Every winter, the heating, cooling, and refrigeration industry meets in one place. In 2027, that place is Chicago. The show runs from January 25 to 27 at McCormick Place. Engineers, contractors, facility managers, and distributors will walk the aisles. They will see new products, test new tools, and meet people who solve the same problems they do.
This guide gives you what you need to plan a smooth trip. You will find dates, registration steps, floor plan tips, product trends, and travel advice. Additionally, you will see a simple checklist and answers to common questions. Read it once, and you will arrive ready.
Quick Facts About the Show
Before you dive into details, review the basics. The table below shows the most important points.
| Detail | Information |
| Event name | AHR Expo 2027 |
| Dates | January 25–27, 2027 |
| City | Chicago, Illinois |
| Venue | McCormick Place Convention Center |
| Address | 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616 |
| Halls | North Building and South Building |
| Organizer | International Exposition Company |
| Next editions | Orlando, February 7–9, 2028; Chicago, January 22–24, 2029 |
The event happens once a year. However, the host city changes, so each edition feels a little different. Chicago has hosted the show before, and local crowds tend to be large. Therefore, plan early.
Why This Show Matters to HVACR Professionals
The HVACR industry moves fast. New rules, new refrigerants, and new building codes arrive every year. As a result, buyers need a place to compare options side by side. The expo offers that space.
Recent coverage describes around 1,900 exhibitors at a typical edition. That number gives you a wide view of the market in just three days. You can talk to makers directly. You can ask about pricing, training, and support. Moreover, you can meet peers who share useful field tips.
Here are the main reasons people attend:
- See new products before they reach local suppliers
- Compare many brands in a single trip
- Earn learning credits through education sessions
- Build contacts with makers, reps, and other professionals
- Learn about code changes and energy goals
Show Dates and Daily Hours
The exhibit floor opens for three days. Hours differ on the last day, so check the table before you book flights.
| Day | Date | Exhibit Hours |
| Monday | January 25, 2027 | 10 am – 6 pm |
| Tuesday | January 26, 2027 | 10 am – 6 pm |
| Wednesday | January 27, 2027 | 10 am – 4 pm |
Tuesday is often the busiest day. Monday gives you fresher energy and shorter lines. Wednesday closes early, so save only light tasks for that day. Notably, many visitors fly home that afternoon, which makes the aisles calmer.
Registration: How to Sign Up and What It Costs
Registration for AHR Expo 2027 is simple. You sign up online through the official show website. The organizer sets a clear deadline for free badges. If you register in advance, you pay nothing. After that date, a small fee applies.
Registration Costs
| Registration Type | Cost |
| Advance attendee badge (by January 23, 2027) | Free |
| Online attendee badge after January 23 | $30 |
| Onsite attendee badge | $30 |
| Onsite exhibitor badge | $10 |
Therefore, the smartest move is to register early. You save money and skip the onsite line. Furthermore, you can print your badge or save it on your phone before you travel.
Onsite Registration and Badge Pickup Hours
If you need to pick up a badge at the convention center, use these times.
| Day | Hours |
| Sunday, January 24 | 12 pm – 4 pm |
| Monday, January 25 | 7 am – 6 pm |
| Tuesday, January 26 | 8 am – 6 pm |
| Wednesday, January 27 | 8 am – 4 pm |
Arrive on Sunday if you can. The desk is quiet, and you will start Monday with your badge in hand.
Registration Tips
A few small steps make the process easier:
- Use a work email address that you check often
- Double-check the spelling of your name and company
- Save your confirmation message in a safe folder
- Download the official show app and sync your schedule
- Bring a photo ID in case staff ask for it
Please note that fees and deadlines can change. Therefore, always confirm the latest details on the official website before you register.
Floor Plan: How to Navigate the North and South Buildings
The exhibits fill both the North Building and the South Building of McCormick Place. That is a lot of ground. A typical visitor can walk several miles in one day. So a little planning goes a long way.
The organizer posts a floor plan on the show website. It lists exhibitors by name, product type, and booth number. You can search for a company or browse a category. Additionally, the show app lets you save favorite booths and build a route.
How to Plan Your Route
Start with a short list. Pick ten booths that matter most to your work. Then add ten more that look interesting. Next, group them by location on the map. This step cuts back-and-forth walking.
Consider this simple approach:
- Day one: Visit your top priority booths first
- Day two: Explore new technology areas and product demos
- Day three: Return for follow-up questions and final comparisons
However, leave gaps in your schedule. Some of the best finds come from a random stop at an unfamiliar booth. Additionally, give yourself time for a meal and a rest. The exhibit floor is loud, and long walks tire the feet.
What to Look for on the Map
Most floor plans use clear sections. You will often see areas for new products, startups, international exhibitors, and large brand displays. Use these labels to match your goals. For example, a contractor may focus on tools and installation gear. A building engineer may focus on controls and air quality systems. Meanwhile, a buyer may want to compare pricing across many brands in one area.
Before you leave home, check the show website for the latest map. Booth assignments sometimes change as the date gets closer.
HVAC Innovations to Expect
The industry has several strong trends. Exhibitors usually show products that fit these themes. Of course, the exact lineup depends on each company. Still, you can expect the following areas to draw large crowds.
Heat Pumps and Electrification
Heat pumps keep growing in popularity. They heat and cool with one system, and they use less energy than many older designs. Makers now offer models for cold climates, which matters in a city like Chicago. In addition, more brands are adding variable-speed compressors for steady comfort.
When you visit these booths, ask about cold-weather performance. Also ask about noise levels, warranty terms, and installer training.
Low-Impact Refrigerants
Refrigerant rules continue to change in the United States. Makers are shifting to options with lower global warming potential. As a result, new equipment designs, safety tools, and service methods are arriving. Many exhibitors will explain how these changes affect installation and repair.
Technicians should pay close attention here. Ask about leak detection, handling steps, and training classes. Moreover, ask how suppliers plan to stock parts for the new equipment.
Smart Controls and Connected Systems
Controls are no longer a side topic. Smart thermostats, sensors, and building platforms help owners cut waste and spot faults early. Many systems now send alerts straight to a phone. Consequently, service teams can fix problems before tenants complain.
Look for demos that show data dashboards, remote tuning, and energy reports. Ask whether the product works with other brands. Open systems often save money over time.
Indoor Air Quality
People care more about the air they breathe indoors. Therefore, products for filtration, ventilation, humidity control, and air cleaning draw strong interest. Schools, offices, and health care sites often lead these purchases.
Compare test results and certifications. Ask how often filters need changes and what the full cost looks like over several years.
Commercial Refrigeration and Water Heating
The show also covers cold storage, display cases, and water heating. Grocery stores and food suppliers want efficient systems that protect products and cut power bills. Heat pump water heaters also continue to gain attention as owners look for ways to lower emissions.
Tools, Software, and Training
Beyond equipment, you will find digital tools for sizing, quoting, and scheduling. New hand tools and meters help crews work faster and safer. Additionally, many exhibitors promote training programs, which helps companies tackle the skilled labor shortage.
Education Sessions and the ASHRAE Winter Conference
Learning is a big part of the visit. The expo offers a full education program, and you can bookmark sessions in the show app. Topics usually cover codes, energy savings, new technology, and business skills.
At the same time, ASHRAE holds its Winter Conference in Chicago from January 23 to 27, 2027. The two events run together, which makes the trip more valuable. You can attend technical talks, join committee meetings, and then walk the exhibit floor. The ASHRAE Learning Institute also lists continuing education courses, including topics such as dehumidification, chilled beam systems, and building controls.
Please note that the conference uses separate registration and pricing. Therefore, review its website if you plan to join both.
Visitor Information: Travel, Hotels, and Practical Tips
A good trip starts with simple logistics. Chicago is easy to reach, yet winter weather can slow things down. Plan with care.
Getting There
McCormick Place sits along the lakefront, south of downtown. Visitors usually arrive by air, train, car, or rideshare. Chicago has two major airports, O’Hare and Midway. Public transit, taxis, and rideshare services connect both airports to the convention center area.
If you drive, parking is available at McCormick Place. Rates and options appear on the venue website. Therefore, check prices before you arrive. Rideshare drop-off areas often get busy at opening time, so allow extra minutes.
Where to Stay
Hotels near the venue fill up fast during show week. Book early to get better rates. Some options sit within a short drive of the halls, including the Wyndham Chicago McCormick Hotel, which is less than two kilometers away. Other hotels in the South Loop and downtown offer more dining choices. Additionally, check the official travel page for partner hotels and shuttle details.
Weather and What to Wear
January in Chicago is cold. Temperatures can drop well below freezing, and wind off the lake makes it feel worse. Pack a warm coat, gloves, and a hat. However, indoor halls can feel warm, so dress in layers.
Comfortable shoes matter most. You will walk and stand for hours. Choose a pair that you have already broken in.
Accessibility
McCormick Place and the show organizer work to give equal access to all guests. Visit the venue website for details on mobility services, elevators, and support. Contact staff ahead of time if you need special help.
What to Bring
- Printed or digital badge
- Business cards or a contact app
- Phone charger or power bank
- Notebook and pen
- Water bottle and light snacks
- A lightweight bag for brochures and samples
Sample Three-Day Plan
A clear plan keeps you focused. Use this simple schedule as a starting point.
| Day | Focus | Suggested Actions |
| Monday | Priority booths and education | Pick up badge, visit top ten exhibitors, attend one education session |
| Tuesday | New products and networking | Explore new technology areas, join a networking event, collect pricing details |
| Wednesday | Follow-up and wrap-up | Revisit key booths, ask final questions, send thank-you notes |
Final Checklist Before You Go
- Register online before January 23
- Book your hotel and travel early
- Download the show app and floor plan
- Choose your top booths and sessions
- Pack warm clothes and comfortable shoes
- Set goals, such as products to compare or contacts to meet
Conclusion
Chicago will host a busy, useful show from January 25 to 27, 2027. Registration is free if you sign up by January 23, and a small fee applies after that. The exhibit floor spreads across the North and South Buildings of McCormick Place, so a good map and a short priority list will save time. Heat pumps, new refrigerants, smart controls, and air quality tools will likely lead the conversation. In addition, the ASHRAE Winter Conference adds strong learning options.
Therefore, start now. Register, book your travel, and build your plan. Confirm all details on the official show website, since dates, fees, and layouts can change. With a little preparation, you will leave Chicago with new ideas, new contacts, and a clear view of where HVACR is heading.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the show take place in 2027?
It runs from Monday, January 25, to Wednesday, January 27, 2027.
2. Where is the event held?
The event takes place at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. Exhibits fill the North Building and the South Building.
3. How much does registration cost?
Advance online registration is free if you sign up by January 23, 2027. After that date, online and onsite attendee badges cost $30.
4. What are the exhibit hours?
The floor opens from 10 am to 6 pm on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, it opens from 10 am to 4 pm.
5. Who should attend?
Engineers, contractors, facility managers, distributors, makers, and students all benefit. Anyone who works with heating, cooling, ventilation, or refrigeration will find value.
6. Can I pick up my badge onsite?
Yes. Onsite registration and badge pickup start on Sunday, January 24, from 12 pm to 4 pm. Additional hours run on each show day.
7. Is there an education program?
Yes. The show offers education sessions, and you can bookmark them in the official app. ASHRAE also holds its Winter Conference in Chicago from January 23 to 27.
8. Is parking available at the venue?
Yes. McCormick Place offers parking. Check the venue website for current rates and lot details.
9. How many exhibitors will attend?
Recent coverage mentions around 1,900 exhibitors. However, the final number can change, so check the official exhibitor list.
10. Where will the show be held next?
The 2028 edition moves to Orlando on February 7–9, 2028. Chicago returns on January 22–24, 2029.
