The HVAC & Refrigeration Show – the event everyone is talking about!

ACR Show organiser Datateam Business Media has spent a lot of time reviewing and listening to the industry about the direction and style of the 2018 event.

Event manager Karena Cooper says: “Over 60% of companies told us that most of their business is done in the south, while 60% of visitors to both the 2014 and 2016 events were from the same region.

“It was therefore felt that by moving the show south, we would achieve our goals of increasing quality visitors and reaching a new audience. The industry can now look forward to the event taking place from 23-25 January 2018 at London’s ExCeL.”

Karena continues: “90% of those surveyed also said we should expand our show title and develop a new logo that would keep the integrity of the ACR brand, while clearly defining our commitment to all of the industry sectors represented, by incorporating the HV. The ACR Show has therefore become The HVAC & Refrigeration Show, to widen the appeal to visitors and businesses alike.”

The event has already won the backing of the Institute of Refrigeration. IOR secretary Miriam Rodway says: “The HVAC & Refrigeration Show provides a unique venue to meet and talk to our members across the country and we very much welcome the event as an opportunity to showcase the Institute’s offerings from our service engineer training sessions to our Annual Conference.  The Institute is increasingly seeing interest in integrating heating and cooling, so the new scope of the show very much reflects how the industry is moving. Last year’s show was very well supported by IOR Members and we look forward to an even stronger presence in London in 2018.”

National Refrigerants, an independent worldwide distributor of refrigerants and associated refrigerant management systems has also pledged its support, by returning as a brand partner for the 2018 event. Northern regional sales manager, Simon Ravenscroft comments: “I think changing the show name from The ACR Show to The HVAC & Refrigeration Show is a positive move. Combining an air-conditioning and refrigeration show with a heating and ventilation show can only lead to more footfall which is a good thing for everyone.

Simon continues: “Changing the date from February to January should also be better as it will avoid school holidays which in the past would have prevented some people from attending and moving it to ExCeL in London should make it more accessible.

“We signed up as a brand partner to raise the profile of National Refrigerants, there are so many changes happening at the moment and we want people to know we are out there to help them – using The HVAC & Refrigeration Show seemed the obvious way of getting that message out.”

FETA has also expressed its support for the show, by taking a stand and agreeing to speak at the event as part of the popular CPD accredited seminar programme.

Event manager Karena comments: “We are talking to a number of organisations with a view to linking up with all key associations and trade media for the biggest campaign yet. The formal announcement of a new name, date and venue will undoubtedly see a number of new partnerships formed and exhibitors signed up over the coming weeks and months.

“We have re-designed the show in a modern format, to achieve greater visitor interest and attendance, and greater brand coverage for participating companies, resulting in better business for all.

“2018 will see the launch of a new sector with refrigerated and chilled food transportation; it profiles well with the refrigeration sector and again links well with visitor expectations.”

The 2018 event will include the series launch of the national SkillFRIDGE competition, together with working lunches for sponsors and invited guests; a three day series of live debates on key issues and a three day seminar programme with speakers invited from UK and European Associations. Institute of Refrigeration and WorldSkillsUK presentations meanwhile, will take centre stage.

Event director, Paul Ryder said, “I am pleased that we have been able to make some significant changes to the 2018 event, working in conjunction with industry. ExCeL has been very forthcoming in enabling us to offer exhibitors and visitors a better experience. This will also give us an opportunity to host the ACR News Awards alongside the show at an exciting new London venue, to be announced.”

For more information visit www.hvacrshow.com