The end of the year is coming to a close quickly, and that means your IIAR staff at headquarters is busy preparing for the next annual conference, in March at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel and Resort in Orlando, Florida. I’m excited to announce many additions to this Heavy Equipment Show that are new in 2020 and highlight the many advantages of IIAR membership, so consider this your official invitation to another can’t-miss IIAR conference!

First, The IIAR conference and expo will have a new location in Orlando this year, the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel and Resort. More about that in a moment. The 2020 conference is set to continue the dual industrial-commercial technical track introduced last year, and with the larger Heavy Equipment Show, will come a larger and much expanded education program to address both the industrial and food retail sectors of the refrigeration inductry.

Every conference highlights the value of IIAR membership, but the ability to attend and participate in the annual conference is just one advantage of being an IIAR member. There are yearround benefits that will pay off for you and your colleagues in many ways.

The IIAR 2020 meeting is considered our “Heavy Equipment Expo,” featuring the largest equipment displays in the industry. Manufacturers and suppliers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world will be represented, along with the largest technical program ever assembled by IIAR, featuring 18 technical papers, nine workshops and several expert panel discussions.

Additionally, this upcoming show will focus on new technology – including innovative products, industry best practices and safety, along with regulatory updates – for food processing, distribution and the food retail sectors of our industry.

The conference will open with a special education program on Sunday that will take a deep dive into the latest technology in the rapidly developing field of secondary coolants in ammonia and CO2 refrigeration applications.

This program will have sessions on building the business case for a secondary refrigerant loop in a primary refrigerant system, secondary refrigerant properties and ranges of application, a case study on carbon dioxide as a secondary coolant, pipe systems and selection, including “smart” pumps as applied to secondary refrigerant loops, and more.

Anyone interested in exploring the latest technology in this expanding demand for secondary loop application with natural refrigerants will want to register for this class.

And before the conference program gets underway, the Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation will take center stage with its Fifth Annual William E. Kahlert Memorial Golf Tournament.

This year, the Foundation’s golf tournament will be played at the headquarters hotel site on the Rosen Shingle Creek Club course. This course, which was designed by the renowned Arnold Palmer Design Company, is a handcrafted course with features reminiscent of the finest classics in the world.

Some of the course’s features harken back to the golden age of golf course design, with elevated greens and strategically placed bunkers surrounded by enchanting flora and wildlife. The 18- hole, par 72 course is designed to give golfers of all levels more forgiveness and entertaining strategic options that challenge your entire game, while rewarding the diligent player.

The entire day will be devoted to the tournament with a team event competing for a “new” coveted trophy, special individual prizes, along with food and refreshments. All tournament proceeds will go to support the important work and mission of your Foundation.

So, if you have not already done so, I invite you to register now for the IIAR Natural Refrigeration Conference and Expo, March 14-18 in Orlando, Florida.

IIAR membership helps keep you plugged into changes in industry standards development and is the best way to be sure that personnel can keep informed of technical changes in refrigeration, both regulatory changes and safety practices. And the annual conference is where that education and networking is most on display.

This event will be your best opportunity to expand your technical knowledge, support your Foundation and network with your colleagues and friends. I look forward to seeing you in Orlando!