ASHRAE Concludes 2026 Winter Conference
ASHRAE concluded its 2026 Winter Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada with renewed momentum around indoor environmental quality, healthy buildings and the evolving role of HVAC&R professionals in shaping the future of the built environment.
Held Feb. 2–4, the conference convened HVAC&R leaders, engineers, policymakers and researchers from around the world to examine the intersection of technology, sustainability, health and human experience in buildings. Across hundreds of sessions and committee meetings, attendees explored emerging trends including artificial intelligence, low-global-warming-potential refrigerants, energy storage, geothermal systems and occupant-centered design.
The conference drew 3,825 registrants and featured more than 400 committee meetings, over 100 technical sessions and a robust slate of networking and professional development opportunities.
During his State of the Society Address, 2025–26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade shared progress on the society’s focus on healthy buildings and indoor environmental quality, emphasizing the transition from vision to sustained action.
“Six months into this society year, we are seeing real progress,” said McQuade. “To ensure this work translates into lasting impact, we established the IEQ Center of Excellence – a dedicated platform to advance a coordinated roadmap, strengthen collaboration and support ASHRAE’s leadership in policy, advocacy and global engagement.”
McQuade also highlighted advances in water safety, pathogen mitigation and integrated approaches to health-focused building design. His full State of the Society presentation is available at ashrae.org/president.
The 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference will take place June 27–July 1 in Austin, Texas. The 2027 Winter Conference will take place Jan. 23–27 in Chicago, Illinois.
