AHR wows attendees

The AHR (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigerant) Expo was held in Chicago’s McCormick Convention Center on Jan.22-24, 2024. It was clear to anyone filling the halls on Monday morning of the show that attendance was strong, welcoming 48,034 attendees there to interact with the 1,875 exhibitors spread across North and South Halls. Maximizing 527,520 square footage of space for booth displays, attendees gained access to all the latest the industry has to offer, including new products, technology, skill learning and demonstration.

Our first day began early, well before the tradeshows areas were open to the throngs that would have access at 10 a.m. As expected, our first event was the Taco press conference where Johnny White spoke before introducing Cheryl Merchant, the CEO and president who reinforced Johnny’s “We’re just doing it,” with respect to the onward march embracing AI (artificial intelligence) in new products, plant expansions around the globe, including here at home and enhancing Taco’s leadership role within the industry. Ben White took over to present the Dan Holohan Lifetime Contribution to Comfort, which was presented to Rich Medairos, P.E., senior systems engineer and director of commercial training for Taco Comfort Solutions. Dan Holohan joined them on the floor to give Rich one of his famous bear hugs.

Taco, like all of the 1,875 exhibitors showcasing products, had its latest and greatest innovations on display, with notable folks like John Barba and Dave Holdorf — trainers extraordinaire who also host the popular Taco After Dark podcasts — were ever-present educating everyone about the new products. One thing that grabbed my attention was the magnetic dirt filter that can be turned “off” so the collected debris simply sheds away and can then be ejected effortlessly without having to disassemble the filter. Taco has always been about people and I would argue they are one of the best when it comes to listening to contractors regarding suggestions on making our jobs easier and more profitable.

Then there’s the Taco hospitality celebration, so grab a wristband at the booth, get your name on the list, and plan to be wowed that first evening after the trade show closes the first day. As expected, the room was shoulder-to-shoulder and filled with old friends we only seem to encounter at AHR.

After the press conference, it was time to visit with other vendors before the show opened and catch up with old friends with other manufacturers. That’s one thing about AHR and other tradeshows that can’t be beat — getting to know the folks who stand behind the products you sell and install. They are invaluable personal relationships I have tapped many times for assistance with designs, product applications, the rare defects we contractors encounter and that enables you to offer better customer service.

We were spoiled by the lack of crowds during our morning rounds, but needed to cross from the south hall to the north hall and it was 9:59 a.m. when we reached the entrance/exit. Yikes! Confronted by wall-to-wall attendees waiting to be admitted, the crowd was overwhelming, and we barely escaped to the hallway. What had been a relatively quiet time suddenly became quite loud and the noise level — a sure sign of a robust show — never let up. Here’s a secret you can use if you attend AHR, or any large trade show: don’t stop at any booths near the front because that’s what everyone does and the aisles are packed like a sardine can. Instead, go straight to the far back where the crowds are not and work across the back of the show where you can get one-on-one time with folks in their booths. By the time the crowd starts to fill in along the back, the aisles are much easier to navigate.

There’s no way you can possibly stop at all 1,875 booths, so planning ahead is your best bet. We had a day-by-day list of booths to visit and AHR also has an app where you can develop a list of must-visits, but if you’re the least bit ADHD, as I am, leave enough time for the eye candy distractions — squirrel!

Trends

Decarbonization and electrification were ever-present buzzwords. Backed up with products, lectures, and booth demonstrations. You could not turn around without encountering heat pumps. Even Burnham/U.S. Boiler had a brand new air-to-water heat pump.

Connectivity with everything was also a trend that has arrived. Virtually every product we saw had an app so that you, the contractor/installer, and your customers have the ability to monitor performance, track operating efficiency, and be forewarned if components are exhibiting significant wear and tear. Nipping potential problems in advance so there will be no interruption of heating, cooling or hot water, which is too cool for school.

Heat pump water heaters were a staple item for folks like A O Smith, State, Intellihot, and other water heater manufacturers, but what stood out was the majority also had air-to-water heat pumps coupled with indoor storage tanks.

I’m also proud of Interplay Learning for winning the AHR 2024 Innovation Award. I’ve been working with them helping to develop courses for the past year after being recruited by Ken Midgett, plumbing market director at Interplay Learning.

Interplay Learning won the award for its SAM (Skill Advisor and Mentor), the first AI-powered advisor for the skilled trades. SAM gives teams instant and personalized guidance so they can gain skills faster and more efficiently. Technicians can ask SAM questions and get immediate assistance while they’re learning, helping enhance comprehension and sharpen critical thinking. SAM is the first of its kind. Interplay’s unique approach to on-demand mentorship and training provides considerable value, such as:

• Fast Tracks Learning: SAM meets technicians where they are, providing assistance to suit their specific needs. It’s like an approachable study buddy who understands them perfectly and helps them learn faster.
• Sharpens Critical Thinking: SAM doesn’t shortchange learning with easy answers. It guides them towards “aha” moments and helps develop problem-solving skills.
• Saves Time and Boosts Productivity: When newer techs ask SAM for help first, it can free senior techs and managers from answering basic questions and give them more time to grow the business.
• Taps Into Expert Knowledge: SAM uses data from SkillMill, which has been carefully crafted by seasoned subject matter experts, to ensure techs learn skills right the first time.