Major announcements at ASHRAE’s 2008 Winter Meeting included free electronic distribution of the Advanced Energy Design Guide series, publication of the 2007 energy conservation standard from ASHRAE and IESNA, and signing of memorandums of understanding with the Brazil Green Building Council and the Building Owners and Managers Association.

More than 2,700 people attended the meeting, held Jan. 19-23, New York City. Held in conjunction with the meeting was the Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition, which set a new attendance record with 39,298 registered visitors (excluding exhibitors). Records for a Northeast HVAC&R event also were set with total number of exhibitors of 1,885 and square footage of exhibit space of 363, 505, reveals the company’s press release. Centered on the theme Reaching New Heights, a nod to the skyscraper skyline of New York City, the ASHRAE meeting offered a technical program with more than 130 sessions, 21 educational courses and social events. The meeting also featured more than 500 meetings of technical, standards and standing committees, developing guidance for the future of the industry and ASHRAE.

 “ASHRAE hit new heights at this meeting in regard to driving the industry forward through our distribution of technical information, educational offerings and networking opportunities,” ASHRAE President Kent Peterson said. “Being surrounded by the thousands of buildings in New York City was a great reminder that ASHRAE and our industry must truly aim to reach new heights in creating high performing buildings. The accomplishments at this meeting certainly helped move us along the sustainability path.”