Event Information

The AHR Expo has been at the center of the HVACR industry for over 90 years. Its 2025 edition at McCormick Place in Chicago is expected to fill more than 500,000 square feet of space, hosting 1,600+ exhibitors and 50,000+ attendees from over 100 countries.

The audience includes manufacturers, distributors, contractors, facility managers, engineers, and building owners. The event’s importance is amplified by its partnership with ASHRAE, whose annual meeting runs alongside the expo, offering technical sessions, regulatory updates, and industry insights.

In 2024, AHR Expo reported a surge in attendance with growing participation from international markets—particularly Latin America and Asia. With urbanization, stricter environmental regulations, and increased demand for energy-efficient solutions, 2025 is poised to be even larger.

Key highlights for AHR Expo 2025 include:

• Exhibitors: Manufacturers of HVAC systems, controls, refrigerants, and components.

• Attendees: Decision-makers from construction firms, engineering consultancies, and government agencies.

• Education Sessions: Covering refrigerant transitions, IAQ advancements, smart building platforms, and renewable energy integration.

• Live Demos: Interactive displays of high-efficiency chillers, IoT-enabled controls, and predictive maintenance systems.

Industry Observations

Energy Efficiency as the Core Driver

HVACR systems are responsible for nearly 40% of global building energy use. With governments mandating stricter efficiency standards, exhibitors at AHR Expo 2025 will highlight systems that deliver reduced operating costs and lower carbon emissions. Heat pumps, VRF systems, and high-performance chillers are expected to dominate product launches.

Beyond equipment, digital optimization platforms will be a major talking point. These solutions use AI and machine learning to fine-tune building operations in real time, ensuring energy efficiency is not just designed into systems but actively managed.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in the Spotlight

The pandemic accelerated global awareness of IAQ. In schools, offices, and healthcare facilities, investments in advanced filtration and ventilation have become long-term priorities. Exhibitors will showcase new filtration media, UV-C disinfection systems, and IoT-enabled monitoring tools that track CO₂ levels, humidity, and particulate matter.

IAQ is no longer a “health” issue alone; it is tied directly to productivity and tenant satisfaction. Buyers now evaluate HVACR solutions based on how they improve the wellness of building occupants.

Smart Buildings and IoT Integration

The convergence of HVACR systems with IoT, AI, and building management platforms will be a defining theme. Smart thermostats were just the beginning; in 2025, we expect to see cloud-based dashboards managing entire ecosystems—HVAC, lighting, and even security—through predictive algorithms.

This shift emphasizes interoperability. Buyers want systems that integrate seamlessly with existing Building Automation Systems (BAS). Exhibitors who demonstrate live integrations at their booths will gain significant attention.

Refrigerant Transitions and Sustainability

The move toward low-GWP refrigerants is both a compliance requirement and a commercial opportunity. The Kigali Amendment and U.S. Department of Energy regulations are pushing manufacturers to adapt quickly. Exhibitors will highlight sustainable refrigerants, lifecycle performance, and environmental certifications.

Sustainability extends to presentation as well. Companies increasingly use sustainable exhibit design to mirror their environmental commitments—modular booths, recyclable walls, and LED lighting systems.

Buyer Behavior

Buyers at AHR Expo are diverse but share one trait: they come with specific objectives. Many arrive with procurement authority and technical criteria in hand.

• Contractors prioritize installation ease, system reliability, and service support.

• Facility managers focus on lifecycle efficiency, monitoring, and compliance.

• Distributors want product diversity and strong after-sales support.

A major trend is the shift from upfront cost to total cost of ownership (TCO). Buyers are asking: “How much energy does this system save annually?” and “What is the expected maintenance cycle?” Exhibitors who can present clear ROI data, supported by technology-integrated displays, are better positioned to close deals.

International buyers, especially from Europe, demand proof of ESG alignment. They want transparent carbon data and certifications. Meanwhile, Latin American buyers are focused on scalable solutions that adapt to rapid urban growth.

The role of the younger generation is also significant. Younger engineers and procurement officers expect digital fluency. They want suppliers to provide AR-based demos, mobile catalogs, and cloud integration—features often highlighted through interactive booth technology.

Booth Strategy and Design Recommendations

In a competitive landscape where technology, sustainability, and buyer expectations converge, exhibition booth design becomes a decisive factor in exhibitor success.

Clarity and Accessibility

HVACR solutions are often complex. Booths must simplify these technologies with visual clarity—product labels, energy dashboards, and explanatory graphics that instantly convey value.

Live Demonstrations and Interactive Booth Technology

Buyers no longer respond to static displays. Working models of chillers, IoT sensors, or AI-driven control systems create immersive experiences. Live demos not only engage but also accelerate purchasing decisions.

Storytelling with Technology-Integrated Displays

A booth should not just display equipment; it should tell a story. Using large-format screens or AR simulations, exhibitors can show how systems interact within smart buildings, demonstrating energy savings, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance.

Sustainability as Visual Messaging

An exhibitor claiming green credentials must also show them. Booths built with recyclable materials, modular walls, and LED lighting not only reduce footprint but signal authenticity. Incorporating data-driven sustainability dashboards strengthens credibility.

Private Meeting Spaces

Deals are often finalized during the expo itself. Exhibitors benefit from booths that combine open demo areas with private meeting spaces. This dual structure allows buyers to move seamlessly from curiosity to contract negotiation.

Circle Exhibit specializes in custom exhibit design services, blending technical storytelling with visual impact. With expertise in booth design and construction, we help HVACR companies translate complex innovations into buyer confidence.

Conclusion

AHR Expo 2025 will not only showcase HVACR technologies but also redefine how companies present themselves in a world of rising energy demands, sustainability goals, and digital transformation. Exhibitors who align product innovation with strategic exhibition booth design will stand out as credible, forward-thinking partners.

The HVACR industry is at a crossroads. Energy efficiency, IAQ, digital integration, and sustainable refrigerants are no longer optional—they are imperatives. Exhibitors who demonstrate readiness in these areas, and who communicate their strengths through immersive, professional, and eco-friendly booths, will dominate the conversation in Chicago.

👉 Preparing for AHR Expo 2025? Partner with Circle Exhibit to design a booth that merges custom exhibit design services, technology-integrated displays, and interactive booth technology into a cohesive narrative. Learn more at www.circleexhibit.com.