Event postponements have become a routine affair as the pandemic continues to present challenges and unpredictable variables. Everywhere, roadblocks have been set in place by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Show Management, along with co-sponsors, AHRI and ASHRAE, reviewed current state and local restrictions for hosting mass gatherings over 50 people, as well as challenges presented by COVID. After exhausting all possibilities to tentatively reschedule the Show for March 2021, the forced cancellation of the 2021 AHR Expo in Chicago was announced. Instead, focus is shifted to January 31st – February 2nd for the 2022. AHR Expo is preparing for an in-person event experience in Las Vegas, NV.
Ashrae committee, council and board meetings will take place virtually in January. Ashrae Executive Vice President Jeff Littleton said, “Current health rules regarding social distancing and large gatherings makes it impossible for us to provide the experience that our attendees expect at the AHR Expo. As leaders in the built environment, we have a responsibility to protect health and wellbeing of attendees, exhibitors and staff. While we could not find a path forward to host the expo in 2021, we anticipate an even greater show in 2022 in Las Vegas.”
The 2021 ASHRAE Winter Virtual Conference will take place in a convenient, online format February 9-11, 2021 and will include a mixture of live, pre-recorded and on-demand sessions.
Charles E. Gulledge III, P.E., 2020-21 ASHRAE President said, “The Board of Directors has carefully considered what course of action would be best for ASHRAE members, the committees that conduct the Society’s business, the industry we serve and the AHR Expo. The pandemic has affected everyone, requiring that we adapt to existing conditions in our personal and professional endeavors and our decision to cancel the 2021 AHR Expo is a reflection of necessary adjustments.”
