The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) announces its call for entries for the 2019 Innovation Awards Competition. This annual competition honors the most inventive and original products, systems and technologies showcased at each year’s AHR Expo. Exhibitors are encouraged to submit new or upgraded products by July 31, 2018.

ABOUT THE INNOVATION AWARDS & PRODUCT OF THE YEAR Since 2003, the Innovation Awards have highlighted the HVACR industry’s efforts to provide advanced solutions for its ever-changing needs. The awards call attention to the products, systems and technologies that have set the bar throughout the industry. To be deemed a winner, companies must demonstrate true innovation by creating smarter, faster, more efficient, and overall exceptional HVACR products.

Products will go head-to-head in the following categories: building automation; cooling; green building; heating; indoor air quality; plumbing; refrigeration; software; tools and instruments; and ventilation. Winners are selected by a panel of third-party ASHRAE member judges who evaluate all award entries based on innovative design, creativity, application, value and market impact. In addition to the awards, a single Product of the Year will be selected from the pool of winners, recognizing an exceptional level of leadership in HVACR innovation.

“Every year we recognize companies in the HVACR industry that push the envelope by developing or redesigning products to drive the industry forward,” said Clay Stevens, manager of AHR Expo. “Each year brings an incredible amount of industry advancement to the forefront. We are looking forward to showcasing the best of the best at the 2019 Innovation Awards.”

Winners in each of the product categories, as well as the winner of the Product of the Year Award, will be recognized in a ceremony at the Show on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. In addition, winners also receive acknowledgement through print and online features about the Innovation Awards in major industry publications and on the AHR Expo website. SUBMISSIONS & JUDGING All 2019 AHR Expo exhibitors are eligible to submit a product for the Innovation Awards. Exhibitors may submit one product in each category, as long as that product has not previously won an award.

To be considered, products must be exhibited at the Show and available for sale by the end of January 2019. Completed entry forms and a $100 entry fee must be submitted online at ahrexpo.com by Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Judging is based on the following criteria: innovative design, creativity, application, value and market impact. All submissions will be evaluated by a panel of third-party ASHRAE member judges working in all facets of the industry.

ENTRY FEES DONATED TO LOCAL CHARITY Each year, all of the entry fees (approximately $20,000) are donated to a charitable organization serving the local community where the Show is held. The donation is generally used to provide much needed HVACR repairs or upgrades.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information about the 2019 AHR Expo or the Innovation Awards Competition, please visit ahrexpo.com​. Specific questions regarding Innovation Awards submissions can be emailed to kpires@iecshows.com​.

For more information, visit ahrexpo.com and follow @ahrexpo on Twitter