If you’ve never been to the AHR Expo, the scale of the event alone can be a surprise. Thousands of exhibitors. Acres of show floor. Conversations that move quickly from component-level details to big-picture building performance. It’s energizing—but, without a plan, it can be a little overwhelming.
The 2026 AHR Expo runs February 2–4 in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and Functional Devices will be there, bringing new products, familiar faces, and a clear theme: Pushing Boundaries. Powering Progress.
Whether this is your first AHR or your first in a few years, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to approach the show with purpose and how to make the most of your time with Functional Devices while you’re there.
Start With a Plan, Not Just a Map
The instinct for first-time attendees is to grab a floor map and try to “see everything.” That rarely works—and it doesn’t need to.
Instead, start by deciding why you’re there. Are you:
- Looking for solutions that help you build panels faster?
- Evaluating components for tighter specs and higher reliability?
- Scouting what’s new in building automation and controls?
- Connecting with manufacturers you already trust?
Once you know your priorities, you can be selective. That’s when conversations become productive instead of rushed.
Functional Devices’ booth is a good early stop. It’s a place to get grounded in what’s new, what’s coming next, and what’s actually shipping, not just what looks good in a catalog.
Schedule Time for Real Conversations
AHR is loud, busy, and fast-paced, but the best value often comes from slowing down for a few focused discussions.
At the Functional Devices booth, those conversations tend to center on practical questions:
- How do I simplify control power without redesigning an entire panel?
- What’s the cleanest way to handle tight spaces and crowded enclosures?
- Where can I gain reliability without adding complexity?
This year, those discussions will naturally lead to what’s next.
Functional Devices is continuing a major focus on new product development, and has several product releases scheduled for late Q1 and early Q2. These updates include customer-requested enhancements, including refinements driven by real-world installations, not just engineering exercises.
Don’t Skip the "What’s Coming" Conversations
Not every important detail at AHR is on a spec sheet. Some of the most valuable insight comes from hearing where a manufacturer is investing next.
The theme for Functional Devices at AHR 2026—Pushing Boundaries. Powering Progress.—is more than a tagline. It reflects our continued emphasis on customer-centric innovation, where we are focusing on:
- Expanding product families without sacrificing simplicity
- Responding directly to installer and integrator feedback
- Supporting faster, cleaner builds in real job-site conditions
You may not walk away with every detail, but you’ll leave with context. And in a market where timelines are tight and expectations are rising, context matters.
Pace Yourself
AHR rewards stamina, but it also punishes burnout. A few practical tips:
- Schedule your must-see booths early in the day.
- Leave space between appointments. The best conversations often happen unexpectedly.
- Take notes, photos, quick voice memos, or even a marked-up show guide.
By day two, many first-time attendees realize they’re having better conversations than they did on day one. That’s normal. The key is not exhausting yourself before you get there.
Make Networking Intentional (and Enjoyable!)
Trade shows aren’t just about products, they’re about people. AHR is one of the few places where engineers, contractors, panel builders, distributors, and manufacturers all share the same space.
Functional Devices will be hosting an off-site gathering during the show. It’s not a public RSVP event, and attendance will be intentionally limited, but it’s part of a long-standing tradition: creating space for real conversations away from the noise of the show floor.
If you’re invited, go. These moments often lead to the most candid discussions of the week.
Leave With More Than Swag
A successful first AHR isn’t measured by how many booths you visited. It’s measured by what you take home with you:
- New ideas you can apply immediately
- Contacts you’ll actually follow up with
- A clearer understanding of where the industry is heading
Stopping by the Functional Devices booth (booth C350) is a good way to anchor that experience, especially if your work relates to building automation, control power, or panel design.
AHR Expo can feel massive. But with a little planning and the right conversations, it can become not only manageable, but genuinely valuable.
If this is your first time attending, welcome. If it’s been a while, welcome back. Either way, February in Las Vegas is shaping up to be a good place to push boundaries and power what comes next.
