Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Join the HARDI Annual Conference on December 7, 2026, in San Diego, CA, for a premier gathering of HVACR distributors and manufacturers.
Dates
7 Dec 2026
City / country
San Diego, USA
Venue
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Event overview
The HARDI Annual Conference is a significant event for professionals in the HVACR distribution sector, scheduled for December 7, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.
This conference will bring together over 2,200 attendees, including wholesalers and vendors, providing a platform for networking and learning from industry experts.
Participants will have opportunities to engage in breakout sessions and keynote presentations focused on the latest trends and challenges in the HVACR.
TL;DR
Attendees will benefit from networking with industry leaders and peers, gaining insights into market trends, and participating in educational sessions tailored to HVACR professionals. Dates and Venue: The HARDI Annual Conference takes place on December 7, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Scale and Focus: This event is expected to attract over 2,200 attendees, including wholesalers and vendors from the HVACR industry. Buyer Authority: Attendees include key.
Exhibitors will gain visibility among key decision-makers in the HVACR industry, showcasing their products and services to a targeted audience. The event provides a platform for generating leads, building brand awareness, and establishing partnerships with distributors and wholesalers. Meet qualified buyers and partners including HVACR equipment manufacturers, Suppliers of air conditioning and refrigeration parts, Distributors of HVACR tools and accessories.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
San Diego, USA
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina in San Diego typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina in San Diego typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Who runs the show
Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI)
How the last edition performed
This edition
—
Visitors: 2,200
Next edition
Not announced yet
New this edition
—
HARDI conference programming for distributors has increasingly centred on the HFC phasedown and the shift to A2L equipment, including training, cylinder handling, storage and contractor support implications that distributors must plan for.
—
Distributor-facing content on recruiting, onboarding and retaining branch, counter and outside sales talent in a tight HVACR labour market.
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Programming on online ordering, pricing tools and digital marketing aimed at contractors, reflecting how distributor branches now win counter and aftermarket demand.
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Distributor merchandising and training content around filtration, ventilation, humidification and purification products sold alongside traditional heating and cooling equipment.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending Heating Air conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International Annual Conference on 2026-12-07 to 2026-12-07 in San Diego lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
San Diego International
to venue
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina (conference venue hotel)
The conference hotel and venue. Staying here means no daily commute, direct access to sessions, receptions and exhibitor space, and the easiest option for attendees with back-to-back meetings.
Downtown waterfront and Marina District hotels
Full-service and upscale downtown properties clustered around the harbour, within walking distance of the Marriott Marquis. Convenient for evening harbourfront receptions.
Gaslamp Quarter and core downtown hotels
Midscale and limited-service options with dense restaurant and evening activity nearby. Good value for attendees who do not need to be inside the conference hotel.
Airport corridor and Harbour Island hotels
Lower-cost alternatives for budget-conscious attendees. Budget an additional daily transfer cost and time when comparing nightly rates against downtown properties.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rideshare
Rideshare pickup at SAN is signposted from the terminals. Journey time is short in normal traffic, so this is usually the simplest door-to-door option with luggage.
bus
Metropolitan Transit System Route 992 connects San Diego International Airport with downtown San Diego, including stops near the waterfront and Santa Fe Depot. Useful for attendees travelling light.
light rail / trolley
The trolley network reaches downtown stations close to the harbour and Gaslamp Quarter. Handy for moving between a downtown hotel and the venue, or for exploring San Diego in the evening.
commuter rail
An option for attendees staying north of the city in coastal communities such as Carlsbad or Oceanside. Santa Fe Depot is a short walk or rideshare from the venue district.
taxi
For short downtown hops a taxi or rideshare is quick, though walking is often faster between waterfront and Gaslamp Quarter properties.
Weather
San Diego has a mild coastal climate in December, the month of the HARDI Annual Conference. Daytime temperatures typically sit around 18-21 C (65-70 F) with overnight lows near 10-13 C (50-55 F). December is one of the wetter months of the San Diego year, but rain arrives mostly as short Pacific storm systems rather than sustained rain, and mornings can start with a coastal marine layer. Conditions are comfortable for walking between the waterfront venue, downtown hotels and the Gaslamp Quarter. This is a typical seasonal pattern, not a forecast - check the live forecast a few days before departure.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
San Diego runs on US mobile networks (Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile), and coverage downtown and around the harbour is strong. Visitors from outside the United States typically need a roaming plan that covers the US or a US eSIM for data, since domestic roaming can be expensive. Hotel and conference Wi-Fi is normally available to registered attendees; confirm the network name and access code at the registration desk when you collect your badge. US venues use 120 V / 60 Hz power with Type A and Type B plugs, so bring a plug adapter and check whether your devices are dual voltage before relying on them.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is typical for distributor conference sessions and manufacturer meetings, with business or smart attire for evening receptions. San Diego is a coastal city, so light layers work better than heavy formal clothing.
Tipping and paying
Tipping is customary in the United States: around 15-20 percent on restaurant bills, and a small amount for bar service and hotel housekeeping. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and prices are usually quoted before local sales tax and tips.
Time zone and scheduling
San Diego runs on Pacific Time, three hours behind the US East Coast and eight hours behind Central European Time outside daylight-saving changes. Build in a day to adjust if you are arriving from Europe or Asia, and confirm the conference start time in Pacific Time.
Arrival and badge collection
Arrive early on the first day to collect your badge at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina and to pick up the current programme. Waterfront evenings in December are cool, so keep a light jacket with you during the day.
Downtown San Diego
The venue sits on the downtown waterfront next to the Gaslamp Quarter, a compact district of restaurants and bars that is easy to walk in the evening. The San Diego Trolley and the COASTER commuter rail connect downtown with the wider county.
Language and meetings
Business is conducted in English. Distributor buying decisions are relationship-driven and often made in scheduled meetings or at manufacturer hospitality events, so confirming times in advance works better than relying on walk-up conversations.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: SAN
Book into San Diego International (SAN) where possible; it is roughly 3 miles from the downtown waterfront venue, so transfers are short and inexpensive. Direct international service to SAN is limited, and many overseas attendees connect through Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta or Chicago before the final leg; allow a comfortable connection buffer because US immigration is cleared at the first point of entry. December is a peak holiday travel month in the United States, and the conference itself creates extra demand on flights and downtown hotel rooms, so booking early usually pays. Confirm the exact 2026 conference dates at hardinet.org before locking non-refundable tickets. Travellers from abroad should verify ESTA or B-1 visa status before booking.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: San Diego International (SAN). Allow road or rail time to Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina: Downtown waterfront, San Diego: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina (conference venue hotel); Embarcadero and Marina District, a short walk from the venue: Downtown waterfront and Marina District hotels; Gaslamp Quarter / Broadway corridor, San Diego: Gaslamp Quarter and core downtown hotels.
Ride-hail: Rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) operate throughout San Diego, including dedicated pickup zones at San Diego International Airport and drop-off at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina and other downtown hotels. A short downtown trip typically runs around USD 8-15 and the airport transfer around USD 25-45, with surge pricing possible around conference sessions and in the December holiday period. Confirm live fares and pickup points in the app before you order.
Public transit: San Diego's Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates buses and the San Diego Trolley, with downtown stations near the waterfront and the Gaslamp Quarter. Route 992 links San Diego International Airport with downtown, and the COASTER commuter rail connects coastal North County communities to Santa Fe Depot downtown. A single journey is approximately USD 2.50 on MTS services (confirm live fares, day passes and route changes with MTS before travel).
Parking: The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina has on-site parking, and downtown San Diego hotels typically offer valet or self-parking for a daily fee. Downtown street parking is metered and limited, and convention-period demand pushes garage rates up, so pre-book parking with your hotel if you are driving. Confirm current daily rates and in-and-out privileges directly with the hotel or venue before you arrive.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026 (Northern Hemisphere winter, Pacific coastal Southern California)
Temperature: Typical December range: daytime highs around 18-21 C (65-70 F) and overnight lows around 10-13 C (50-55 F). Coastal areas stay cooler and damper in the morning. Treat these as seasonal norms and check the live forecast before departure.
Seasonality: December falls in San Diego's cooler, wetter half of the year, with occasional Pacific storm systems bringing short spells of rain and a morning marine layer along the coast. Most days remain dry and mild, which suits walking between the waterfront venue, downtown hotels and the Gaslamp Quarter.
Packing: Pack light layers for daytime temperatures around 18-21 C (65-70 F) and a jacket or sweater for cool waterfront evenings (10-13 C / 50-55 F). Add a compact umbrella for possible December rain showers, comfortable walking shoes for downtown and the Embarcadero, business casual clothing for sessions and receptions, and a plug adapter plus any dual-voltage checks you need for US 120 V power.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Heating Air conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International Annual Conference usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
About 14 days out: confirm your registration category and payment status on the official HARDI conference page at hardinet.org, and download your confirmation for the US border or hotel check-in if needed.
About 14 days out: book flights into San Diego International (SAN) rather than Los Angeles or Orange County, since SAN is roughly 3 miles from the downtown waterfront venue and avoids a long interstate transfer.
About 12 days out: reserve your hotel room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina or another downtown waterfront or Gaslamp Quarter property, and confirm the cancellation window in writing.
About 12 days out: if you are travelling from outside the United States, verify that your passport, ESTA approval or B-1 visa is valid for the December travel window.
About 10 days out: build your personal agenda around the tracks that matter to your business, whether that is refrigerant transition and AIM Act compliance, branch operations, sales leadership or technology for distributors.
About 10 days out: request meetings with the manufacturers, representatives and service providers you want to see, and check whether any of them are hosting off-site or hospitality events during the conference.
About 7 days out: download the HARDI conference app or save the schedule page so you can adjust your plan when session times are confirmed.
About 7 days out: set up roaming or a US eSIM if you are visiting from abroad, and confirm that your phone supports the US 120 V charging setup or bring an adapter.
About 5 days out: pack business casual clothing, a jacket for waterfront evenings, a compact umbrella and comfortable walking shoes for downtown San Diego.
About 3 days out: check the live San Diego forecast. December daytime temperatures are typically around 18-21 C (65-70 F) with overnight lows near 10-13 C (50-55 F), and short rain systems are possible.
About 2 days out: confirm your ground transfer plan from SAN - rideshare, taxi or the MTS Route 992 downtown bus - and note the return pickup point at the hotel.
About 2 days out: collect your distributor branch data and any supplier questions you want answered, so you can compare programs and terms with peers at the conference.
Day before: complete online check-in, confirm your badge pick-up location at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, and arrive early enough to settle in before the opening session.
Day one: arrive at registration before the first session, test the venue Wi-Fi credentials at the desk, and set a realistic meeting schedule so you can cover the hall and the education tracks in the time available.
Registration and hall orientation at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
Heating Air conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International Annual Conference registration concourse
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether Heating Air conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International Annual Conference fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
10 more alternate names hidden
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.