ASHRAE outlines technical programme for 2026 annual conference

ATLANTA, Georgia, United States, 15 April 2026: ASHRAE released its technical programme for the 2026 Annual Conference, scheduled to take place from June 27 to July 1 in Austin, Texas, in the United States. Making the announcement through an April 15 Press Release, ASHRAE said the conference would bring together industry professionals, researchers and practitioners from around the world for knowledge sharing, technical exploration, professional development and peer engagement.

ASHRAE said the complete schedule has been made available online and through its ASHRAE 365 platform, enabling attendees to build personalised conference itineraries in advance. ASHRAE added that the technical programme features sessions across eight tracks, covering fundamentals and applications, HVACR systems and equipment, research, workforce development, ground-source heat pumps, hot climate building system design, artificial intelligence in building design, and construction and building decarbonisation.

Bill McQuade, ASHRAE President for the 2025-2026 Society Year, said: “The ASHRAE Annual Conference brings together established practices and new ideas that are reshaping how we design, build and operate buildings. Attendees will find opportunities to deepen their expertise, discover innovative approaches and connect with peers tackling similar challenges.”

ASHRAE said the programme includes sessions led by subject matter experts from around the world, combining research-driven presentations, interactive discussions and collaborative opportunities to support professionals at various stages of their careers. ASHRAE said key sessions would cover topics such as artificial intelligence, cloud technologies and cybersecurity in smart building design, data centre cooling and waste heat reuse, workforce preparedness, community energy systems, and building health and efficiency.

ASHRAE said the ASHRAE Learning Institute would offer 10 continuing education courses approved for Professional Development Credits towards maintaining P.E. licensure. ASHRAE added that the courses include laboratory controls, dehumidification, A2L refrigerant system design and installation, decarbonisation strategies, and pathways to net-zero buildings aligned with updates to ASHRAE 90.1.

ASHRAE said the conference would feature a plenary session with Society updates and a farewell address from the current president. ASHRAE added that during the President’s Luncheon, it would install new officers and directors and that incoming 2026-27 President, Sarah Maston would deliver her inaugural address under the theme, ‘Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience’.