The first Global HVACR Women Week will take place from 25–31 October 2026, inviting women, organisations and colleagues across the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration sector to participate. The international community week aims to connect local voices, share knowledge and build relationships across countries, organisations and generations.
Rather than operating as one centrally organised event, the Week will provide a shared focal point for activities created by groups, workplaces and individuals worldwide. Participants are encouraged to involve people from another country, organisation, professional network or generation.
Activities may include webinars, technical and professional discussions, interviews, podcasts, student engagement, workplace programmes, physical or virtual events and cross-border conversations. Existing meetings, publications, interviews, webinars or events can also participate by introducing another voice, organisation, territory or generation.
Women’s networks, professional and trade bodies, employers, manufacturers, contractors, educators, students, publications and individuals are invited to take part. The Week places women’s voices, knowledge and experiences at its centre while remaining open to the entire HVACR sector.
“Global HVACR Women Week is about building a community that lasts beyond one week,” said Stephen Gill, initiator of Global HVACR Women Week and founder of World Refrigeration Day. “Everyone in HVACR can show up, speak up and lift others up.”
The inaugural Week begins on 25 October, the birthday of American engineer Margaret Ingels, whose work advanced understanding of air conditioning, ventilation and human comfort. The event dates will change each year to highlight an important woman whose contribution helped shape the profession.