The importance of HVAC&R exhibitions

Trade exhibitions are one of the most successful platforms for accelerating industry knowledge and business growth within the HVAC&R and building services industries across New Zealand and Australia

While New Zealand has the upcoming HVAC&R Hub to look forward to in June, Australia’s HVAC&R sector benefits from the Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Building Services (ARBS) Exhibition – a showcase of the latest cutting-edge innovations and new products and technology from around the world.

“Exhibitors invest significantly in their stand design and construction, creating impressive, engaging, informative and innovative displays,” shares Amanda Searle, CEO at ARBS. “We’ve seen exhibitors transport massive pieces of equipment from overseas, allowing visitors to experience the latest products and designs firsthand. Exhibitors come from every corner of the globe with around 12 per cent of the floor space dedicated to international exhibitors, offering a unique opportunity to experience global-leading innovations, products and technologies.

“I’m also looking forward to attending IRHACE’s HVAC&R Hub at BuildNZ to gain insights into the New Zealand market and observe how the sector is evolving there. This will provide a valuable comparison and potentially uncover new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.”

Trends to expect at upcoming HVAC&R exhibitions

Heat pumps are a significant trend that Amanda expects to see at upcoming exhibitions including ARBS and HVAC&R Hub, driven by the electrification of heating systems to replace fossil fuel-based systems in buildings.

“Heat pump technology, especially when integrated with renewable energy sources, has a substantial environmental impact, emitting far less greenhouse gas than traditional HVAC&R systems,” she says.

“Particularly in Australia with the Victorian and ACT governments banning new gas connections and other states likely to follow, electrification is driving industry change. This, coupled with climate change, has accelerated the use of heat pumps and technological advances.”

Another trend expected to be widely discussed is artificial intelligence (AI).

“Transforming the future workforce, smart buildings, automation and intelligent building management are progressing rapidly, with AI poised to accelerate these technological advances further.”

Maximising ROT when participating in HVAC&R exhibitions

Many will agree that for those exhibiting at trade events, the most effective strategy for maximising ROI involves having the right personnel on the stand.

“Customer-focused staff who are knowledgable about the company’s products and can provide valuable advice about selecting appropriate products are crucial,” says Amanda.

“Ensuring timely follow-up on all leads is also critical.”