ASHRAE released its technical program for its 2026 Annual Conference, taking place June 27–July 1 in Austin, Texas. The conference will bring together industry professionals, researchers and practitioners from around the world for a week of knowledge-sharing, technical exploration, professional development and peer engagement.
The complete schedule is now available online and through ASHRAE 365, enabling attendees to build personalized conference itineraries in advance.
This year’s technical program features a comprehensive range of sessions across eight distinct tracks, highlighting both foundational principles and emerging directions in the HVAC&R industry:
This year’s technical program features a comprehensive range of sessions across eight distinct tracks, highlighting both foundational principles and emerging directions in the HVAC&R industry:
• Fundamentals and Applications
• HVAC&R Systems and Equipment
• Research Summit
• Workforce Development
• Ground Source Heat Pumps
• Hot Climate Building System Design, Operation and Resilience
• AI in Building Design and Construction
• Building Decarbonization
“The ASHRAE Annual Conference brings together established practices and new ideas that are reshaping how we design, build and operate buildings,” said 2025-26 ASHRAE President Bill McQuade, P.E., CDP, Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP. “Attendees will find opportunities to deepen their expertise, discover innovative approaches and connect with peers tackling similar challenges.”
With sessions led by subject matter experts from around the globe, the program offers a mix of research-driven presentations, interactive discussions and collaborative opportunities designed to support professionals at every stage of their careers.
Key sessions include the following:
• AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity: Why Do They Matter for Smart Building Design?
• Integrated Modeling and Optimization of Data Center Cooling and Waste Heat Reuse
• Minding Your Business: Preparing for Tomorrow's Workforce Today
• Resilience, Affordability, and Regulation: The Future of Community Energy Systems
• Achieving Healthier Buildings with Lower Cost and Energy Use
• Engineering the Backbone of AI Cooling: TCS Design and Commissioning
The ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) will also offer 10 continuing education courses, all approved for continuing education credits toward maintaining P.E. licensure.
New and updated courses being offered include the following:
• Laboratory Controls - Devices and Strategies for Proper Airflow
• Basic Concepts for Demystifying Dehumidification
• Understanding Design and Installation Requirements for A2L Refrigerant Systems
• Advanced Dehumidification System Design
• Decarbonization Tactics: Making Buildings Grid-Interactive
• Starting the Path to Net Zero Buildings Using ASHRAE 90.1 – Featuring 2025 Updates
The conference will feature a plenary session with Society updates and the farewell address from President McQuade. During the President’s Luncheon, ASHRAE will install its new officers and directors, and incoming 2026–27 ASHRAE President Sarah Maston will deliver her inaugural address on the Society’s new theme: “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience.”
Attendees are encouraged to register by April 27 to take advantage of early bird rates. In-person rates start at $885 for ASHRAE members and $1,160 for non-members, which includes a complimentary one-year ASHRAE membership. Virtual attendance options are also available for individuals and organizations. Additional pricing details can be found on the conference website.
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