With just a few weeks before doors open, leading users of cooling equipment across the UK are registering to attend the forthcoming Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Show, which takes place at the NEC, 13-15 March 2012.

The organisers report keen interest from representatives of major companies such as ASDA, Boots, British Gas, Cargill Meats Europe, Co-operative Group, DHL, Gatwick Airport, John Lewis Partnership, National Rail, One Stop Stores, Pepsico, The Royal Navy, The Spice Trail, Spirit Pub Company, Tesco and Thorntons, to name a few.

The exhibition is the UK’s only national showcase for developments in air conditioning and refrigeration technology and will showcase advances in products and services from over 100 top companies.

It provides a not-to-be-missed opportunity for the trade and companies which rely on cooling to get up-to-speed with the very latest developments across the sector.

Neil Frost of The Co-operative Group, said: “I am coming with several colleagues to see the latest developments in refrigeration, including remote and integral cabinets, compressor packs and condensing units. Efficiency is a key issue for us.

“My company is looking to move away from HFC refrigerants and the show will give us a good insight into the latest developments in alternative technologies, such as carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. It will also be a good place to meet up with contacts and suppliers and generally keep in touch.”

Kevin Sizer of British Gas said: “I am keen to see how technology has moved on – in particular in relation to heat pumps. It is a really important and rapidly developing area.

“It will be interesting to see the extent to which efficiencies have improved recently. The ACR Show provides a really good opportunity to get up to date with developments in this field.”

The show includes a comprehensive seminar programme, which takes place in twin auditoriums on the exhibition floor. Key sessions in the technical programme include:

Where now for the big supermarkets? (presented by representatives of the UK’s leading food retail chains);

Upskilling to take advantage of the growing heat pumps market (John Roe, HRP Ltd);

The implications of the Retail Refrigeration Code of Conduct (Bob Arthur, refrigeration technologist, Marks and Spencer).

Hot topics to be discussed in the business programme include:

The future potential of renewables in buildings (Tim Pollard, Head of Sustainability, Wolseley UK);

Complying with the law on air conditioning inspection and certification (Neil Dady, Technical Business Solutions Ltd);

HFO refrigerants – the solution waiting in the wings? (speakers from Dupont, Honeywell and Mexichem Fluor).

The full programme includes 30 must-attend sessions on cutting-edge topics, enabling visitors to get up-to-speed with the most important developments across the air conditioning and refrigeration sector.

Visitors can pre-register to attend the show via the show website, with free access to seminars on a first-come, first-served basis.

Iona Spencer, sales manager of the show, said: “With a comprehensive exhibitor line-up, red hot seminar programme and hands-on access to the latest cooling products and technology, the show is a must-attend for the trade and everyone whose business depends on reliable, efficient cooling.

“For those in trade or the food and drink, catering and hospitality and industrial process cooling sectors, a day at the show will enable you to get fully up-to-speed with the latest technologies and developments across the refrigeration and air conditioning field.”

A Student Trail on the last day of the show (15 March), will give new industry entrants an opportunity to talk to leading companies and catch up with the latest technical and commercial developments as part of a pre-planned programme.

Visitors will be able to see the latest offering from well-known companies such as: AHT Cooling Systems, Bitzer UK, Danfoss, Dorin, Emerson Climate Technologies, Frascold, Fujitsu General (UK) , GEA Searle, Gram (UK), Hoshizaki, HRP, Hubbard, J&E Hall International, Javac, Mexichem Fluor, National Refrigerants, Oceanair, Sabroe, Teknic Refrigeration, Thermofrost Cryo and Carrier UK.

For more details on visiting and to register, see: www.acrshow.co.uk/register

For more details on exhibiting, contact Iona Spencer on 020 8651 7113; or email [email protected]