HVAC Trade Shows & Conventions in 2026: Complete Event Guide for Contractors

HVAC trade shows and conventions remain one of the most effective ways for contractors to stay competitive, informed, and connected. In 2026, the industry calendar is packed with events that span technical education, business growth, workforce development, and emerging technology—from massive international expos to regional, contractor-focused conferences.

Below is a comprehensive, contractor-friendly guide to the most important HVAC trade shows and conventions in 2025–2026, including dates, locations, costs, and direct links so you can plan with confidence.

Build Expo USA (2025–2026 Shows)

Hosted by: Build Expo USA

Build Expo USA hosts some of the largest regional building and construction expos in the country. These shows are especially valuable for HVAC contractors who want face-to-face access to suppliers, accredited education, and local networking—without the cost of a national convention.

What to expect

• Accredited continuing education classes
• Thousands of product and service displays
• Strong local and regional contractor attendance

2025–2026 Build Expo USA Schedule

• Fort Lauderdale – Nov. 12–13, 2025
  Broward County Convention Center
  👉 https://buildexpousa.com/fort-lauderdale/
• Phoenix – Dec. 9–10, 2025
  Phoenix Convention Center
  👉 https://buildexpousa.com/phoenix/
• Tampa – Jan. 21–22, 2026
  Tampa Convention Center
  👉 https://buildexpousa.com/tampa/
• Atlanta – Feb. 25–26, 2026
  Cobb Galleria Centre
  👉 https://buildexpousa.com/atlanta/
• Dallas – April 22–23, 2026
  Dallas Market Hall
  👉 https://buildexpousa.com/dallas/
• Austin – May 27–28, 2026
  Palmer Events Center
  👉 https://buildexpousa.com/austin/
• Nashville – July 1–2, 2026
  Music City Center
  👉 https://buildexpousa.com/nashville/
• Houston – Aug. 12–13, 2026
  NRG Park Center
  👉 https://buildexpousa.com/houston/
• Los Angeles – Nov. 4–5, 2026
  Los Angeles Convention Center
  👉 https://buildexpousa.com/los-angeles/

2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference

Hosted by: ASHRAE

• Dates: Jan. 31 – Feb. 4, 2026
• Location: Caesars Palace Resort, Las Vegas
• Cost:
  • Early Bird (through Oct. 31): $885 members / $1,160 nonmembers
  • Advance (through Jan. 23): $930 members / $1,185 nonmembers
  • On-site: $1,210 members / $1,465 nonmembers
  • Virtual only: $560 members / $610 nonmembers

ASHRAE’s Winter Conference dives deep into HVACR fundamentals, connected buildings, system design, IAQ applications, and energy performance. This is a high-value event for contractors involved in commercial, institutional, or technically complex projects.

🔗 https://www.ashrae.org/conferences

AHR Expo 2026

Co-sponsored by: AHRI

• Dates: Feb. 2–4, 2026
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
• Cost: Free

AHR Expo is North America’s largest HVACR technology event and runs alongside the ASHRAE Winter Conference. Contractors attend AHR to see what’s coming next—from heat pumps and refrigeration to smart controls and energy-saving innovations.

🔗 https://www.ahrexpo.com/

ACCA 2026 Conference & Expo

Hosted by: Air Conditioning Contractors of America

• Dates: March 15–18, 2026
• Location: Caesars Palace Resort, Las Vegas
• Cost:
  • Nonmember: $795
  • Gold Member: $445
  • Silver Member: $545
  • Bronze Member: $645

ACCA’s annual conference is one of the best business-focused HVAC events in the country. Sessions emphasize leadership, workforce, finance, and operational excellence. The 2026 keynote is Ryan Berman, author of Return on Courage.

🔗 https://www.acca.org/education/conferences

IIAR 2026 Natural Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Expo

Hosted by: IIAR

• Dates: March 15–18, 2026
• Location: Henry B. González Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
• Cost: Registration details coming soon

This event is a must-attend for contractors involved in industrial refrigeration and natural refrigerant systems. Expect in-depth technical education, heavy-equipment exhibits, and networking with leaders shaping the future of low-impact refrigeration.

🔗 https://www.iiar.org/

HVAC Excellence National HVACR Education Conference

Hosted by: HVAC Excellence

• Dates: March 22–25, 2026
• Location: South Point Hotel, Las Vegas
• Cost:
  • Through Dec. 31, 2025: $435
  • Jan. 1 – Feb. 22: $475
  • After Feb. 23: $550

This conference is ideal for contractors prioritizing technician training, certification, and education standards. Topics include inverter technology, cold-climate heat pumps, and heat recovery systems.

🔗 https://www.hvacexcellence.org/

Illinois PHCC Expo North 2025

Hosted by: PHCC

• Date: March 20, 2025
• Location: Drury Lane Conference Center, Oakbrook Terrace, IL
• Cost: Details coming soon

PHCC Expo North is a strong regional event with a hands-on focus. In addition to the expo floor, attendees can earn CEUs and connect directly with Midwest manufacturers and suppliers.

🔗 https://www.phccil.org/

2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference

• Dates: June 27 – July 1, 2026
• Location: JW Marriott & Marriott Downtown, Austin, TX
• Cost:
  • Early Bird (through April 27): $885 members / $1,160 nonmembers
  • Advance (through June 5): $930 members / $1,185 nonmembers
  • On-site: $1,210 members / $1,465 nonmembers
  • Virtual only: $560 members / $610 nonmembers

ASHRAE’s Annual Conference expands on winter topics and includes equipment innovation, workforce development, and applied research, with both in-person and virtual options.

🔗 https://www.ashrae.org/conferences

ServiceTitan Pantheon 2026

Hosted by: ServiceTitan

• Date: September 2026 (details coming soon)
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Cost: Registration details coming soon

Pantheon is one of the most influential contractor events in the home and commercial services industry. The conference blends high-energy keynotes, deep software training, product announcements, and peer networking—culminating in the Titan Appreciation Party.

🔗 https://www.servicetitan.com/pantheon/that

How Contractors Should Choose the Right Events

When deciding which HVAC events to attend in 2026, ask:

• Do I want technical depth or business strategy?
• Is my growth tied to local networking or national exposure?
• Will this event help me add services, improve efficiency, or sharpen marketing?

Many contractors see the best ROI by pairing one national event (AHR, ACCA, Pantheon) with one or two regional expos like Build Expo USA.

Turning Trade Show Insights Into Local Growth

Trade shows often spark new ideas—but execution is where growth happens. Contractors return with:

• New service offerings to promote
• Differentiators that competitors haven’t adopted yet
• Clearer positioning for homeowners in their market

At HeyNeighbor, we help HVAC businesses turn those insights into hyperlocal advertising strategies—targeting the right neighborhoods with the right message, at exactly the right time.

Bottom line: HVAC trade shows and conventions in 2026 are not optional extras—they are strategic tools. With the right mix of events and a clear plan, they can directly influence revenue, recruiting, and long-term competitiveness.