It’s that time of year again, and I’m happy to welcome all IIAR members back to our most important event – the IIAR annual conference and exhibition! After years of pandemic travel restrictions and necessary safety measures, it feels good to be looking forward to an in-person conference again. And before I get into the exciting things we’ve got in store for you as an organization this year, I’d like to take a minute to recognize all our sponsors and exhibitors. It is their support that provides the backbone for this annual event, sponsoring food and coffee breaks, not to mention our exhibit hall – and everything else that makes this one of the premier events in our industry.

And I’d also like to thank you, as an IIAR member or attendee. Our technical program is the most central element of our conference work as an industry, and your participation is crucial. Special thanks go out to all our tech paper authors, workshop, and panel contributors. Your leadership and enthusiasm have made the IIAR annual conference the top-notch technical event it is today.

For the first time since 2006, IIAR has made changes to its membership structure, bringing new value and opportunities to those in the refrigeration industry. IIAR’s new membership structure will take effect on July 1, and the changes will increase the value of IIAR membership, promote recruitment and retention of members, and create financial balance and sustainability for IIAR.

I’d also like to encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunities to participate in IIAR’s continuing education in Savannah at our annual conference this year. It’s a great chance to expand your technical knowledge and grow your professional credentials while making our industry a safer place to work. And finally, don’t forget to attend the many planned social gatherings to network and catch up with old friends!

As you may read in this issue of the Condenser Magazine, IIAR is announcing a major new membership change. For the first time since 2006, IIAR has made changes to its membership structure, bringing new value and opportunities to those in the refrigeration industry. IIAR’s new membership structure will take effect on July 1, and the changes will increase the value of IIAR membership, promote recruitment and retention of members, and create financial balance and sustainability for IIAR.

The IIAR board came to its decision to change the membership structure after convening a group of 23 IIAR members, and later, an executive committee task force who came together to discuss the issue and delve into ways membership could add value. Ultimately, a simpler IIAR rate structure was developed encompassing many new member benefits.

As part of the change, members will receive free access to one IIAR training video set (Series I, II, or III), one free ANR course annually, free access to online and PDF versions of the ANSI/IIAR standards, and free access to virtual conference content.

Meanwhile, IIAR continues to focus on regulatory initiatives, international outreach, standards development, and educational programs, in recognition that our organization has taken a leadership role in the global cold chain.

In closing, these advocacy efforts, membership changes, and educational programs, including our annual conference, represent the future of our industry, and your support of them is essential. Every IIAR program and initiative is made possible by your membership, and additionally, by your leadership as a volunteer.

I’d like to encourage everyone to use this conference to enjoy a return to “business as usual,” and get involved in the work of your organization. Or if you couldn’t join us this year, be sure to renew your membership. It’s the best way to make sure you connect with this ever-growing community of friends and colleagues who are passionate about natural refrigerants.