ASHRAE to tackle data centers, thermal systems at annual conference
The ASHRAE 2026 Annual Conference will be held from June 27 to July 5 in Austin, bringing together global HVAC and refrigeration experts. The conference features multiple technical sessions, focusing on cutting-edge topics such as data center HVAC systems, thermal energy networks, and variable refrigerant flow optimization, and offers continuing education courses. President Bill McQuade will summarize the healthy building achievements during his two-year term, and President-Elect Sarah Maston will unveil the new theme, 'Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience.'
The 2026 annual conference of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers kicks off this weekend in Austin, Texas, with technical sessions on Friday and Saturday and educational seminars beginning on Sunday.
The ASHRAE conference will bring together heating, cooling and refrigeration engineers, researchers, practitioners and industry professionals from the United States and other countries to discuss the top issues facing the HVAC and refrigeration industries, the organization said when it released its program in April.
Among the sessions are those that look at balancing indoor air quality with energy use; designing HVAC systems for data centers; leveraging thermal energy networks; optimizing variable refrigerant flow; selecting equipment for dedicated outdoor air systems; commissioning net-zero-ready schools; and deploying EV carports and battery storage.
Facilities Dive will be on the ground covering these sessions and more.
In addition to the programming, the ASHRAE Learning Institute will be offering continuing education courses for engineers earning credits to maintain their licenses.
“Attendees will find opportunities to deepen their expertise, discover innovative approaches and connect with peers tackling similar challenges,” ASHRAE President Bill McQuade said in a statement.
McQuade will be speaking at a plenary session to sum up the healthy building focus of his two-year term. In her inaugural address, incoming president Sarah Maston will be introducing ASHRAE’s new theme: “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience,” according to the organization.
The conference is June 27-July 5.