractors to learn about, especially those that install and service any top of radiant heating and hydronic systems whether it be residential or commercial.
For those who were unable to attend, I will highlight a few items that caught my attention as unique.
The ROPOWER® by Rothenberger
This nifty RoPower tool by Rothenberger can thread a pipe quickly but one of the greatest advantages it has is its ability to thread pipe with the proper amount of threads so plumbers and installers no longer need to count each thread. You set it, forget it, and the machine does all the work for you correctly.
Key Features
- Quick and reliable threading, trimming, deburring, and grooving
- Die head Type R (automatic with integrated oil feed)
- Complete pre- and post-processing of pipe
Milwaukee® Tool’s M12™ 7.8KP Thermal Imager with DUAL SENSE™ Pixels
This unique Thermal Imager from Milwaukee Tool can easily assist in finding leaks under concrete and behind walls. The Imager is fully compatible with the simple and powerful Thermal Imager Report Software available online at www.milwaukeetool.com, which makes analyzing images and generating reports quick and easy. Contractors and plumbers can easily download images from the Thermal Imager and show them to their customer on a larger screen such as a laptop, tablet, or any other computer. Every image capture creates a versatile PNG file format image that can also be easily e-mailed for added convenience. This powerful device comes at a very affordable price for all plumbers at around $500.
Webstone Pro-Connect™ Valves & Fittings
This new ProConnect product from Webstone simplifies the connection process of connecting to Pex, CPVC, and the Aquatherm product. Some additional benefits include:
Key Features
- No more solder, glue, clamps, costly tools or clean-up!
- Push-on connection to copper, CPVC or PEX
- Easily recover from installation & deburring mishaps
- Forged from DZR Brass for use underground
Most Unique Experience At The AHR EXPO
This belongs to Rheem who displayed their mobile traveling trailer experience fully loaded with their products on display with a side-deck that expanded from the side of the trailer like a modern RV living room to display additional HVAC products. In addition, they displayed an 8-panel network of hi-resolution touch screens to interact with and take a look inside from every angle of their products. This state-of-the-art mobile learning center can be customized to offer hands-on product training, host special events or serve as an alternative to a trade show booth. It can also be easily rebranded to showcase either Rheem or Ruud products.
This experience was certainly a unique highlight of the show. Learn more about this Mobile Trailer Experience by Rheem.
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE), a manufacturer of complete wastewater and cleanwater pumping systems, will display a wide array of new HVAC pumping innovations at the 2016 AHR Expo in Booth 4842 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, January 25-27. The following is a preview of those products that will be Read more
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE), a manufacturer of complete wastewater and cleanwater pumping systems, will display a wide array of new HVAC pumping innovations at the 2016 AHR Expo in Booth 4842 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, January 25-27. The following is a preview of those products that will be showcased in the booth:
The new Little Giant® EC-1-DV Series Mini Condensate Removal Pump provides multi-voltage operation from one unit. The pump is designed to operate on residential and commercial voltages of 115V, 208V and 230V single phase. The EC-1-DV and EC-1K-DV accomplish this multi-voltage operation by sensing the supply voltage and providing only the right amount of power to drive the pump to produce precise and consistent pumping performance. In addition to this new feature, it includes all the innovative features of the existing EC-1 Series.
The new Little Giant® Speedi DuctTM line set duct and accessories cover, protect and aesthetically hide refrigeration line sets for both mini-split and ducted air conditioner systems. Available in the colors white or ivory, Speedi Duct naturally blends in against structures of similar colors or can be painted to match any exterior color. Multiple sizes of straight duct along with accessories, such as elbows, bends, caps, and joints, provide a flexible solution around any problematic location or application. In addition, Speedi Duct is easy to install. One of its primary features, the patented SpinFix™ clip and rail system, allows the contractor to quickly secure the line set, drain tubing and electrical wiring while the Speedi Duct covers are easily snapped on over the top. A variety of all-inclusive installation kits, including the new Flex Hose kits, also provide the contractor with everything needed to quickly and properly meet the need of the application.
The expanded VR Series line of vertical, stainless steel multi-stage pumps deliver water under pressure for HVAC applications. These booster pumps are now available in 3, 5, 9, 15, 20, 30, 45, 65 and 95 m3/h options with a flow range up to 600 gpm and 750 feet of total dynamic head (TDH). Each pump features all 316 stainless steel hydraulic components for optimum durability, efficiency and performance – even in corrosive water applications. Impellers and diffuser stages are fabricated from heavy gauge stainless steel using advanced welding technology. The oversized ball bearing/coupler assembly eliminates the need for stack height adjustment and supports the axial thrust load. The elimination of axial thrust allows the VR Series pumps to utilize industry standard motors instead of the high-thrust motors commonly required in similar industry applications.
GEBERIT TO SHOWCASE MODERN BATHROOM DESIGN AT KBIS 2016 THROUGH SERIES OF “INSPIRE” PRESENTATIONS Geberit North America is pleased to announce the Inspire series of presentations that will be ongoing throughout KBIS 2016. The productions will illustrate the versatility, reliability, and fine design capabilities of the Geberit Concealed Tank and Carrier System. “The Inspire Read more
GEBERIT TO SHOWCASE MODERN BATHROOM DESIGN AT KBIS 2016 THROUGH SERIES OF “INSPIRE” PRESENTATIONS
Geberit North America is pleased to announce the Inspire series of presentations that will be ongoing throughout KBIS 2016. The productions will illustrate the versatility, reliability, and fine design capabilities of the Geberit Concealed Tank and Carrier System.
“The Inspire presentations will demonstrate efficiency, function, and design performing simultaneously in the bathroom,” says John Fitzgerald, Director of Marketing for Geberit North America. “The in-wall tank with a wall-mounted toilet is becoming a favored product among designers. The system saves valuable space and allows unique opportunities for architectural expression.”
The Geberit KBIS 2016 booth will showcase the Concealed Tank and Carrier System’s expanding role in water efficiency and modern bathroom design. Attendees will learn about how the system is inspiring new creativity.
During the show participants will see:
- Modern designs in classic settings
- Renovation-friendly systems
- Water and space conserving designs
- Distinguished solutions for aging in place
Geberit will be presenting in booth N3138 during KBIS 2016. The event is being held January 19-21, 2016 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
Geberit North America is part of the Geberit Group, a European market leader and global provider of sanitary technology. Located in Des Plaines, Illinois, Geberit North America provides concealed tank and carrier systems for wall-hung and floor-mounted toilets and fixtures. Geberit systems improve the look of any bathroom by hiding the unsightly toilet tank. Replacing a standard tank and toilet with the Geberit system results in more usable space, improved hygiene and better accessibility. The unique dual-flush valve saves water and is practically maintenance-free. Monolith is Geberit’s newest product – a unique alternative to the traditional floor-mounted toilet and tank. Geberit also offers cable-controlled bath waste and overflows in a variety of designer finishes. Critical working parts are outside the waterway, ensuring years of trouble-free operation. As European market leader, the Geberit Group is a global provider in the area of plumbing technology with sales of CHF 2.6 billion and about 12,000 employees in over 40 countries worldwide.