As the CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year, I had the privilege of attending the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference.
Hosted this year in Las Vegas, I travelled to Nevada at the end of January and enjoyed a welcome contrast to the cold winter conditions back in the UK. The conference proved to be an excellent opportunity for technical exposure and for connecting with engineers from across the world.
The technical programme was extensive, with seminars, workshops and paper sessions running throughout the week. I focused my schedule on mechanical services and decarbonisation topics. Hearing from leading researchers and specialists offered valuable insight into emerging technologies and innovative design.
Highlights included sessions on heat exchanger optimisation and new humidification technologies, and a thought-provoking discussion on the social science behind low carbon technology adoption. This research challenged me to understand barriers engineers may not always recognise when driving technological change at scale.
At the conference, I presented during a seminar session, delivering an extended version of my Young Engineers Awards presentation. I shared my work on carbon reduction in MEP services, as well as my wider perspective on the topic. To have this opportunity at this stage of my career was undoubtedly exciting, and the professional development gained through this experience was invaluable.
Networking with engineers from across consultancy, academia, manufacturing and research was another highlight. It gave me insight into how similar engineering challenges are approached in different regions.
These conversations reinforced the global nature of our profession and the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals.
I met young engineers within ASHRAE and spoke with students attending the conference, which left me feeling inspired by the enthusiasm and talent that is entering the industry.
Overall, the ASHRAE Conference was an extremely positive experience, combining strong technical exposure with valuable professional and personal development.
Representing CIBSE as Graduate of the Year was a privilege, and I would strongly recommend any passionate young engineer, or mentor of one, to look into the award for 2026.