The HVACR industry gathered in Las Vegas for the HVAC Excellence 18th Annual National HVACR Education Conference, where attendees experienced firsthand the latest technologies, evolving teaching methodologies, and emerging industry trends.
Participants engaged with some of the most influential manufacturers and organizations, including Amana, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Bosch, Chemours, Copeland, Daikin, Fujitsu, GE Haier, Goodman, Honeywell, Hoshizaki, Inaba Denko, Lennox, LG, Midea, Mitsubishi, and Rheem.
What sets this conference apart is its immersive training model. Manufacturers don’t just showcase their latest equipment; they provide hands-on training, ensuring educators and professionals stay ahead of the latest innovations shaping HVACR.
“The conference was more than just a showcase of equipment—it was an immersive learning experience. With nearly 100 sessions and classes running from dawn to dusk, it felt like a high-intensity boot camp designed for those on the front lines of the HVACR industry,” said Bill Brown, president of Brownson Technical School.
A key takeaway from the conference was the swift evolution of HVACR technology. High-performance HVAC systems, once considered futuristic, now offer homeowners an impressive 103% return on investment (ROI), surpassing even the value of a kitchen remodel. As these advanced systems become mainstream, the demand for skilled technicians capable of installation, service, and maintenance continues to grow.
A major milestone at this year’s conference was that, for the first time, no training or exhibits featured R-410A equipment. Instead, the focus was on transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-454B. Manufacturers, educators, and policymakers emphasized the urgency of training on these next-generation solutions.
The message was clear: adapt to new technologies or risk falling behind. Jason Obrzut of the ESCO Institute led a pivotal session on A2L refrigerants, demystifying their properties and best practices. His discussion covered essential topics such as flammability (the "F" word), GWP impact, system service and installation, and safety mitigation strategies.
Further reinforcing this transition, James Casey Jr., the Section 608 Program Manager at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), headlined a general session on emissions regulations and their impact on HVACR. His insights provided clarity on compliance requirements, industry adaptation, and the role of educators in preparing technicians for these changes.
Innovation remained a focal point throughout the event. Mark McQuay of Daikin Comfort Technologies led an interactive session on HERO Cloud Services, providing attendees with an inside look at how cloud-based HVACR solutions are revolutionizing VRV system integration, remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and real-time performance monitoring. Additional sessions explored AI-driven diagnostics, MULTI R2 Heat Recovery system, smart sensors, machine learning applications, heat pump water heaters, and virtual reality (VR) training, transforming HVACR education.
A particularly unique aspect of the conference was the industry-wide collaboration during the opening session. Competing manufacturers set aside competition to discuss critical topics such as refrigerant regulations, emerging technologies, energy incentives, and best practices for HVACR educators. This panel reinforced the importance of partnerships between manufacturers, regulatory agencies, educators, and professionals in shaping the next generation of HVACR service technicians.
The next National HVACR Education Conference will be held March 22–25, 2026, at the South Point Hotel Casino and Spa in Las Vegas.