The heating, cooling, and refrigeration world meets in Chicago this January. The AHR Expo 2027 runs from January 25 to January 27, 2027, at McCormick Place. Notably, this edition moves to Chicago, so any earlier Las Vegas plans no longer apply. Whether you install systems, design buildings, or sell equipment, this guide gives you the facts you need. Furthermore, it shows you how to save money, plan your days, and skip the long lines.
Quick Facts About the Event
Before the details, here is a snapshot. Use it as a checklist while you plan.
| Detail | Information |
| Dates | January 25 to 27, 2027 |
| City | Chicago, Illinois |
| Venue | McCormick Place, North and South Buildings |
| Address | 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 |
| Organizer | International Exposition Company |
| Co-sponsors | ASHRAE and AHRI |
| Advance registration | Free through January 23, 2027 |
| Concurrent conference | ASHRAE Winter Conference, January 23 to 27, 2027 |
As you can see, the show packs a lot into three days. Therefore, a little planning goes a long way.
What Is This HVACR Trade Show?
The full name is the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition. Most people simply call it the AHR Expo. It brings together manufacturers, engineers, contractors, distributors, and students under one roof. Moreover, it showcases new products across heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
The event moves between cities. After Chicago in 2027, it heads to Orlando for February 7 to 9, 2028. Then it returns to Chicago for January 22 to 24, 2029. Meanwhile, the 2026 edition in Las Vegas set a high bar. It drew 53,315 attendees and filled about 578,980 square feet of floor space. In addition, roughly 1,956 exhibitors took part, and 601 of them came from overseas.
Those numbers matter for one reason. They show how large the show can feel. Consequently, you should arrive with a clear plan.
Dates and Daily Schedule
The show runs Monday through Wednesday. Hours differ slightly on the last day, so check the table below.
| Day | Date | Show Floor Hours | Badge Pickup Hours |
| Sunday | January 24 | Closed | 12 pm to 4 pm |
| Monday | January 25 | 10 am to 6 pm | 7 am to 6 pm |
| Tuesday | January 26 | 10 am to 6 pm | 8 am to 6 pm |
| Wednesday | January 27 | 10 am to 4 pm | 8 am to 4 pm |
Notice that the floor closes two hours earlier on Wednesday. Therefore, save your must-see booths for Monday or Tuesday. Additionally, organizers expect long badge lines on Monday morning, starting around 9 am. For that reason, pick up your badge on Sunday afternoon. You will walk straight onto the floor the next day.
The ASHRAE Winter Conference starts earlier, on January 23, and ends on January 27. Consequently, some visitors arrive over the weekend for technical sessions and committee meetings.
Venue and Location
McCormick Place sits just south of downtown Chicago. It is the largest convention center in North America. The show uses both the North Building and the South Building. As a result, expect a lot of walking between halls.
Organizers offer free shuttle buses between official show hotels and the convention center on show days. In addition, parking is available on site. If you drive, however, check rates in advance, because prices vary by lot and day.
Chicago in late January is cold. Therefore, pack a warm coat, gloves, and a hat. Inside, the halls stay comfortable, so dress in layers. Above all, wear broken-in shoes. You will cover several miles over three days.
Tickets and Registration
Good news first: entry costs nothing if you register early. Advance badge registration is free through January 23, 2027. After that date, online registration costs $30. On-site registration also costs $30 for attendees. Exhibitor staff pay $10 for on-site badges.
| Badge Type | Cost | Notes |
| Advance attendee badge | Free | Register online by January 23, 2027 |
| Online attendee badge after January 23 | $30 | Same badge, higher price |
| On-site attendee badge | $30 | Expect lines on Monday |
| On-site exhibitor badge | $10 | For booth staff |
| ASHRAE Winter Conference | Separate fee | A paid conference badge also opens the show floor |
However, the free badge does not cover the ASHRAE Winter Conference. That event needs its own registration and fee. Early-bird pricing ended on October 28, 2026, so check the current rates on the ASHRAE website. The group also sells company packages and on-demand access for people who cannot travel.
One more note: organizers do not admit children under 16. Plan childcare ahead if you bring family to Chicago.
How to Register Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to get your badge fast.
- Visit the official show website and open the registration page.
- Fill in your name, company, job role, and contact details.
- Submit the form before January 23 to keep your badge free.
- Save the confirmation email on your phone.
- Show that email at a badge pickup desk and collect your badge.
- Head to the floor and start exploring.
In short, the process takes about five minutes. Additionally, you can bookmark education sessions in the show app once you register.
Exhibitors: Who You Will Meet
The exhibitor list covers every corner of the HVACR market. Large manufacturers stand beside small startups. Likewise, international companies share the aisles with local suppliers. Carrier, for example, has a long record at the show and often calls it three days of productive engagement with customers and partners.
Expect to find companies in these groups:
- Heating and cooling equipment makers
- Refrigeration and cold chain suppliers
- Ventilation and air quality specialists
- Controls, software, and building automation firms
- Tool, test instrument, and safety gear brands
- Plumbing and water system providers
- Distributors, trade groups, and training programs
Furthermore, the show attracts buyers from many roles. Engineers, facility managers, installers, and business owners all walk the floor. Because of that mix, you can meet suppliers and peers in the same afternoon.
Organizers publish an online exhibitor directory and floor plan before the event. Use it to mark your top ten booths. Then group them by hall to save steps.
Products and Innovation Awards
New products draw most visitors. The floor typically shows heat pumps, rooftop units, chillers, smart thermostats, refrigerants, leak detectors, and digital tools. Meanwhile, hot topics include energy efficiency, lower-impact refrigerants, indoor air quality, and data center cooling.
The AHR Expo Innovation Awards offer a helpful shortcut. In October 2026, organizers named winners in 10 categories. Judges from ASHRAE reviewed hundreds of entries. They scored each one on design, creativity, application, value, and market impact. Winning technologies range from chip cooling and heat pumps to water conservation, ductwork, automation, software, tools, and plumbing.
Two winners show the range. LumenRadio won the building automation category with its W-BACnet Compact, and you can find it at booth S6049. Chemours took the refrigeration category with a two-phase liquid cooling fluid that cools computer chips directly. Therefore, if you care about data centers or smart buildings, add these booths to your list.
Additionally, entry fees from the awards support a workforce program. That program introduces secondary school students to careers in the building and mechanical trades.
New product theaters add another layer. Exhibitors give short talks there and show their latest releases. As a result, you can learn about several products in a single hour.
Education and the ASHRAE Winter Conference
Learning is a big part of the week. The show floor includes education sessions, panels, and new product theaters. Some of these let you earn professional development hours, which helps if your license requires them.
The ASHRAE Winter Conference runs at the same time and goes deeper. It offers more than 100 technical sessions. Topics include data center infrastructure, refrigeration technology, refrigerant practices, residential system performance, and retrofits for existing buildings. In addition, the ASHRAE Learning Institute plans 20 continuing education courses. Each course counts toward engineering license renewal.
Course fees vary. During the early-bird period, six-hour courses cost $599, or $449 for members, and four-hour courses cost $339, or $259 for members. Since that period has ended, confirm today’s prices before you book.
The ASHRAE 365 app helps you build a personal agenda. Pick your sessions, set reminders, and avoid schedule clashes. Moreover, on-demand access lets you watch recordings afterward if you miss a talk.
Hotels, Travel and Parking
Book early. Chicago fills up fast during big conventions. The official housing program lists show hotels with guaranteed low rates and free shuttle service. Consequently, many visitors choose those hotels over outside options.
The Marriott Marquis Chicago sits close to McCormick Place. Some ASHRAE courses take place there, so it works well for conference guests. Meanwhile, travelers flying in can reach the convention center by taxi, rideshare, or train and shuttle combinations from the airports.
If you plan to drive, arrive early on Monday. Parking and traffic both peak on opening day. Alternatively, use the hotel shuttle and skip the stress.
Why Attend in 2027?
Some visitors wonder whether the trip is worth it. However, the benefits are clear. First, you see hundreds of new products in person. Photos and brochures cannot match a live demo. Second, you meet decision makers face to face. A five-minute chat at a booth often replaces weeks of emails.
Additionally, the show helps you spot trends early. Refrigerant changes, heat pump growth, and smarter controls shape the market right now. Therefore, suppliers use this week to share their plans. You can compare options side by side and ask tough questions on the spot.
Students and early-career workers gain too. They can talk with employers, join education sessions, and learn which skills matter most. Likewise, business owners find new vendors and training ideas. In short, almost everyone leaves with something useful, from a new contact to a better way of working.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
A few smart habits make a big difference.
- Register early to keep your badge free.
- Pick up your badge on Sunday afternoon.
- Download the show app and the ASHRAE 365 app.
- Build a short list of booths and sessions before you arrive.
- Visit the farthest halls first, while your energy is high.
- Carry business cards and a phone charger.
- Take notes and photos of products you like.
- Schedule meetings in advance for Monday and Tuesday.
- Leave time on Wednesday for follow-up visits.
Also, remember to eat well and drink water. Food stands sit across the campus, but lines grow around noon. Therefore, plan an early or late lunch.
Finally, follow up within a week. Send a short email to each new contact. That simple step turns a booth chat into real business.
Conclusion
This year’s show offers a rare chance to see the entire HVACR market in one place. It runs January 25 to 27, 2027, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Advance registration costs nothing until January 23, and later badges cost $30. The floor opens at 10 am each day, and it closes at 6 pm on Monday and Tuesday and at 4 pm on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the ASHRAE Winter Conference adds more than 100 technical sessions for those who want depth.
In summary, you should register early, collect your badge on Sunday, and pick your booths in advance. Additionally, check the Innovation Award winners and the education schedule. With a clear plan, the AHR Expo can save you time, spark ideas, and grow your network. Start planning today, and you will make the most of every hour in Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the show take place in 2027?
It runs from Monday, January 25, to Wednesday, January 27, 2027.
2. Where will the event happen?
It takes place at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. The address is 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive.
3. Is entry free?
Advance online registration is free through January 23, 2027. After that, the badge costs $30 online or on site.
4. What are the show hours?
The floor opens from 10 am to 6 pm on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, it runs from 10 am to 4 pm.
5. When can I pick up my badge?
Badge pickup starts Sunday, January 24, from 12 pm to 4 pm. It continues each show day, starting at 7 am on Monday and 8 am on Tuesday and Wednesday.
6. Do I need a separate ticket for the ASHRAE Winter Conference?
Yes. The conference needs its own registration and fee. However, a paid conference badge also gives you access to the show floor.
7. How many exhibitors will attend?
Organizers will confirm the final count closer to the date. For reference, the 2026 show hosted about 1,956 exhibitors.
8. Can children attend?
No. Organizers do not admit children under 16.
9. Can I earn professional development hours?
Yes. Several education sessions and the ASHRAE Learning Institute courses offer credit. Check your state rules for approval details.
10. Where is the next edition after Chicago?
The next show takes place in Orlando from February 7 to 9, 2028. After that, it returns to Chicago from January 22 to 24, 2029.
