The 51st International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), better known as "The ASHRAE Show," was
stunning in its size and scope. Held in PM Engineer's home of Chicago on January 25-27, the exposition held more than 1,300
exhibitors and upwards of 400,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, shattering the old records by more than 19%. Attendance figures weren't
in as of this writing, but preregistered visitors and exhibitors totaled over 48,000. Long onsite registration lines and jam-packed
aisles lead me to believe a conservative crowd estimate is not in order.
Show managers noted that the exposition always sets its records in Chicago. This speaks well of the serious purpose of ASHRAE
sponsors and attendees. Meeting planners whose first priority is fun and games would never book a convention for January in
Chicago. Although this year's weather was decent by January-in-Chicago standards, it was nonetheless chilly enough to freak out
most visitors from the Sunbelt.