According to show management, more than 1,600 companies have already reserved 360,000 net-sq-ft of exhibit space. As a result, the 2005 International AHR Expo is expected to be one of the five largest events of all time and bigger than last year’s record-breaking West Coast show in Anaheim, CA, U.S., which finished with 324,590-sq-ft of exhibit space. Even early numbers indicated that the 2005 event would surpass both Anaheim in 2004 and the 1995 Chicago, IL, U.S. show that boasted 336,326 net sq ft.

According to Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company, there are several reasons for the enthusiastic response to the 2005 show. “The improving economy is certainly a key factor,” he said. Mr. Stevens also attributed the response to the fact that the Expo will be in Orlando for the first time and will attract many new visitors from the U.S. Southeast, in addition to the usual strong U.S. and international attendance.

The International AHR Expo is co-sponsored by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI). The Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is an honorary sponsor.

Educational sessions at the Expo will touch on issues such as “Designing HVAC Systems to Control Noise and Vibration” and “Making 13 SEER a Win-Win For the Marketplace.” Other topics include indoor air quality, energy efficiency, green building technology, building automation and control, and industry standards. ASHRAE’s winter meeting will also be held concurrently with the AHR Expo.

Following are some of the products, components, and services that will be exhibited at the Expo. Additional information about the exhibition can found at www.ahrexpo.com.