Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The IHACI Annual HVAC/R/SM Performance Contracting Product and Equipment Trade Show is a premier event for HVAC/R professionals.
Scheduled for November 17, 2026, at the Pasadena Convention Center, this trade show will showcase the latest products and equipment in the industry.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with over 120 exhibitors and gain insights from multiple seminars presented throughout the day.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: IHACI's 2026 HVAC/R trade show runs in mid-November 2026 (17 November 2026 is the reference travel date used in the hotel and flight captures) at the Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, California; confirm final dates and hall hours on ihaci.org.
- 2Scale and Focus: More than 120 exhibiting suppliers and an expected 3,800-plus HVAC/R professionals from California and the wider Southwest fill the show floor.
- 3Sector Scope: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, hydronics, sheet metal fabrication, controls and thermostats, tools, test instruments, indoor air quality equipment and refrigerant-transition (A2L) products for residential and light commercial contractors.
- 4Who Should Attend: HVAC/R and sheet metal contractors, service technicians, facility and property maintenance teams, specifying engineers, distributors and manufacturer reps buying for installation, retrofit and code-compliance work.
- 5Organiser: Organised by the Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries, Inc. (IHACI), the association behind this annual Pasadena HVAC/R and sheet metal gathering.
Why visit
Attending the IHACI Trade Show offers HVAC/R professionals a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discover the latest products, and gain valuable insights through seminars. Dates and Venue: The IHACI Annual HVAC/R/SM Trade Show takes place on November 17, 2026, at Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, USA. Buyer Authority: Attendees include HVAC/R professionals, contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers. Entry / Access: Registration is available for both.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the IHACI Trade Show provides unparalleled visibility to a targeted audience of HVAC/R professionals. Showcase your products, connect with potential clients, and position your brand as a leader in the industry. This event is an excellent opportunity to generate quality leads and build valuable connections.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
HVAC contractors seeking new products and technologies
Manufacturers looking to showcase their latest innovations
Suppliers aiming to connect with contractors and distributors
Industry professionals interested in networking opportunities
Decision-makers from HVAC companies seeking partnerships
Technicians looking for training and educational resources
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of HVAC equipment and tools
Suppliers of HVAC parts and components
Service providers in HVAC installation and maintenance
Contractors specializing in HVAC/R systems
Consultants offering HVAC solutions and services
Educational institutions providing HVAC training
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Refrigeration equipment and tools
HVAC control systems and software
Energy-efficient HVAC solutions
Indoor air quality products
HVAC installation and maintenance tools
Location & Facilities
Venue
Pasadena Convention Center
300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Facilities
Parking
Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena 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: Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena 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 Pasadena Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries, Inc. (IHACI)
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
This edition
—
Exhibitors: 120
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Pasadena, USA
Why it matters
Attending IHACI Annual HVAC/R/SM Performance Contracting Product and Equipment Trade Show on 2026-11-17 to 2026-11-17 in Pasadena 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.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
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
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Hollywood Burbank Airport
Closest commercial airport to the Pasadena Convention Center. BUR sits in the San Fernando Valley north of Los Angeles, so the transfer to Pasadena is usually shorter and less traffic-dependent than from LAX. Times are approximate; confirm live traffic and rideshare or shuttle availability before travel
to venue
Approx. 20-35 min
by car
Los Angeles International Airport
Largest gateway for long-haul and international arrivals. The drive to Pasadena crosses central Los Angeles and can take considerably longer in peak traffic. Times are approximate; confirm before travel
to venue
Approx. 35-60 min
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Pasadena Inn at Old Town, Los Angeles
2-star
Old Town PasadenaGoogle Hotels listing near Pasadena Convention Center with free Wi-Fi, paid parking, breakfast, business center and golf access; listed rate shown as INR 7,564 per night, roughly USD 85-100. Band is approximate for mid-November 2026.
Hilton Pasadena
4-star
Pasadena4-star Google Hotels result near the venue with parking, outdoor pool, fitness center, bar and restaurant. No nightly rate appeared in the capture; the band is an approximate estimate for the November 2026 show window.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pasadena - Los Angeles by IHG
3-star
Pasadena3-star Google Hotels option with free breakfast, parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, pet-friendly rooms and fitness center. Nightly rate not shown in the capture; band is an approximate estimate.
Ramada by Wyndham Pasadena
2-star
Pasadena2-star listing with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center and on-site restaurant. Approximate band only; confirm rates directly.
Travelodge by Wyndham Pasadena
2-star
PasadenaBudget 2-star option near the convention center; the capture does not show a nightly rate, so treat this band as a planning estimate.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Metro light rail
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forLos Angeles Union Station to Pasadena (Metro A Line) and on to the Pasadena Convention Center area
Memorial Park station is the closest rail stop to the convention centre and Del Mar station serves Old Town Pasadena. LAX arrivals normally connect to Union Station by shuttle or bus first, so allow extra time.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 35-75 depending on traffic and vehicle class
Best forHollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) to Pasadena Convention Center
BUR is the closer airport for the venue; the range is an estimate in local currency (USD) and surge pricing can push it higher at peak times. Confirm the fare in the app before you request.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 45-90 depending on traffic and vehicle class
Best forLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Pasadena Convention Center
LAX is the second gateway and the cross-city drive is longer than from BUR, so budget more time in traffic. LAX directs rideshare and taxi pickups to designated areas; follow airport signage.
rental car
Estimated costApprox. USD 40-90 per day plus fuel and parking; confirm with the rental company
Best forAirport pickup (BUR or LAX) to Pasadena and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley
Useful if you plan to combine the show with visits to contractors or job sites in Southern California. The convention centre has structured parking and Pasadena enforces street parking rules.
Weather
Mid-November in Pasadena, California is mild and mostly dry: daytime highs typically around 68-78 F (20-26 C) and overnight lows around 48-56 F (9-13 C). November marks the start of Southern California's wet season but rainfall is usually light, with occasional Santa Ana wind events bringing warm, dry days. These are climatological ranges rather than a forecast; check live conditions in the week before you travel and pack a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The United States uses GSM/LTE/5G networks, so most unlocked international phones work with a US eSIM or prepaid SIM from a major carrier; roaming from your home operator also works but can be expensive. Set up a data plan before you fly, and use hotel or venue Wi-Fi for large downloads. Mains power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A and B plugs, so visitors from Europe, the UK, Australia and most of Asia need a plug adapter and, for non-dual-voltage devices, a converter. Venue Wi-Fi in exhibition halls is often shared and slow during show hours; an exhibitor internet order or a personal hotspot is more reliable for demos.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is typical for IHACI's HVAC/R and sheet metal contractor audience, with polo shirts, work shirts and jeans or slacks common on the floor. Pasadena show floors run less formal than international engineering fairs.
Doing business
A firm handshake and first-name introductions are normal. This audience is practical: they respond to technical detail, installed cost, warranty terms, delivery dates and code compliance more than to formal presentations.
Tipping
In the United States, 15-20 percent is standard for table service, and rideshare or taxi drivers expect a tip. Hotel housekeeping is usually tipped a few dollars per day.
Arrival
Arrive early on day one to clear registration and badge pickup before the hall fills. Bring photo ID and a business card in case credentials are checked.
Local area
The convention centre sits next to Old Town Pasadena, so dinner and evening meetings are usually a short walk away. Restaurants fill up on show nights, so book ahead.
Taxes and receipts
California adds sales tax to listed prices. Keep receipts if you are buying tools or equipment for a business, and check whether your company can reclaim the tax.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: BUR
Fly into Hollywood Burbank (BUR) if your schedule allows - it is the shortest transfer to Pasadena and a smaller, faster airport to clear than LAX. Choose Los Angeles International (LAX) for long-haul international routings or when the fare difference is significant, and add 30-45 minutes of buffer for the cross-city drive. Sample fares captured for the show window include Sydney (SYD) to BUR at approximately USD 861 one adult with taxes and fees, plus US domestic samples in the same capture such as Chicago to Las Vegas at USD 170, Atlanta to Los Angeles at USD 157, Dallas to Las Vegas at USD 83 and Miami to Atlanta at USD 68 on other date ranges. Treat every sample as indicative only and re-check live prices for your own dates.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): Approx. 20-35 min; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Approx. 35-60 min. Allow road or rail time to Pasadena Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Pasadena Convention Center: Old Town Pasadena: Pasadena Inn at Old Town, Los Angeles; Pasadena: Hilton Pasadena; Pasadena: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pasadena - Los Angeles by IHG.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate throughout Pasadena and at BUR and LAX, where airports direct pickups to designated rideshare areas - follow signage after baggage claim. Expect surge pricing at peak times, after the show closes and around major Los Angeles events. Approximate fares are USD 35-75 from BUR and USD 45-90 from LAX to Pasadena hotels; check the quoted price in the app before you confirm the ride.
Public transit: Los Angeles Metro's A Line light rail runs through Pasadena between Azusa and downtown Los Angeles, continuing south to Long Beach. Memorial Park station is the closest stop to the Pasadena Convention Center, and Del Mar station serves Old Town. Riders pay with a TAP card or contactless bank card; the base fare is approximately USD 1.75 per boarding, with day and multi-day passes available. From LAX, plan a shuttle or bus connection to Union Station before transferring to the A Line. Confirm current schedules and fares on metro.net before travel.
Parking: The Pasadena Convention Center has structured parking adjacent to the halls, and additional public garages serve Old Town Pasadena and the surrounding district. Daily event rates are set by the venue and can rise during shows, so check the venue site or your registration confirmation for the current rate. If you drive in, arrive before the doors open on day one, and note that Pasadena enforces timed and permit street parking in nearby residential blocks.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Approx. daytime highs 68-78 F (20-26 C) and overnight lows 48-56 F (9-13 C). These are climatological ranges for Pasadena in November, not a forecast; check live conditions in the week before travel.
Seasonality: November sits at the start of Southern California's wet season, but Pasadena rainfall is usually light and most November days are dry and sunny. Short rain episodes and dry, warm Santa Ana wind days are both possible, so build a small buffer into outdoor plans.
Packing: Pack layers: a light jacket or sweater for cool mornings and evenings, breathable shirts for mild afternoons, and comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking the show floor and Old Town Pasadena. Business casual is right for this contractor audience. Bring business cards, a phone power bank, a reusable water bottle and, if you are visiting from outside North America, a plug adapter for US 120 V Type A and B outlets.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at IHACI Annual HVAC/R/SM Performance Contracting Product and Equipment Trade Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your registration status and badge type on ihaci.org; trade registration normally asks for a business name and job role.
T-2
Book flights into Hollywood Burbank (BUR) for the shortest transfer, or Los Angeles International (LAX) if you need long-haul routings or a materially lower fare.
T-3
Reserve a Pasadena hotel (the hotel capture lists Pasadena Inn at Old Town, Hilton Pasadena, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pasadena - Los Angeles by IHG, Ramada by Wyndham Pasadena and Travelodge by Wyndham Pasadena) and check the cancellation policy.
T-4
Plan the airport transfer: rideshare and taxi run roughly USD 35-75 from BUR and roughly USD 45-90 from LAX, while the Metro A Line via Union Station is the budget route.
T-5
Check the mid-November forecast for Pasadena and pack layers; see the weather notes in this listing.
T-6
Review the exhibitor list and flag the suppliers you want to see, especially heat pump, A2L refrigerant, controls and sheet metal lines.
T-7
Look at ihaci.org/schedule and note any seminar or training session that fits your licence or certification needs.
T-8
If you are travelling from outside the United States, confirm your ESTA or B-1 visa status now; US approvals can take weeks.
T-9
Save your registration confirmation, photo ID and any business credentials you may be asked for at badge pickup.
T-10
Print or download a floorplan if the organiser publishes one; heavy equipment exhibits are much easier to navigate with a plan.
T-11
Book any customer or supplier dinners in Old Town Pasadena in advance, because tables fill quickly during show week.
T-12
Sort out payment: US vendors take cards, so bring a card with no foreign transaction fee and a little cash for tips.
T-13
Pack business cards, a charged phone, a power bank and a tablet or notebook for spec sheets and quotes.
T-14
Confirm your return flight time against the last show day and leave buffer for the drive back to BUR or LAX.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Pasadena Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2IHACI Annual HVAC/R/SM Performance Contracting Product and Equipment Trade Show registration concourse
Pasadena Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Pasadena Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$170.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$320.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether IHACI Annual HVAC/R/SM Performance Contracting Product and Equipment Trade Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
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
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is the IHACI trade show held?
IHACI's trade show is scheduled for mid-November 2026 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. Confirm the exact dates, hall opening times and any multi-day programme on ihaci.org before you book travel.
Is the show trade-only or open to the public?
It is built as an industry trade show for HVAC/R and sheet metal professionals, not a consumer home show. Check the registration categories on ihaci.org and be ready to show a business name, role and photo ID at badge pickup.
How do I register as an attendee or exhibitor?
Both attendee and exhibitor registration are handled through the official IHACI website. Register in advance so your badge is waiting, and keep your confirmation email handy for on-site pickup.
What product categories will I find on the show floor?
Expect furnaces, heat pumps, split systems, ductless mini-splits, packaged rooftop units, commercial refrigeration equipment, thermostats and building controls, ductwork and sheet metal machinery, tools and test instruments, indoor air quality and ventilation products, and refrigerant-transition (A2L) equipment and accessories.
Which airport should I fly into for the Pasadena Convention Center?
Hollywood Burbank (BUR) is the closest commercial airport, roughly a 20-35 minute drive from Pasadena depending on traffic. Los Angeles International (LAX) has far more long-haul and international lift but sits across the city; allow roughly 35-60 minutes by road outside peak hours.
How do I get from the airport to the venue without a car?
Rideshare and taxi are the most direct options, roughly USD 35-75 from BUR and roughly USD 45-90 from LAX. For a cheaper trip, connect at Los Angeles Union Station to the Metro A Line light rail, which runs into Pasadena; Memorial Park station is the closest rail stop to the convention centre.
Will there be parking at the show?
The Pasadena Convention Center has structured parking next to the halls, and further public garages serve Old Town Pasadena and the surrounding district. Event-day rates are set by the venue, so confirm the current rate before you drive in.
What is the weather like in Pasadena in November?
November in Pasadena is mild and mostly dry, with daytime highs typically around 68-78 F (20-26 C) and overnight lows around 48-56 F (9-13 C). Early-season rain is possible but usually light; check the forecast in the week before you travel.
Are there seminars, training or continuing-education sessions?
IHACI publishes its schedule at ihaci.org/schedule. Session titles, times and any continuing-education credit details are confirmed there, so check that page before you finalise your show-day plan.
Do international visitors need a visa to attend?
Most international visitors travelling to the United States for a trade show need either a B-1 business visitor visa or, if eligible under the Visa Waiver Program, an approved ESTA authorisation. Apply early - interview slots and processing times vary by country.
How far are the hotels from the show floor?
The Pasadena hotels commonly used for this show sit in Old Town Pasadena or the downtown and South Lake Avenue corridors, generally a short walk, a five to ten minute rideshare or a few local bus stops from the convention centre. Confirm the distance for your specific hotel before booking.
Can I bring a colleague or guest who is not in the trade?
Guest and companion policies are set by the organiser. Check the registration terms on ihaci.org; most HVAC/R trade shows restrict the floor to people working in the industry.
Glossary
- HVAC
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning: the building systems that control temperature, humidity, filtration and air quality in homes and commercial spaces.
- HVAC/R
- HVAC plus refrigeration: the combined trade covering comfort heating and cooling equipment alongside commercial and industrial refrigeration such as walk-in coolers, display cases and process chillers.
- A2L refrigerant
- A class of mildly flammable, lower global warming potential refrigerants (for example R-32 and R-454B) moving into new US residential and light commercial equipment under the HFC phasedown. A2L work requires updated leak detection, charging, storage and labelling practices.
- SEER2
- The updated US Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio metric that replaced SEER for residential cooling equipment ratings. A higher SEER2 value means more efficient cooling performance under the current test procedure.
- HSPF2
- Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2: the current US efficiency rating for heat pumps operating in heating mode.
- Heat pump
- An electric system that moves heat rather than burning fuel, providing both heating and cooling from one unit. Central heat pumps and ductless versions are a fast-growing share of California replacement and new-build work.
- Ductless mini-split
- A split heat pump or air conditioner with one or more indoor heads connected to an outdoor unit by refrigerant lines and no ductwork. Common in additions, older homes and room-by-room zoning.
- VRF (variable refrigerant flow)
- A multi-zone heat pump system that varies refrigerant flow from one outdoor unit to many indoor units, widely used in commercial, retail and multifamily projects.
- Packaged rooftop unit (RTU)
- A factory-assembled heating and cooling unit mounted on a roof curb, the standard configuration for light commercial buildings.
- Manual J load calculation
- The ACCA residential load calculation method used to size heating and cooling equipment against envelope, orientation, window area and local climate data rather than rules of thumb.
- Title 24
- California's Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which set requirements for HVAC equipment efficiency, duct sealing, ventilation and controls in new construction and alterations. It drives much of the specification discussion at this show.
- NATE certification
- North American Technician Excellence: a voluntary certification for HVAC/R service technicians covering installation and service knowledge.
- EPA Section 608 certification
- The US Environmental Protection Agency credential required for technicians who service, maintain or dispose of equipment containing regulated refrigerants.
- Economizer
- A control strategy that brings in outdoor air for free cooling when conditions allow, cutting compressor runtime on commercial rooftop equipment.
- Sheet metal (SM)
- The ductwork and metal fabrication trade that supplies and installs the air distribution systems HVAC equipment depends on; sheet metal contractors are a core part of the IHACI audience.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- IHACI Annual HVAC/R/SM Performance Contracting Product and Equipment Trade Show
- IHACI Annual HVAC
- IHACI Annual HVAC 2026
- IHACI Annual HVAC Pasadena
- IHACI Annual HVAC Pasadena 2026
- SM Performance Contracting Product
- SM Performance Contracting Product 2026
- SM Performance Contracting Product Pasadena
- SM Performance Contracting Product Pasadena 2026
- IHACI
6 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.