Professionals from the field provide insight, tips and best practices on current industry trends

The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) today released the full schedule for the 2025 AHR Expo Education Program. This year’s program will feature more than 250 sessions, including free industry seminars, a robust panel series lineup, new product presentations and more.

“Educating our current and future workforce is an area of dedicated attention and effort across most industry conversations,” said Show Manager, Mark Stevens. “Over the years, the AHR education program has grown into an important complementary asset to the show floor experience, lending an opportunity for deeper understanding of what’s happening within the industry, how to apply skill and knowledge, and how to prepare for shifts.”

The AHR Expo Education Program provides attendees with expert advice aimed to better understand real-world application and learning relating to current trends and practices across the industry. Areas of niche discipline, as well as broader discussion of topics that stretch the full supply chain, will be available to stimulate industry conversation and professional development.

“AHR Expo is a unique opportunity to pair session learning with application practice due to the complementary aspect of our education programming and the exhibition floor,” said Kim Pires, Director of Education. “Taking learning one step further, attendees can apply what they’ve just learned in a classroom to products, technology, or conversations on the show floor—creating a valuable opportunity that’s hard to find elsewhere in the industry.”

Attendees can expect the program to address a wide variety of topics and are encouraged to explore the full program on the website.

2025 Panel Series

AI and Plumbing: How Smart Applications Can Lead to Smooth Waters Ahead

Monday, February 10th at 11:00 AM with John Mullen, IAPMO and Susan Frew of PHCC leading a discussion for plumbing professionals.

Everything You Need to Know About the Refrigerant Transition and A2Ls

Monday, February 10th at 3:00 PM led by AHRI and including Chuck White, VP of Regulatory Affairs at PHCC; Jim Cika, Director of PMG Technical Resources at ICC; Samantha Slater, VP of Government Affairs at AHRI; Scott Stone, Founder and President at Glencoe Strategies LLC; and Tom Deary, Director of Codes at AHRI.

2025 State of the Industry: Today’s Market, Challenges, Opportunities & What’s Ahead

Tuesday, February 11th at 10:00 AM moderated by Bryan Orr of HVAC School, including discussion with M. Dennis Knight, President 2024-2025 ASHRAE; Stephen Yurek, CEO of AHRI; Talbot Gee, CEO of HARDI; and Dominick Guarino, President and CEO at National Comfort Institute Inc.

Free Industry Series

The 2025 show will feature more than 230 free sessions led by industry experts. Sessions will range from 20 minutes in the product theaters, and one to two hours in the classroom sessions and aim to address the industry’s most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities. Attendees are invited to attend general HVACR-related sessions, as well as those that dive deeper into specific professional practice areas.

“The AHR Expo Education Program is the industry’s best place to learn trends, tips, and growth strategies that span the full industry,” said Kimberly Pires, AHR Expo Education Program Director. “Our associations design their sessions to address the most pressing topics within their areas of the industry. The goal is to provide diverse perspectives from every professional and perspective in HVACR. The opportunity for shared insight supports healthy communication across the industry.”

Attendees are encouraged to explore the full program on ahrexpo.com. Additional highlights for the 2025 AHR Expo Free Industry Seminar program include:

Contractors

Refrigerant Detection Systems for Flammable, A2L Refrigerants

Chris Forth, Vice President of Regulatory, Codes & Environmental Affairs, hosted by WHVACR

In this session you will review the transition to low-GWP refrigerants, including mildly flammable A2Ls, and learn about refrigerant detection systems (RDS). Join to gain an understanding of what features an RDS must have, how these systems function and how to quickly determine if they are optional or required for an installation.

SMACNA Large Duct Construction & HVAC Duct Systems Inspection

Shawn O’Hara, Senior Project Manager, SMACNA National; Geoffrey Parks, Senior Project Manager, SMACNA National, hosted by Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association

In this session, you will learn what’s driving larger ductwork in the industry today and how to properly construct and support larger ductwork using the SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards (4th Edition).

Empowering Green Choices: How Financing Makes Energy Efficiency Affordable

Erica Leonor, Director of Business Development at Goodleap; and Erik Summers, hosted by WHVACR

In this session you will discover how innovative financing options can empower homeowners to invest in high-end, energy-efficient HVACR systems through the exploration of financial tools that make eco-friendly upgrades accessible.

The Digital Revolution in HVAC: AI, Automation, and the Future of Customer Service

Josh Crouch, Founder Relentless Digital and Co-Host Service Business Mastery Podcast and Tersh Blissett, CEO, Service Emperor; Co-Host Service Business Mastery Podcast, hosted by AHR Expo

In this session you will learn strategies to integrate ‘digital coworkers’ into your business, enhancing efficiency and customer service by reviewing real-world examples of AI improving customer journeys and operations.

Distribution/Supply Chain

Repair, Replacement or Maintenance: Which Strategy Aligns Best with Consumer Behavior?

Megan Adair, Senior Account Development Manager, Mediagistic; Jennifer Helton, Account Development Manager, Mediagistic; hosted by WHVACR

Attendees will gain deep insight into how consumer behavior drives better HVAC marketing outcomes. Discover how focusing on repairs, rather than installations, can be a game-changer for your HVAC business, as we reveal industry secrets and case studies that showcase significant growth through service-to-installation strategies.

Revolutionizing Your Business with OpenAI

Colleen Keyworth, Director of Sales & Marketing, Online Access, hosted by WHVACR

Attendees will learn more about the transformative impact of OpenAI technologies in business, focusing on ethical applications to enhance problem-solving, creativity, and efficiency.

Engineers

Decarbonizing Commercial and Industrial Heating with Hydrogen Part 1

Paul Glanville, Sr. R&D Director, GTI Energy; Vince McDonell, Director, UC Irvine Combustion Laboratory, UC Irvine, hosted by AHRI

Part 1, What is the Decarbonization Potential, will introduce the current state of research to define the upper practical limit of using H2 to decarbonize large commercial and industrial heating equipment currently using natural gas, the structure of the project for the California Energy Commission with partners GTI Energy, UC Irvine, EPRI, AHRI, and other industry partners (AHRI members); provide the context for displacing natural gas in heating equipment with H2 as a blend or through full conversion to 100% H2 with an overview of key developments and demonstrations in North America; and review the project’s preliminary Technoeconomic Assessment of using H2 in commercial/industrial facilities throughout California and review the Technical Survey of current research regarding the practical limits of using H2 in heating equipment.

Advancing AI-Driven Microcontroller Solutions: Innovations and Applications

David Kniepkamp, President , Smart Controls, hosted by LonMark International

Attendees will uncover the challenges and opportunities of implementing AI-driven microcontroller solutions in commercial buildings, supported by real-world case studies showcasing significant energy savings, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced tenant satisfaction.

Empowering our Workforce with Emotional Intelligence: Building a Sustainable Future

Karine Leblanc, ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer, Engineer and Author of How to Be Human in a Technical World, hosted by AHR Expo

What is Emotional Intelligence (EI)? In this session you’ll discover the importance of EI for HVAC professionals in managing client demands and team communication under pressure. We’ll explore the science behind EI, benefits of high EI and learn how to create your personal action plan through developed strategies that enhance your emotional intelligence to improve leadership and performance in demanding scenarios.

For Credit Courses

AHR Expo attendees have the opportunity to participate in professional development courses through ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI), as well as short courses/professional development seminars approved for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that can apply toward maintaining P.E. licensure. Attendees are required to register and pay tuition fees in advance of the show and can do so either onsite or by visiting the ASHRAE registration website.

Starting the Path to Net-Zero Buildings Using ASHRAE 90.1-2022 hosted by ASHRAE Learning Institute

Led by McHenry Wallace, P.E., Member ASHRAE, LEED®AP; Intermediate

3 PDHs/AIA LUs | Check with your state for their continuing education credits requirements. $249 ($189 ASHRAE Members); early bird discounts may apply.

Changing Environments and Loads for Data Center (High Density, Liquid Cooling, Edge Computing) hosted by ASHRAE Learning Institute

Led by Brandon Gill, P.E.; Jeff Stein, P.E.; Entry Level

3 PDHs/AIA LUs | Check with your state for their continuing education credits requirements. $249 ($189 ASHRAE Members); early bird discounts may apply.

Commercial Building Energy Audits hosted by ASHRAE Learning Institute

Led by Joe Hofstetter, P.E.; Intermediate

6 PDHs/AIA LUs | $629 ($509 ASHRAE Members); early bird discounts may apply. Check with your state for their continuing education credits requirements.

New Product Theaters

Attendees are encouraged to sit in on exhibitor presentations in the New Product Theater. More than 145 presentations lasting approximately 20 minutes each are planned across all three days of the show. These free presentations will provide brief overviews of new product announcements and technologies that can be found in exhibitor booths on the show floor. Attendees are invited to follow up presentations with a visit to the booth for a more in-depth explanation and 1:1 interaction with products and representatives. No fee or individual session registration is required, however, show registration is required..

Safely Handling Flammable Refrigerants in Heat Pumps hosted by Sensata Technologies Inc.

The core of any Heat Pump is the balance between the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant which drives system efficiency and safety, particularly with the safety measures needed to manage R-290 refrigerant. This session addresses sensor-driven solutions to handle flammable refrigerants.

Faced with the AIM ACT: 3 Simple Steps to Reduce the Impact of Refrigeration hosted by MATELEX

The refrigeration market is undergoing major changes. Regulations are limiting the availability of fluids with high global warming potential, leading to higher prices and supply difficulties. At the same time, refrigeration plant leakage rates and energy consumption remain high, posing a challenge for refrigeration professionals. Matelex offers a simple 3-step solution to reduce the environmental and financial impact of refrigeration and simplify the management of a fleet of installations.

Sustainable & Data-Driven Cooling: Güntner’s Intelligent IOT Solutions hosted by Güntner U.S. LLC

Discover the Intelligent IOT Solutions that can contribute to a better future. Güntner’s Intelligent IOT Solutions bring significant water savings, energy efficiency, low maintenance, and other benefits.

The First Step in Your Building Decarbonization Journey hosted by ABB HVAC Building Automation and Controls

ABB Ability™ Building Analyzer tracks both buildings data (occupancy, equipment runtime hours, temperatures, and costs) and utilities (energy, gas, water, steam) in real-time and provides actionable insights to help you save money while improving energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant awareness

Attendees can view the complete AHR Expo Education Program schedule, including the New Product Theaters, on the AHR Expo website. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to manage their show floor and education program agenda by creating a free MyShow Planner account and downloading the AHR Expo app.

About The AHR Expo

The AHR Expo is the world’s premier HVACR event, attracting the most comprehensive gathering of industry professionals from around the globe each year. The show provides a unique forum where manufacturers of all sizes and specialties, whether major industry brands or innovative start-ups, can come together to share ideas and showcase the future of HVACR technology under one roof. Since 1930, the AHR Expo has remained the industry’s best place for OEMs, engineers, contractors, facility operators, architects, educators and other industry professionals to explore the latest trends and applications and to cultivate mutually beneficial business relationships. The next show, co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI, will be held Feb. 10 – 12, in Orlando, FL, and is held concurrently with ASHRAE’s Winter Conference.

For more information, visit ahrexpo.com and follow @ahrexpo on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.