IT IS now just six weeks before the doors open on the first ACR Show at the NEC - the only event of its kind in the UK.
The ACR Show, which takes place at the NEC from 13-15 March, is backed by six big-name sponsors: Climate Center is sponsoring the Business Intelligence Theatre; Gram and Hoshizaki are sponsoring the networking area; LG is sponsoring the technical seminar programme; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is sponsoring the visitor registration area; and Panasonic is sponsoring the Heat Pumps Focus.

The exhibition is the only national showcase for new technology, knowledge transfer and networking for industry and end users whose businesses rely on air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. It will showcase the latest products and services from over 100 top companies, from both the UK and overseas.

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

'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.'

She added: 'We have been delighted with the level of support from sponsors and exhibitors. With visitor registrations taking off, the exhibition team is gearing up for what I am confident will be an outstanding three days.'

There will be a special focus on heat pump technology, enabling visitors to see the latest contenders in the race to harness low-cost renewable energy.

The show's twin-track seminar programme takes place in two purpose-designed auditoriums on the floor of the exhibition, focussing respectively on technical developments and business intelligence.

Key sessions in the technical programme include:
· Where now for the big supermarkets?
· Upskilling to take advantage of the growing heat pumps market
· The implications of the Retail Refrigeration Code of Conduct

Hot topics to be discussed in the business programme include:
· The future potential of renewables in buildings
· Complying with the law on air conditioning inspection and certification
· HFO refrigerants - the solution waiting in the wings?

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.

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