2014 AHR Expo in NYC setting a record pace
June 6, 2013 | By HPAC Magazine
Exhibit space 90 per cent sold, economic indicators strong, say organizers.
Early indications are that the 2014 AHR Expo in New York City next January 21-23 is on pace to be another record-breaking show. According to Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company, which produces and manages the AHR Expo, more than 90 per cent of the available exhibit space at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has already been reserved. Stevens pointed out that in addition to several positive economic indicators, the last time the HVAC/R Show was in New York in 2008, it established a then all-time attendance record of more than 39,000 visitors with over 6400 buyers coming from 138 countries. Including exhibitor personnel, the total number of attendees reached over 57,600. Although the 2012 AHR Expo in Chicago barely eclipsed New York’s record number of visitors, show management is optimistic that the 2014 New York Show could regain the all-time attendance record based on the following statistics and forecasts:
• The Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) forecasts the HVAC sector will increase four per cent in 2013 and another seven per cent in 2014.
• The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) forecasts that single-family construction will grow 30 per cent in 2014 on top of a 22 per cent growth in 2013.
• Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) predicts that nonresidential construction spending will expand 5.2 per cent in 2013.
• The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Contractor Comfort Index rose to 60 in January – anything over 50 reflects anticipated growth.
• The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture Billings Index (ABI) climbed to 54.2 per cent in January, signifying its strongest growth in 5 ½ years.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is expected to grow 34 per cent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations.
AHR Expo is endorsed by 32 HVAC/R industry associations and is co-sponsored by ASHRAE and the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). The Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is an honourary sponsor.
