Feature: HVAC industry breezes into the windy city - AHR Expo 2024

Our Kristina Paskonis, national sales manager, attended the AHR Expo 2024 in Chicago. There, she witnessed the HVAC industry’s ongoing transformation to be more sustainable. Learn why she thinks tapes can play a key role.


The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration (AHR) Expo is a major gathering for the HVAC industry. Held this year from January 22-24 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the Expo was attended by more than 50,000 people, including product manufacturers, engineers, facility operators, contractors, and others involved in the industry. The event is sponsored by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

A golden opportunity to network
Avery Dennison Performance Tapes manufactures Fasson® brand tapes and a growing portfolio of industrial tapes used by HVAC system manufacturers and suppliers. So we jumped at the opportunity to be present. Our own Kristina Paskonis, National Sales Manager, attended the Expo to walk the floor, observe, and — importantly — network with the many professionals in attendance.

“The Expo is a chance for virtually everyone in space – contractors, OEMs, and others – to connect,” said Kristina. “It’s also a big educational opportunity, with training sessions for contractors and others covering everything from regulatory changes to installation best practices.” 

How going green is affecting the industry
The changing regulatory environment — often related to the HVAC industry’s green transition — was one of the expo’s many themes. Another was the automation and AI revolution. Numerous educational sessions touched on both topics. 

Kristina took a special interest in the broad discussion of sustainability in the industry. “Avery Dennison Performance Tapes is really well positioned to be the HVAC industry’s sustainability partner,” she noted. “As a corporation, we have very aggressive sustainability goals, including waste reduction, responsible sourcing, and innovating to create more sustainable adhesive options that are as effective as traditional adhesives and that advance the circular economy.”

She continued: “Countless contractors rely on Avery Dennison Fasson® tapes, and a growing number of HVAC manufacturers spec our industrial adhesives as a bonding solution. So we have a great opportunity to make a significant impact on the HVAC industry’s efforts to decarbonize.”

Recognizing the industry’s best 
As is the case with many large commercial trade shows, other associated events were running concurrently with the AHR Expo. This included the HVAC Tactical Awards gala at the Adler Planetarium. The awards website explains, “We want to recognize people… who are focused on delivering impeccable craftsmanship. We look for individuals that are masters of their craft, teachers of the trade, those that give back.”

Not only was Kristina in attendance, but the Avery Dennison Fasson® brand was proud to be a sponsor of the event. “The Expo brings a lot of people together,” she said. “Events like the awards show give them another opportunity to network. And while much of the awards show itself was geared toward contractors, there was a ton of value for manufacturers like Avery Dennison. I met a lot of people and gained a lot of feedback as to how our Fasson® tapes are being utilized.”

The choice of contractors and manufacturers
As the HVAC industry moves forward, contractors and manufacturers alike can rely on Avery Dennison Performance Tapes. "I'm excited for the industry," Kristina said, "and I'm confident they can rely on our product portfolios, technology, support, and commitment to sustainable solutions. The AHR Expo definitely confirmed that this is a great time to be in HVAC."

To learn more about Avery Dennison HVAC and mechanical insulation solutions, including Fasson® tapes, visit us online.