AHR Innovation Awards -
Winner’s Guide

Step 1. Tell Your Story

2027 Interview Schedule

Wednesday, September 30

Building Automation: 10:00am - 10:30am ET
Cooling: 10:45am - 11:15am ET
Heating: 11:30am - 12:00pm ET
IAQ: 1:00pm - 1:30pm ET
Plumbing: 1:45pm - 2:15pm ET
Refrigeration: 2:30pm - 3:00pm ET
Software: 3:15pm - 3:30pm ET

Thursday, October 1

Sustainable Solutions: 10:00am - 10:30am ET
Tools & Instruments: 10:45am - 11:15am ET
Ventilation: 11:30am - 12:00pm ET

Process Overview

• You will be guided through a roughly 30 minute Zoom interview using a question and answer interview style with a moderator

• Our video production company will be online to assist with technical and best practices 

• Following the recording we will edit the footage and produce a short 1-2 minute preview video

• You are encouraged to send B-Roll of your winning product for inclusion in the video

• We have many recordings happening consecutively, please plan to sign in at your time slot promptly so we do not delay

During the interview, you will be prompted with questions and will then be asked to address the camera directly as if speaking to the audience. The desired tone is business casual, professional but relaxed, conversational and not scripted.

We’ll start with the questions below, we may ask for further detail as we engage in conversation during the interview, or we may not ask all questions. It’s best to read the sample questions and prepare an answer to discuss naturally, rather than script a specific answer. Keep in mind you will be speaking to HVACR professionals in general not necessarily professionals directly in your field.

Please begin each answer with a brief restatement of the question. 

Example: 

Q: In a short statement, can you sum up the current state of the HVACR Industry?

A: The HVACR Industry is currently experiencing an immense opportunity for growth.

Sample Interview Questions:

1. Why is innovation important for the HVACR industry?

2. What does it mean to be an innovator?

3. Can you tell me a bit about the product and what it does? (Consider how it relates to trending topics for your answer)

4. What problem(s) does this product solve?

5. Why is this so innovative? (How has your solution improved on what is currently available at market)

6. Who do you see as being the biggest beneficiary of the product and why?

7. What impact will this product have on the HVACR industry?

8. Can you invite attendees to come see this product/tech in action at the show? (Please include your booth number)

9. It’s very exciting to be recognized, what does this mean to you/your company?

If possible, during your interview we’d love to see a demonstration of your product. You can send this as B-roll to include in your video, or we can arrange to capture it during the interview. Please delegate one spokesperson for the video.

Helpful Tips 

General best practices:

• Speak slowly and clearly

• Try to maintain eye contact with the camera (zoom camera)

• Do not use an abundance of hand motions in the frame

• Relax and imagine it's just a “convo with a colleague!”

Where to sit:

• Try to find a nicely lit window (but don't sit directly in front of it), or a nicely lit room without intrusive lighting

How to prepare your screen area:

• Test your frame by turning on your camera and testing items that will be in view

• If sitting at your desk, clear it of any excess items that may appear on the screen

• Be mindful of pictures, shelf items or other background items that will appear on screen

• Make sure you are in an area that will not have traffic or commotion behind you while recording

What to avoid:

• Noisy areas

• Washout areas such as a white wall

Step 2. Spread the Word

All winners will receive the following collateral to help promote their winning product:

• Award winner badge logo. Download now for use in social media, email, print, etc.

• Promotional video using content from your virtual interview.

• 8.5”x11” easel back sign with the Award Winner logo to display in your booth. These will be delivered to your booth prior to the show opening on Monday @ 10am.

Step 3. Celebrate with Us

Winners in all 10 categories will be recognized in a brief reception at the AHR Expo on Monday, January 25 at 4:30pm. Winning companies are invited to bring up to 8 people to help us celebrate. During the reception, crystal awards will be distributed, pictures will be taken, and one category winner will walk away with the 2027 Product of the Year Award!

Invitations with more details will be sent prior to the event.