ASHRAE Annual Conference Showcases HVAC&R Innovation, Leadership

ASHRAE concluded its 2026 Annual Conference, held June 27–July 1 in Austin, Texas, bringing together more than 2,233 registered HVAC&R and building science professionals from around the world for five days of technical learning, collaboration and leadership. The conference featured discussions on today’s most pressing industry challenges, including data center cooling, cybersecurity, dehumidification system design, indoor environmental quality, commissioning and other emerging topics shaping the built environment.

The conference also marked the beginning of a new Society year as Sarah E. Maston, P.E., BCxP, LEED AP, assumed the role of 2026–27 ASHRAE president. During her inaugural address, Maston introduced her presidential theme, “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience,” challenging the industry to work together to improve the performance, efficiency and resilience of existing buildings.

As part of her vision for the year, Maston emphasized the role of interactive learning in preparing the next generation of building professionals. She announced the launch of ASHRAE HVAC Hero, an educational video game that places players in the role of a facility manager responding to maintenance challenges while improving building performance. Players explore building systems, apply ASHRAE Standards and Guidelines and compete to reduce energy use and carbon emissions through informed decision-making. Maston’s inaugural presentation, remarks and ASHRAE HVAC Hero are available at ashrae.org/president.

Another conference milestone was the introduction of ASHRAE Vision 2035, a long-range framework designed to guide volunteer leaders and strategic plans through 2035. The vision establishes a shared direction for advancing ASHRAE’s mission while addressing the evolving needs of the built environment.

All registered conference attendees, both in person and virtual, will continue to have access to the conference platform and recorded content for 12 months following the event.

Save the date: The 2027 ASHRAE Winter Conference will take Jan. 23–27 in Chicago, Illinois. The AHR Expo will be held Jan. 25-27.