When the HVACR industry gathers each year for the AHR Expo, it isn’t just about walking the floor and marveling at the latest technologies. The event has become one of the most important meeting points for HVACR professionals worldwide. It’s where engineers, contractors, distributors, architects, facility managers, and manufacturers come together to exchange ideas, explore new business opportunities, and get hands-on with the latest innovations.
This coming February, the Expo heads west to the Las Vegas Convention Center, promising an event that will be as impactful as it is expansive. Scheduled for Feb. 2-4, 2026, the show is expected to attract more than 50,000 attendees and 1,800 exhibitors, making it one of the largest gatherings of HVACR professionals in the world.
IAPMO has exhibited at the AHR Expo for many years, consistently showcasing its leadership in advancing safety, sustainability, and innovation across the plumbing and mechanical industries. Co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI, the AHR Expo is more than just a trade show; it’s a living snapshot of where the industry is headed.
“Las Vegas is an exciting stage for the HVACR industry,” said Show Manager Mark Stevens. “We anticipate strong turnout and powerful conversations as the industry continues to evolve around new technologies, regulations, and market shifts. The AHR Expo is the place where those ideas come together and shape the future of our industry.”
Beyond the Show Floor
The AHR Expo is rightly famous for its enormous show floor, with aisles upon aisles of new products, equipment, software, and solutions covering every corner of the HVACR spectrum. But for many attendees, the real value of the event is found in the conversations that happen off the floor — in classrooms, panel discussions, and technical presentations.
The education program has grown to become one of the Expo’s defining features. With
hundreds of sessions and presentations spread across three days, it offers a rare chance to learn directly from industry leaders, innovators, and peers.
“Our education sessions are designed to connect real-world challenges with practical solutions,” said Kimberely Pires, Special Projects manager. “The conversations that happen in these sessions directly translate to what attendees see on the show floor, creating a rich, full-circle experience.”
HVACR professionals take part in the RPA-led radiant and hydronics education track at the AHR Expo, a program that delivers both technical expertise and industry insights. PHOTOS COURTESY OF AHR
The RPA Track: Radiant and Hydronics in Focus
One of the most anticipated components of the education program is the Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) track. A proud part of IAPMO, the RPA has become the industry’s authority on radiant heating, cooling, and hydronics. Its sessions have built a reputation for being among the most practical, relevant, and forward- looking educational offerings at the Expo.
The RPA’s mission is to provide interactive, cost-effective training that equips professionals to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. The radiant and hydronics education track has been carefully designed to serve everyone from installers and contractors to engineers and distributors. It not only covers technical know-how but also explores broader issues like sustainability, policy shifts, and the adoption of new business tools.
“Partnering with AHR Expo allows us to extend the reach of RPA’s expertise in radiant and hydronics,” said John Mullen, director of Technical Services and Research for IAPMO and technical liaison for the Radiant Professionals Alliance. “By offering these sessions on such a prominent stage, we’re helping contractors, engineers, and manufacturers alike gain insights that improve system design, support sustainability goals, and strengthen business practices. The collaboration benefits every stakeholder across the HVACR chain.”
Session Highlights: RPA Education at AHR Expo 2026
Here’s a look at the RPA-hosted sessions featured in Las Vegas:
Ground Source and Geothermal Heat Pump Technologies
Presented by Greg Kurtz, technical director, IGSHPA
An up-to-date overview of geothermal systems and the latest technological advancements in ground source heat pumps, bridging innovation with practical application.
24/7 Salespeople, AI Lead Gen and More | HVAC-P
Presented by Carson Brown, CMO, Surge Digital Marketing
This session explores how HVAC and plumbing companies can harness AI to save money, gain efficiency, and sharpen competitiveness in today’s digital marketplace.
Cooling Towers to Community Assets: Geo Strategies for Decarbonization
Presented by Jay Egg, president, Egg Geo LLC
Learn how geothermal exchange can replace cooling towers, cut water use, and turn waste heat into a valuable community-scale energy resource.
Heat Smarter: Leveraging Radiant Systems for LEED Certification and Carbon Reduction
Presented by Saeed Danesh, technical project specialist, Radiant Heating and Cooling, Rehau
A forward-looking session on how radiant systems contribute to electrification, LEED pathways, and measurable carbon reduction.
Snow and Ice Melt (SIM) Best Practices
Presented by William Werthman, Hydronics Business Development manager, Legend Valve
Covers design, layout, and controls for high-performing snow and ice melt systems across residential and commercial projects.
Gas Absorption Heat Pumps in Hydronic Applications
Presented by Bo DeAngelo, service manager, Stone Mountain Technologies
An introduction to GAHPs and their unique performance advantages in cold climates, including efficiency, sizing, and emissions benefits.
The BEST Energy Modeling Tool of the Future: Building Efficiency System Tool 7.0
Presented by Greg Cunniff, Hydronics, Egg Geo LLC
Introduces BEST 7.0, an early energy modeling tool that can evaluate net energy use, cascading heat pump systems, district energy applications, and more.
Why This Track Matters
The HVACR industry is in the midst of profound change. Rising energy costs, new efficiency standards, and the urgent need to cut carbon emissions are reshaping the way buildings are designed and operated. At the same time, digital transformation is introducing new tools, from AI-driven business systems to connected building technologies.
For radiant and hydronics professionals, this shifting landscape is both a challenge and an opportunity. The RPA education track provides a roadmap to help navigate these changes — offering technical guidance, real-world case studies, and business strategies that are immediately applicable.
Radiant systems, in particular, are increasingly seen as a cornerstone of sustainable building design. They not only improve comfort but also support electrification efforts and contribute to high-performance building certifications. At the same time, hydronics remain a versatile and efficient solution for a wide range of applications, from residential to industrial.
The inclusion of sessions on AI, energy modeling, and business strategies reflects another reality: success in HVACR today requires more than technical knowledge. Contractors and engineers also need to understand how to run smarter businesses, connect with customers, and seize new opportunities.
The 2026 AHR Expo promises to be a dynamic gathering for HVACR professionals, with the RPA education track standing out as a cornerstone of the event. By highlighting radiant and hydronics technologies, these sessions will give attendees the knowledge and tools to tackle today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. It’s an education program designed to empower the entire industry.
Last modified: November 3, 2025