Even though the 2015 AHR Expo won’t open its doors until January 26, show management has announced that three new all-time records have already been established for the world’s largest HVACR event. 

As of the first week in January, there were more than 2,100 exhibiting companies occupying over 480,000 net sq ft of exhibit space — both new records for the 67th event. The 2015 AHR Expo will be at least 10% larger than the previous largest show and feature 8% more exhibitors than last year’s event in New York City. Included in this record number of companies will be 380 that have never exhibited in the show before.

Another new all-time record is the number of international exhibitors showcasing their products and solutions. This year, 592 international companies from over 30 countries will be exhibiting in Chicago, representing a 16% increase over the previous record.

“Chicago is always where our largest shows take place,” said Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company, which produces and manages the AHR Expo. “But we are thrilled at just how much bigger the 2015 show will be.”

Stevens added that the six largest shows, and five of the six best attended, have all taken place in Chicago. These record-breaking numbers also bode well for a strong visitor attendance. Stevens said pre-registration is currently running ahead of the last Chicago show in 2012, which was the attendance record at that time.

In recognition of AHR Expo’s importance to the greater Chicago area, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has declared January 26-28 “Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigerating Week in Chicago.” The proclamation cites AHR Expo’s contribution to educating the industry, “improving our greater society,” and making donations to local charitable organizations.

For more information, visit www.ahrexpo.com.