With less than three weeks to go until the doors open, registrations for the ACR Show 2014 are powering ahead.

The exhibition, which takes place at the NEC from 11 to 13 February, is the only national event of its kind for the air conditioning and refrigeration industry.

Event director Jan Thorpe said: 'The show is proving to be a must-attend event for both the trade and end users. The timing, following the recent EU proposals on new F-Gas regulations, couldn't have been better.

'Everyone is keen to catch up with these important changes and what they mean for the industry. Our experts will make sure visitors are fully up-to-speed.'

High profile industry figures have echoed the importance of attending the show. William Purvis, capital replacement programme manager (M&E) at Boots, said: 'I'm coming along to the show because, as capital replacement programme manager for national M&E works for a blue chip retail organisation, I have a duty to ensure the systems and equipment I install are current, cost effective, innovative and as future-proof as possible. I can gain most of this information by attending prestigious events such as the ACR Show 2014.'

Given the recent sharp price increases in energy costs, efficiency is a key issue for many visitors. Martin Lowe, regional energy manager at The Co-operative Group, said: 'It's important to keep up-to-date with technology and new ideas. My focus is on energy efficiency and we use a wide variety of cooling and air conditioning equipment in the company. I need to make sure we are getting the best out of our systems and are aware of the latest developments. Attending the show is a very efficient way of doing this.'

The show's combination of the latest air conditioning and refrigeration technology under one roof provides a unique opportunity for visitors.

Katie Walton, commercial assistant, Association of Convenience Stores, said: 'We represent 33,500 convenience stores across the UK, and I am coming along to the show to keep in touch with suppliers and the latest equipment. Our interest spans both refrigeration and air conditioning as these are obviously key in-store technologies used by our members.'

For those with a focus on technical developments, the show provides a once-in-two-year opportunity to see the latest systems coming on stream. Angel Lagos, senior energy engineer with EDF Energy, says: 'I am a technology specialist focussing on air conditioning and refrigeration and need to keep up to date with the latest developments. The show offers a great opportunity to do this.'

For others, in addition to new technology, it is the networking opportunities offered by the show that are a key reason for attending. 'I'm going to the show to network and meet new contacts,' says installation specialist Dan Hadley. 'Air conditioning is an important sector for us and the show offers a great opportunity to get up to speed with the latest developments,'

On the distribution side, forward-thinking companies are homing in on the show as a springboard for expanding their business.

'We are growing our presence in the air conditioning market in partnership with Daikin,' says Tony Smith, sales director of Smith Brothers Stores. 'The show offers a good opportunity to see the latest technology and keep up-to-date with what is happening in the air conditioning industry. Daikin will be making a major announcement on new technology at the show, which will of course be of considerable interest.'

To register for the show now go to www.acrshow.co.uk

For details on exhibiting, contact Jan Thorpe on 01622 699 113, or Karena Cooper on 01622 699150 (email jthorpe@datateam.co.uk or kcooper@datateam.co.uk)