In spite of the challenging weather conditions, the number of visitors attending the first day of the ACR Show 2014 was up 7per cent on the previous event, the organisers have announced.
A highlight was Daikin's much-heralded launch of VRV IV, the latest incarnation of its pioneering air conditioning system which is claimed to set a new bench-mark for efficiency, flexibility and occupant comfort.

Jan Thorpe, event director, said: 'We are delighted that the industry and its leading organisations have supported the show so positively. The strong visitor attendance on the opening day is obviously very pleasing, and demonstrates the level of interest among the trade and end users for a high quality national exhibition, with all the networking and business opportunities it offers.'

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Graeme Maidment, president of the Institute of Refrigeration, said: 'With the important changes taking place in the industry, particularly in relation to the F-Gas revisions, the exhibition could not have been better timed. The Institute is playing a very active part, with a series of expert briefings on leakage prevention which have been very well received.'

Peter Verkempynk, managing director of show sponsor Daikin UK, said: 'The industry needs a national show like this to come together, share information and support and learn from one another. We are very proud to be sponsoring the event and wish exhibitors and visitors a very successful and enjoyable show.'

Highlights among the well-attended seminar programme included a session on the latest refrigerant solutions, by Barbara Minor and Joachim Gerstel of DuPont Fluoroproducts, and a paper entitled 'The biggest change to air conditioning since the introduction of the inverter', presented by Richard Green of Daikin UK.

A key seminar session, entitled 'The Greening of the Supermarkets', takes place on Wednesday, 12 February, and includes presentations from several experts working at the frontier of new supermarket technology. Access is free to visitors attending the show.

Exhibitors praised the quality and level of interest among visitors.

Mike Creamer, managing director of Business Edge, said: 'It has been a great opening day - exceptional. We have actually been taking orders on our stand and relaying them back to the office. We have also had discussions that could lead to a major consultancy project in an exciting new area. The level of interest has been simply tremendous.'

Mick Dalgarno of first-time exhibitor Strongduct said: 'It was a big act of faith for us in taking the decision to exhibit. However, on the strength of the first day alone, I can say it has been worth it. The quality of visitors and the enquiries we have received has been excellent. We already have a stack of leads to follow up and are confident they will result in new business.'

In addition to a strong attendance by the UK's trade press, the show has attracted unprecedented interest from publications in mainland Europe and beyond, with nearly two dozen editors and journalists attending from across the Continent.

The show runs for a further two days, on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Register for the show now, visit: www.acrshow.co.uk