For the first time in the 75-year history of the AHR Expo, the show was held in Orlando, FL, and as anticipated, it attracted a large number of industry professionals from around the globe. According to show management, the 2005 AHR Expo set a new record for number of exhibiting companies with 1,871 exhibitors taking up 372,955 square feet of exhibit space. The show was also one of the biggest shows in the Southeast in total attendance, with more than 45,000 total attendees (over 27,000 visitors and 18,000 exhibitor personnel).

Large International Presence

In 2005, the AHR Expo continued its trend of attracting a growing number of international exhibitors and attendees. A total of 311 international companies from 31 countries, including exhibitors in several country-specific pavilions, showcased their products at the event. Solid representation from around the globe included more than 34 companies from Europe, 86 from Pacific Rim countries, and 123 Canadian companies.

More than 5,300 international visitors from 117 countries registered to attend the show. AHR Expo generally attracts some 20% of its attendance from over 100 countries outside the U.S. The 2005 show included a larger presence of visitors from Mexico and Central and South American countries.

Third Annual AHR Expo Innovation Awards

The winning companies of the third annual AHR Expo Innovation Awards were honored at a special ceremony during the show. This year's awards were given in eight specific categories and were judged for innovation, application, value to user and market impact. The awards are intended to promote and encourage product innovation by recognizing exceptional achievements.

2005 AHR Expo Highlights

Highlights of the 2005 AHR Expo included a special 75th anniversary photo gallery in the registration area illustrating how the show and the industry have progressed since the AHR Expo first started in 1930.

For those who came to the show looking for educational opportunities, many of the AHR Expo Endorsing Associations conducted free sessions that presented practical information ranging from principles of business management to a variety of current technical developments, including building automation. As always, ASHRAE produced a large variety of sessions in conjunction with their annual Winter Meeting, which is held concurrently with the show. These included numerous short courses with a nominal tuition charge and a free public session on "Battling Humidity in Southern Climates."