Key takeaways:
Attending HVAC trade shows and conferences can help you stay at the forefront of industry trends and make valuable connections. Below, we share some of the top events in 2026 including AHR Expo, CMPX, MEET, and Jobber Summit. Here’s why you should consider attending:
- Stay ahead with new technology and training. Many events feature product debuts, hands-on demonstrations, and the latest in green HVAC technology, as well as educational sessions and certifications to elevate your business and skill set.
- Connect and collaborate with peers. Trade shows and conferences offer vital opportunities to network with manufacturers, suppliers, industry leaders, and other HVAC professionals to grow your business and professional community.
- Uncover year-round opportunities for learning and growth. Beyond events, staying involved with industry groups and resources helps you continue learning and connecting with your peers throughout the year.
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Attending HVAC trade shows and conferences goes a long way in keeping your HVAC industry connections strong. They also help you stay up to date with new equipment releases and industry trends.
However, choosing which events to attend can be overwhelming. To help you narrow it down, we’ve put together a list of the best trade shows in the United States and Canada and what you can expect from each one. Whether you’re hoping to invest in a new piece of tech, learn a new skill, or connect with like-minded professionals, we’ve got you covered.
Top HVAC trade shows in 2026
HVAC trade shows are great opportunities to see new HVAC products and technologies in person and connect with industry experts. If you’re in the United States or Canada, make sure to mark your calendars for these hotly anticipated trade shows in 2026.
Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR) Expo
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
When: February 2-4, 2026
Cost: Free before January 31, $30 after February 1
AHR Expo is one of the biggest annual trade shows for the HVAC industry. This year, AHR Expo will feature over 1,800 exhibitors of HVAC products and 350 speakers sharing their technical and business expertise.
Attending the AHR Expo is a great way to meet suppliers of new and advanced HVAC technology, test out new products before they’re released, and network with other HVAC professionals.
The Podcast Pavilion is another unique part of this event—there’s a whole section of the exhibitor hall where famous HVAC/R experts broadcast their podcasts live.
Jobber will be in attendance for AHR 2026, so come find us to say hi and learn more about how we can help you run a more efficient HVAC business!
Cooling Technology Institute (CTI) Annual Conference and Expo
Where: Houston, Texas
When: February 8–12, 2026
Cost: Before January 29—$975 for members and $1,075 for non-members, after January 29—$1,100 for members and $1,200 for non-members
The CTI Conference and Expo presents the latest advancements and practices in commercial cooling technology, including air-cooled condensers, wet cooling towers, and dry coolers.
Over five days, this HVAC trade show and conference connects AC and refrigeration engineers, manufacturers, and technicians with spaces for networking and expert-led panel discussions.
The event is hosted by the Cooling Technology Institute (CTI), an organization that promotes the research and development of environmentally responsible cooling solutions.
With its more tailored subject matter, the event is especially valuable for HVAC engineers, commercial facility managers, and cooling tower specialists focused on new and innovative solutions.
Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association (ACCA) 2026 Conference & Expo
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
When: March 15–18, 2026
Cost: $445 for gold members, $545 for silver members, $645 for bronze members, $795 for non-members, and $100 for expo only
The ACCA 2026 Conference & Expo is a pivotal event for HVAC contractors and industry professionals who want to keep their technical skills up-to-date and learn how to run a successful HVAC business.
In addition to hundreds of HVAC product exhibitors, the conference features educational panels and breakout sessions centered around leadership, finance, and technical topics.
READ MORE: 18 Essential HVAC blogs and forums for contractors
IIAR Natural Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Expo
Where: San Antonio, Texas
When: March 15–18, 2026
Cost: Before February 2—$945 for members and $1,445 for non-members, after February 2—$1,210 for members and $1,850 for non-members
The 2026 IIAR Conference is an event geared toward cooling professionals who work with (or aim to work with) natural refrigeration.
Through this event, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration brings together HVAC design engineers and installers to discuss trends, technologies, and regulations in natural refrigeration.
Attend the conference to network with peers and industry leaders, and even hear TED Talk-style presentations on topics like experimental refrigeration methodologies, innovations around CO2, and more.
READ MORE: 4 HVAC sales tips for competitive selling (+ phone scripts)
InstallerSHOW New York 2026
Where: New York City, New York
When: March 18-19, 2026
Cost: Free
The InstallerSHOW is an event tailored for HVAC/R professionals looking to connect with their peers and equipment manufacturers. You’ll have the opportunity to meet these manufacturers in the exhibitors’ hall while also getting your hands on the latest HVAC/R products and technology.
The show also includes live sessions with HVAC experts to discuss industry trends and the latest innovations.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Convention
Where: Salt Lake City, Utah
When: March 18–20, 2026
Cost: Before January 5—$1,250 for members; after January 5—$1,350 regular rate for members and $1,500 on-site rate for members (email ABC for non-member pricing)
Although the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a construction trades association, their annual convention is a great place to find potential partnerships with home builders who need HVAC contractors.
It’s also an exciting opportunityto learn valuable business practices for trades pros (that also apply to HVAC businesses) through workshops and keynote speeches.
This year’s exhibitors include tool manufacturers like Milwaukee, skilled labor staffing companies, and online payment software providers.
Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Exposition (CMPX) 2024
Where: Toronto, Ontario
When: March 25–27, 2026
Cost: To Be Announced
The Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Exposition (CMPX) is a trade show and conference that connects skilled trades pros in the HVAC, plumbing, electrical trades.
Over 500 exhibitors will fill the Toronto Convention Centre with innovative equipment for every sector. Attending this trade show is an excellent way to build relationships with leading HVAC and plumbing brands.
There are also plenty of opportunities to develop your trade knowledge and skills. Seminars will keep you up to speed on current HVAC code and regulatory trends in Canada.
National Hardware Show (NHS)
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
When: March 30-April 2, 2026
Cost: To Be Announced
The National Hardware Show brings together manufacturers and distributors from all over the world to showcase their products and solutions. HVAC professionals can learn more about the latest equipment while networking with other industry experts.
This year’s event will feature specialty pavilions for inventors, global manufacturing, private label, and brands. There are also educational events to help you learn more about consumer trends, sourcing, and go-to-market strategies.
National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show
Where: Columbus, Ohio
When: April 13–16, 2026
Cost: Early rate—$945 for members and $1,095 for non-members; late rate—$1,045 for members and $1,195 for non-members
The National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show has been hosting thousands of HVAC professionals annually for 40 years. The event focuses on education around weatherization and overall home performance.
In addition to a trade show, you can also attend education sessions around home performance strategies, policy updates, and the latest technologies. There is also the opportunity to earn continuing education credits when you attend sessions or workshops.
Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology (MEET) Show 2024
Where: Moncton, New Brunswick
When: May 6–7, 2026
Cost: To be announced
The Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology Show, a major skilled trades event in Canada, connects mechanical, electrical, and HVAC contractors with suppliers and industry peers.
MEET 2026 features informative seminars and hundreds of exhibitors. You’ll get to connect with engineers, tradespeople, distributors, and nearly everyone involved in mechanical and building projects.
You can also sign up as an exhibitor for MEET if you want to market any HVAC products to potential partners and clients.
Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries (IHACI) Annual HVAC/R/SM Performance Contracting Product & Equipment Trade Show
Where: Pasadena, California
When: TBD
Cost: Free
IHACI’s annual trade show is a one-day event packed with things to do and people to see. The trade show hosted more than 3,000 industry professionals (contractors, distributors, technicians, etc.) and over 100 exhibitors in 2025, so the bar is high for 2026.
The event, which is over 40 years old, also features expert panels and seminars about HVAC code updates, new technology, general education, career advice, and more.
Top HVAC conferences in 2026
While trade shows focus more on hands-on product demos, HVAC conferences are geared toward skill-building and education. Here are some popular HVAC conferences in 2026 that offer great learning, networking, and professional development opportunities:
Jobber Summit
Where: Online
When: TBD
A one-day, online conference made for everyone in home service trades, Jobber Summit helps thousands of HVAC professionals level up their businesses with advice on leadership, effective operations, and business growth.
For HVAC business owners at all stages, Jobber Summit is a great place to connect with other industry professionals and learn from each other’s experiences.Jobber Summit will be back in 2026, but in the meantime, you can register to download all of the great content and resources from 2025.
I truly believe that service entrepreneurs need to come together from different service industries and swap stories, share tips, and learn from each other. By getting together and sharing each other’s successes and failures, we can help each other level up.
ASHRAE Winter Conference
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
When: January 31–February 4, 2026
Cost: Before April 27—$885 for members and $1,160 for non-members, after April 27 —$930 for members and $1,185 for non-members
The ASHRAE Winter Conference is a prestigious event for professionals in the HVAC industry.
Hosted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, this conference is known for its educational seminars, keynotes, and networking opportunities
Register for ASHRAE’s conference if you’re an HVAC engineer trying to keep up with advancements in HVAC design and engineering.
HVAC Excellence National HVACR Education Conference
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
When: March 23–26, 2026
Cost: Before December 25—$435; January 1-February 22—$475; after February 23—$550
The HVAC Excellence National HVACR Education Conference is geared towards industry pros seeking education on HVAC technology and business practices. The event features hands-on training and certification opportunities, and educational sessions with industry experts.
While it’s primarily a conference focused on learning and networking, the event also has an expo to showcase new and innovative HVAC products from industry-leading manufacturers and suppliers.
ASHRAE Annual Conference
Where: Austin, Texas
When: June 27–July 1, 2026
Cost: Before April 27—$885 for members and $1,160 for non-members; after April 27 —$930 for members and $1,185 for non-members
The ASHRAE Annual Conference brings the same great format from the winter conference to the summer months. You’ll have access to more than 80 technical sessions, a special plenary session, and networking events throughout the conference. You’ll also get professional development hours for all of the technical sessions you attend.
If you can’t make it in person, the conference also offers a virtual option that lets you participate in technical sessions, download conference presentations, and watch recorded sessions for anything you might have missed.
How to make the most of your trade show experience
Making the most out of your trade show experience is all about planning ahead. Check these items off your list to make sure you have everything you need for your event.
Plan the events you want to attend: Go through the event agenda and mark all the sessions you’d like to attend. Pick topics and speakers that are most important to your business.
Plan the exhibitor booths you want to visit: Do a lap of all the exhibitor booths and make a note of businesses you want to visit when you have time. The exhibitor hall is full of important business opportunities and new contacts, so you’ll want to be active on the floor.
Download the event app: If the conference or trade show has an app, you’ll want to download it immediately to have all the important information at your fingertips—agenda, venue information, games or contests, attendee and/or speaker details, etc. Many trade shows and conferences also use their apps for important notifications, like any changes to the agenda.
Stock up on business cards: You’ll be networking a lot, so make sure you have plenty of ways to share your contact information with people you meet. Use a business card, company brochure, or other printed marketing materials to share with new contacts.
Follow event social channels: Another great way to stay up to date with the latest trade show and conference information is to follow social channels. You’ll get agenda updates, speaker details, and exciting moments from the conference in real time.
It is worth setting aside a few dollars and getting somewhere in person to actually develop yourself and develop the business as well.
Stay connected with your peers in the HVAC industry
Trade shows and conferences are important places to connect with potential business partners, get advice, and level up your skills.
Beyond these events, there are many opportunities to connect and share your expertise with other HVAC business owners year-round. Consider joining the Jobber Entrepreneurship Group, keep up with trade magazines, and keep looking for opportunities to learn and grow.
In the meantime, keep upgrading your skills by checking out our HVAC industry resources or watching the video below.
Originally published in October 2020. Last updated on December 8, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You can register for an HVAC trade show as an exhibitor through the event’s website. Most trade shows and conferences have a special registration for exhibitors, which includes registering to have a booth on the floor and to attendees from your business. For example, the AHR Expo has a simple form to register as an exhibitor and a business lookup for attendees.
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Measuring your return on investment as an exhibitor is a combination of hard and soft numbers, and it depends on your goals for the trade show or conference. Hard numbers would include things like leads and sales, while soft numbers would be things like brand awareness and learnings from the conference. It’s important to set those goals before you commit to being an exhibitor so you can properly measure once the event is over.
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National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show – This event focuses on energy-efficient solutions and the latest weather-proofing methods.
IIAR Natural Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Expo – This event focuses on natural refrigeration solutions, which are more beneficial for the environment than older HVAC systems.
Cooling Technology Institute (CTI) Annual Conference and Expo – This event focuses on environmentally-responsible cooling solutions.
ASHRAE Winter Conference and Annual Conference – Both ASHRAE events feature many educational sessions on energy efficiency and sustainability.