ATLANTA (October 19, 2026) – ASHRAE has released the full technical program for its 2027 Winter Conference, taking place January 23–27 at the Marriott Marquis Chicago in Chicago, IL.

Held concurrently with the AHR Expo, January 25–27 at McCormick Place, the conference will bring together engineers, researchers, manufacturers, building professionals and industry leaders to exchange knowledge and explore the technologies and strategies shaping the future of HVAC&R.

The program features more than 100 technical sessions across nine tracks, covering topics ranging from HVAC&R fundamentals and equipment to refrigeration, residential systems, building decarbonization retrofits, artificial intelligence (AI) and thermal network systems. Sessions will offer opportunities to explore new research, examine real-world applications and earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs).

“The challenges facing our industry are complex, and addressing them takes more than new technology alone,” said 2026-27 ASHRAE President Sarah E. Maston, P.E., BCxP, LEED AP BD+C. “We need to share what works, learn from one another and turn technical knowledge into solutions that improve building performance and resilience. The Winter Conference gives our industry an opportunity to do that while connecting with the people who are helping shape what comes next.”

The 2027 technical program addresses a broad range of challenges facing today’s building professionals, from decarbonization and existing-building retrofits to emerging technologies and system design.

Dedicated tracks will examine advances in thermal network systems, including district heating and cooling, as well as the role of AI in building operations. A new Application Notes in Professional Practice track features individual presentations focused on practical lessons, proven approaches and solutions that can be applied to real-world projects.

Data centers will receive focused attention as the industry responds to growing demand for computing capacity and the infrastructure needed to support it. Sessions in the Real and Artificial Intelligence track will explore data-center environments, power delivery and building and campus design strategies. These discussions will address the engineering considerations involved in designing and operating facilities that can meet increasing demands for performance, reliability and resilience.

Other program areas include refrigeration technologies and refrigerant practices, residential HVAC performance, evolving HVAC&R systems and equipment, and research addressing current industry challenges. Together, the sessions provide opportunities for attendees to deepen their technical knowledge, consider different approaches to common challenges and exchange ideas with colleagues across the industry.

The ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) will offer 20 continuing education courses during the conference and AHR Expo. All courses are approved for continuing education credits toward maintaining professional engineering licensure.

Offerings include new courses on cogeneration, indoor air quality, and the design and installation of A2L refrigerant systems, as well as Fundamentals of District Cooling System Design (MENA), which provides region-specific instruction for practitioners across the Middle East, Africa and Asia in both SI and IP units.

Attendees can also participate in committee meetings, technical tours, networking opportunities and conference events. The ASHRAE 365 app allows participants to review the schedule, select sessions and build a personalized agenda. On-demand registration will provide access to technical session recordings, downloadable conference papers and additional learning resources for those who cannot attend in person or wish to revisit sessions afterward.

Early-bird registration for the in-person conference is available through October 28, 2026. Rates are $885 for ASHRAE members ($1,160 for nonmembers). The nonmember rate includes a complimentary one-year ASHRAE membership. On-demand and company registration packages are also available.

For the full technical program, registration details, continuing education courses and additional conference information, visit ashrae.org/2027winter.

About ASHRAE

ASHRAE is a global professional society committed to advancing healthy, sustainable and resilient buildings for everyone, everywhere. Through the collective expertise of more than 55,000 volunteer members in over 132 countries, ASHRAE drives innovation across HVAC&R through trusted standards, research, education and collaboration. Advancing the built environment through technical excellence since 1894, ASHRAE continues to shape the future of building design, construction and operation.

Learn more at ashrae.org and follow ASHRAE on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X and YouTube and download the ASHRAE 365 app to stay connected on the go.