Those worried that the September 11th terrorist attacks in nearby New York City would put a damper on the annual festivities will feel better knowing that 107 new exhibitors signed up to show their wares since that fateful date. In addition, the Expo has already sold 96% of the more than 300,000 sq ft of exhibit space at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Show management has also announced that the number of preregistered visitors for the 2002 AHR Expo has surpassed 10,000. This is comparable to advance registration activity before the 2001 Expo at the same point in time. “Considering the state of the economy and some restrictions placed on travel, the fact that we have hit 10,000 in preregistration numbers seven weeks before the event is very encouraging,” said Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Co. (IEC).

Those visiting the Expo will also want to take the opportunity to attend this year’s Winter Meeting, presented by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers. ASHRAE’s committee meetings will take place Jan. 12-16 in the Atlantic City Sheraton, with the technical program taking place in the Atlantic City Convention Center. Technical committees will meet at Caesar’s Atlantic City and the Convention Center.

Between the expo and meetings, you’ll learn more, see more, and meet more people than you ever thought possible in such a short period of time. It’s definitely worth it.

ON WITH THE SHOW

In fact, this is one of the big benefits to attending the expo — learning about other products you might not otherwise know about. As Steve Labov, ceo, Labov Mechanical, Atlantic City, NJ, notes, “The show is a really good place to see technically what’s going on in the industry. We have often found new pieces of equipment manufactured some place else that may not have a rep in our area yet.”

The two popular high-tech product showcases — the Building Automation and Control (BAC) Showcase and Software Center — will once again be featured at the expo. The Software Center will highlight the latest software solutions for hvacr professionals. Just about every topic that’s near and dear to a contractor’s heart will be represented here, including accounting and business management, energy analysis, equipment selection, and estimating tools.

Building automation will receive a good detail of attention at the expo, not only because of the showcase, but also because of four new free sessions that will be hosted on the topic. The four sessions are titled “Building Automation Stabilization — Fact or Fiction?”; “The Indispensable Internet”; “Ease of Use in Today’s and Tomorrow’s Building Automation Systems”; and “Building Automation Forum — The Future of Building Automation.” For more information on the sessions, visit www.automatedbuildings.com/ news/nov01/rev/ahr/sessions.htm.

The AHR Expo will be held at the Atlantic Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday (Jan. 14 and 15) and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday (Jan. 16). On-site registration opens at 9 a.m. daily (registration opens on Sunday, Jan. 13, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.).

CHECK OUT THE MEETINGS

Some of the more interesting seminar topics include the use of operable windows in nonresidential buildings; alternative and sustainable technologies; energy management; and the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical and desiccant dehumidification.

A range of refrigeration issues will also be addressed, including methods and effects of improving efficiency of unitary equipment to meet new energy efficiency requirements. In addition, a seminar will be offered that provides an overview of the major regulatory practices affecting refrigeration system design, installation, and operation, and other issues that should be considered early in the design.

Once again, ASHRAE will also host a free public session. Titled “The Aftermath of 9/11/01: Ensuring the Safety of America’s Buildings,” the session will be held at the Convention Center on Monday, Jan. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m.

The free session will cover what will happen in the aftermath of the terrorist assaults on the United States. ASHRAE commissioned a special study group that examined the steps necessary to ensure that America’s buildings remain safe, as well as healthy and comfortable.

During this public session, several of the top participating experts will discuss the findings of that study. While the primary focus will be on hvac systems, the overarching theme is the integration of all building systems.

Registration for the ASHRAE 2002 Winter Meeting is $550. For more information, visit www.ashrae.org/MEET/atlcit2002.htm (website).

Publication date: 01/01/2002