Look, you’re busy running service calls, managing techs, and keeping the books straight. The last thing you need is another thing on your list. But skipping HVAC trade shows in 2026 could cost you more than attending them.
The HVAC industry is changing fast: new refrigerants, AI-powered diagnostics, heat pump mandates, and efficiency standards that didn’t exist two years ago. Your competitors are learning this stuff somewhere. Probably at the same HVAC conventions and conferences you’re thinking about skipping.
This guide cuts through the noise. No fluff, no hype — just the dates, locations, costs, and what you actually need to know about the top HVAC trade shows in 2026. Whether you’re looking to see new equipment at an HVAC expo before your competition does, learn how to actually run your business better, or just get away from the daily grind for a few days of solid networking at industry events, we’ve got you covered.
Build Expo USA runs regional shows across the country throughout 2026. These aren’t HVAC-specific, but they’re worth considering if you’re local and looking for HVAC events near you. You’ll find suppliers, get some accredited education hours, and network without dropping two grand on airfare and hotels. The expo floor has everything from HVAC tools to tech vendors, and the crowds are smaller than the national HVAC conventions, which means you actually get to talk to people instead of fighting through packed aisles.
Dates: February 25–26, 2026
Location: Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, GA
Cost: Registration details at buildexpousa.com/atlanta-build-expo/
Type: Regional building and construction expo
Dates: April 22–23, 2026
Location: Dallas Market Hall, Dallas, TX
Cost: Registration details at buildexpousa.com/dallas-build-expo/
Type: Regional building and construction expo
Dates: May 27–28, 2026
Location: Palmer Events Center, Austin, TX
Cost: Registration details at buildexpousa.com/austin-build-expo/
Type: Regional building and construction expo
Dates: July 1–2, 2026
Location: Music City Center, Nashville, TN
Cost: Registration details at buildexpousa.com/nashville-build-expo/
Type: Regional building and construction expo
Dates: August 12–13, 2026
Location: NRG Park Center, Houston, TX
Cost: Registration details at buildexpousa.com/houston-build-expo/
Type: Regional building and construction expo
Dates: September 30–October 1, 2026
Location: Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Cost: Registration details at buildexpousa.com/south-florida/
Type: Regional building and construction expo
Dates: October 13–14, 2026
Location: Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC
Cost: Registration details at buildexpousa.com/charlotte-build-expo/
Type: Regional building and construction expo
Dates: November 4–5, 2026
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Registration details at buildexpousa.com/los-angeles-build-expo/
Type: Regional building and construction expo
Dates: December 9–10, 2026
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ
Cost: Registration details at buildexpousa.com/phoenix-build-expo/
Type: Regional building and construction expo
Dates: January 31–February 4, 2026
Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV
Cost:
Type: Technical conference
Size: 3,800+ attendees, 100+ technical sessions
Company: ASHRAE
ASHRAE’s Winter Conference runs alongside AHR Expo, so you can hit both HVAC events if you’re flying to Vegas. This is where you go deep on the technical side: HVACR fundamentals, connected buildings, cold-climate heat pumps, and IAQ applications. The sessions are heavy on engineering and standards, which matters if you’re doing commercial work or trying to stay ahead of code changes.
Over 100 technical sessions cover everything from low-GWP refrigerants to AI in building systems. You’ll earn PDH credits for maintaining your certifications, and the committee meetings are where industry standards actually get shaped. If you care about where the HVAC industry is heading, this HVAC conference is ground zero.
Dates: February 2–4, 2026
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center (Central & South Halls), Las Vegas, NV
Show Hours:
Cost: Free registration (premium passes available)
Type: Trade show and expo
Size: 1,800+ exhibitors, 50,000+ attendees
Company: Co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI
AHR Expo 2026 is the big one. If you only go to one HVAC expo this year, make it this one. Over 1,800 manufacturers will show off equipment that won’t hit the broader market for months, like heat pumps, smart controls, new refrigerants, and diagnostic tools.
The expo floor alone is worth the trip, but don’t sleep on the educational sessions. You’ve got new product theaters with rapid-fire 20-minute demos, panel discussions on trending topics, and podcast pavilions featuring shows like HVAC School and HVAC Uncensored. The Innovation Awards showcase technologies that’ll be industry standard in a couple of years.
This is also where manufacturers often launch major products, so if you want to be the first contractor in your market offering the next big thing, this is where you find it. The connections you make here — with suppliers, other contractors, and manufacturer reps — are the kind that turn into better pricing, faster service, and insider info throughout the year.
Pro Tip: Download the AHR Expo 2026 app before you go and map out which exhibitors you need to see. With 1,800+ booths, you won’t see everything in three days unless you plan ahead.
Dates: March 4–6, 2026
Location: Cleveland, OH
Cost: Registration details at ohioconvention-phccacco.org
Type: Regional convention and expo
Size: Regional contractors and suppliers
Company: Air Conditioning Contractors of Ohio (ACCO) and Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Ohio (PHCC Ohio)
If you’re working in Ohio or the surrounding region, this is your state show. ACCO and PHCC Ohio team up for a three-day HVAC convention that focuses on what matters to contractors in the Midwest: cold-climate installs, heating systems, and the realities of doing business in a state with real winters.
The convention includes seminars covering technical updates, code changes, and business practices specific to Ohio. The expo floor connects you with regional suppliers who understand your market and can get you parts and equipment without shipping from across the country. This is where you meet the reps who actually pick up the phone when you need help.
For Ohio contractors trying to get more HVAC leads and grow their local business, the networking at this HVAC conference is invaluable. You’re not competing with guys from California or Texas. You’re building relationships with contractors who face the same seasonal challenges and regulatory environment you do.
Dates: March 15–18, 2026
Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV
Cost: Registration details at accaconference.com
Type: Business-focused conference with expo
Size: Thousands of HVACR contractors and business owners
Company: Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
ACCA is where you go to learn how to actually run your HVAC business, not just fix air conditioners. The four-day ACCA Conference program hits leadership, finance, workforce development, and technical topics — everything that determines whether you’re profitable or just busy.
Past attendees say the informal networking is where the real value is. You’re talking shop with contractors running $5M to $50M+ operations who’ve already solved the problems you’re dealing with right now.
The expo floor has vendors focused on business tools: HVAC contractor financing programs, training platforms, and marketing services. Whether you’re trying to start an HVAC business or just make it run smoother, this is where you find the tools and connections to do it.
You’re about to see the latest heat pumps, refrigerants, controls, and efficiency upgrades in 2026. But can your customers say yes when you recommend them? Finturf connects you to the industry’s largest network of home improvement lenders so you can offer more approvals, propose more options, and close more installs.
Get Your Financing Dialed In Before Your Next ShowDates: March 15–18, 2026
Location: Henry B. González Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
Cost: Registration details at iiar.org
Type: Technical conference and expo
Size: 2,000+ attendees, 150+ exhibitors
Company: International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR)
If you work in industrial refrigeration or natural refrigerants, IIAR is mandatory. It’s the largest HVAC expo dedicated to ammonia and natural refrigeration in North America. The technical program covers system design, safety, decarbonization, and heat pumps, all through the lens of natural refrigerants.
The conference includes approximately 30 educational sessions across six tracks, from “Refrigeration 101” for newer techs to advanced technical papers for engineers. All sessions are recorded for members to access later, and you’ll earn professional development hours.
New for 2026: An expanded NRF (Natural Refrigeration Foundation) lounge with a recruiting station connecting companies with job seekers. If you’re looking to hire HVAC technicians with industrial refrigeration experience, this is where they’ll be.
Dates: March 18–19, 2026
Location: Javits Center, New York City, NY
Cost: Free registration
Type: Trade show and networking event
Size: 5,000+ visitors, 100+ exhibitors
Company: InstallerSHOW
InstallerSHOW brings its successful UK format to New York in 2026, introducing a hands-on HVAC expo experience to the U.S. market. Manufacturers bring actual equipment onto the floor so you can test it out. You want to see how that new diagnostic tool feels in your hand or how intuitive that control system really is? This is where you do it.
The show runs alongside New York Build, so you’ve got access to 5,000+ professionals from across the construction industry. The InstallerPLAZA features live podcasts, product launches, panel discussions, and debates on hot topics facing HVAC pros right now. Think of it as a live industry news show where you’re in the audience.
Free admission makes this a no-brainer if you’re in the Northeast. Two days to see new products, talk directly with manufacturer reps who know their gear inside and out, and network with other contractors dealing with the same building codes and climate challenges you face. The show is designed specifically for installers and technicians, not engineers or architects, so the content is practical and immediately usable.
Dates: March 20, 2026
Location: Drury Lane Conference Center, Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Cost: Free admission
Type: Regional one-day trade show with continuing education
Size: Regional contractors and suppliers
Company: Illinois Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association (ILPHCC)
Illinois PHCC Expo North is a one-day regional HVAC trade show that packs serious value into a compact format. The event runs from 9 am to 1 pm with a continuing education class, followed by the trade show from noon to 4:30 pm. Free admission, local venue, and you’re done by dinner. That’s tough to beat for Illinois contractors.
This is the kind of show where you actually know half the people in the room. Regional suppliers who stock parts for Chicago winters, manufacturer reps who understand Illinois code requirements, and other contractors facing the same seasonal challenges you deal with. The continuing education sessions count toward your Illinois licensing requirements, so you’re knocking out required training while seeing new products.
The Drury Lane Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace puts you right in the Chicago suburbs with easy access from anywhere in the region. For contractors based in Illinois, Wisconsin, or Indiana, this beats flying to Vegas and spending three days away from your business. You can hit the CE class in the morning, work the expo floor through the afternoon, and be back in your truck before rush hour.
One day, free entry, local suppliers, and required CE credits. If you’re working in the Illinois market and trying to stay current on HVAC licensing and certification requirements, this show should be on your calendar.
Dates: March 22–25, 2026
Location: South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, Las Vegas, NV
Cost:
Type: Education and training conference with expo
Size: 900+ attendees, 100+ exhibitors
Company: HVAC Excellence
This conference is designed for educators and trainers, but smart contractors attend too. Also known as the National HVACR Education Conference, this HVAC event covers inverter technologies, cold-climate heat pumps, heat recovery systems, and other emerging tech that your team will need to know. The expo showcases the latest HVACR products from major manufacturers.
The hands-on training sessions are where this HVAC conference shines. Manufacturers bring actual equipment onto the floor, open it up, and walk you through how it works. You’re not just looking at brochures; you’re getting under the hood with factory reps who know every detail.
If you’re serious about training your team or staying current on new equipment, this is more valuable than most technical courses. Plus, with manufacturers setting aside competition to collaborate on education, you get honest comparisons of different approaches to the same problems.
Dates: April 13–16, 2026
Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH
Cost: Registration details at building-performance.org/events/national/
Type: Home performance and weatherization conference with trade show
Size: 2,800+ attendees (based on 2025 numbers), multiple exhibitors
Company: Building Performance Association (BPA)
If you’re doing weatherization work, energy audits, or home performance contracting, the National Home Performance Conference is where your industry gathers. The HVAC conference brings together contractors, weatherization professionals, healthy homes experts, trainers, program administrators, and energy auditors.
The educational tracks cover building science fundamentals, business strategies, and policy updates that directly affect home performance work. You’ll earn CEUs from BPI, RESNET, NARI, InterNACHI, NATE, and other certification organizations. The sessions aren’t theoretical; they’re taught by contractors who’ve actually implemented the strategies they’re teaching.
The trade show floor showcases building performance technology, retrofit solutions, diagnostic equipment, and the latest in HVAC efficiency products. This is particularly valuable if you’re positioning your HVAC business to capture rebate and incentive work from utility programs or government initiatives.
Columbus puts this show right in the middle of the country, making travel reasonable from most markets. The networking here connects you with contractors doing similar work in different climate zones, so you can learn what’s working elsewhere and adapt it to your market.
Dates: June 27–July 1, 2026
Location: JW Marriott Austin, Austin, TX
Cost: Registration opens Spring 2026
Type: Technical conference
Size: Details TBA
Company: ASHRAE
ASHRAE’s Annual Conference happens after the spring installation rush but before peak summer service season. The technical program at this HVAC conference focuses on AI in HVAC systems, building decarbonization, and innovations in building design. It’s forward-looking content about regulations and trends that’ll affect your business in two to three years.
The conference features tracks on hot climate building system design, research summits, workforce development, and fundamentals. Papers presented here often get published in ASHRAE’s research journal, so you’re getting cutting-edge content before it becomes common knowledge.
If you attended the Winter Conference, this one covers different ground. Winter focuses more on current systems and applications; Annual looks further ahead at where the industry is going.
Dates: October 5–7, 2026
Location: Orlando, FL (specific venue TBA)
Cost: Registration details at servicetitan.com
Type: User conference and networking event
Size: 3,000+ contractors and industry professionals
Company: ServiceTitan
Pantheon is ServiceTitan’s annual user conference, so there’s a software focus. But even if you’re not a ServiceTitan customer, the business growth content and networking at this HVAC meeting are solid. Two and a half days of keynotes, product training, and sessions led by successful contractors who’ve actually done what you’re trying to do. The contractor-led sessions cover marketing, sales, operations, and leadership with real-world strategies from people running six- to eight-figure HVAC companies.
The Titan Appreciation Party is apparently legendary (based on what past attendees say), and the networking opportunities with other home service professionals are the reason many people come back year after year. If you’re trying to figure out how to market your HVAC business or scale operations, this is worth considering.
Dates: Early November 2026 (specific date TBA)
Location: Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, CA
Cost: Free (registration required)
Type: Regional one-day trade show with seminars
Size: 3,000-3,500 attendees, 100+ exhibitors, 150+ booths
Company: Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries (IHACI)
IHACI has been running this one-day HVAC trade show for decades, and it’s one of the best regional HVAC expos in Southern California. Free admission, solid exhibitor lineup, and educational seminars throughout the day covering code updates, refrigerant changes, and heat pump technology. This is the definition of “high value, low barrier to entry.”
The show attracts contractors, business owners, distributors, manufacturers, technicians, facility managers, and future HVAC technicians from across California and neighboring states. With 150+ booths, you can cover the entire show floor in a day and still have time to attend multiple seminars.
The early November timing is strategic. You’re past the brutal summer service season but ahead of the holiday slowdown, making it easier to get away for a day. For California contractors dealing with state-specific regulations, refrigerant bans, and aggressive energy efficiency mandates, the seminar content at this HVAC expo is particularly valuable.
Pre-registration opens in August. If you’re based anywhere in Southern California or plan to be in the area in early November, this HVAC trade show is worth blocking out on your calendar. You can’t beat the ROI on a free show that’s well-established and regionally relevant.
Dates: November 9–12, 2026
Location: Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, NV
Cost: Registration details at serviceworldexpo.com
Type: Multi-trade business conference and expo
Size: 200+ exhibitors, thousands of residential contractors
Company: Service World Expo
Service World Expo isn’t just HVAC. It covers plumbing, electrical, and other residential service trades. The focus is business growth: marketing that generates qualified leads, sales processes that close at higher rates, operations that run without constant firefighting.
Five days of programming at this HVAC convention includes 90-minute breakout sessions on business design, finance, HR, leadership, marketing, operations, and sales. Four-hour workshops dive deeper into specific topics and tools. The expo floor has over 200 vendors showing products and services designed specifically for residential contractors.
The evening events and networking opportunities are built into the experience. This is where you meet contractors from other markets who’ve solved the same problems you’re facing. Service World Expo partners with the Joseph Groh Foundation, so you’re supporting a good cause while investing in your business.
Dates: December 7–10, 2026
Location: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, San Diego, CA
Cost: Registration details at hardiconference.com
Type: Industry conference for distributors, manufacturers, and vendors
Size: 1,500+ attendees, 260+ suppliers in booth program
Company: Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI)
HARDI’s Annual Conference is the major end-of-year HVAC event for HVACR distribution. This is where distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers meet to discuss the state of the industry and plan for the coming year. If you’re a contractor with strong distributor relationships, this one’s worth knowing about. Even if you’re not attending, what gets discussed at this HVAC conference will affect your pricing and product availability in 2027.
The four-day program includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions on market analysis and business strategy, and extensive networking opportunities. Topics typically cover economic forecasts, regulatory compliance, supply chain optimization, and emerging customer service trends.
While HARDI membership is geared toward wholesalers and distributors, contractors benefit from understanding the distribution side of the business. The technician salary discussions, workforce development initiatives, and technology adoption trends all affect what equipment and support will be available to you as a contractor.
San Diego in December beats most other locations, and the timing (after the busy fall season but before holidays) works for getting away.
HVAC trade shows and conventions give you ideas, connections, and motivation. But here’s what happens to most contractors after they get home from these HVAC events: the business cards get filed, the brochure bag sits in the corner, and everything goes back to normal.
Don’t let that be you in 2026.
Those conversations you’ll have at HVAC conferences and trade shows — with manufacturers about new equipment, with other contractors about better processes, with vendors about tools that could save you time — only matter if you turn them into actual business growth.
Here’s one move you can make before you even pack for your first HVAC expo: get your contractor financing dialed in. When a homeowner hesitates at the cost of a new system, the right financing can be the difference between a stalled conversation and a signed job.
At Finturf, we help HVAC contractors offer financing that makes those system replacements more budget-friendly for regular people. Get started with Finturf today and give your business a head start on the competitive strategies you’ll be learning at these HVAC conventions and expos.
Trade shows give you better products and better strategies. But revenue only increases when you can convert more estimates into signed jobs. Finturf gives HVAC contractors access to multiple lenders in one platform, so more homeowners get approved and more projects move forward.
Don’t just upgrade your equipment knowledge. Upgrade your close rate.
Disclaimer: Event dates, locations, pricing, and programming are subject to change. Please check each event’s official website for the most current and accurate information before making travel or registration plans.
