Special week to connect women’s HVACR groups

UK: The man behind the establishment of World Refrigeration Day has initiated an international women’s community week to connect HVACR voices across the world.

Global HVACR Women Week will take place from 25-31 October 2026, the international community week will connect local voices and create new relationships across countries, organisations and generations.

According to WRD founder Steve Gill, its purpose is to help local voices find one another, share knowledge and build relationships that can continue long after the week itself.

“Global HVACR Women Week is about building a community that lasts beyond one week. There are remarkable women, strong networks and valuable knowledge throughout our sector, but many people and groups remain disconnected from one another.

“The Week gives us a reason to reach beyond our usual circles – to listen to a voice from another country, connect with another organisation, involve another generation and create space for someone who may not normally be heard.

“This is not something for women or women’s groups to carry alone. Everyone in HVACR can show up, speak up and lift others up. Every new connection will help us build one stronger global HVACR community.”

Those taking part will be encouraged to involve others from other groups. Gill says that this might mean inviting an international guest to a webinar, connecting two groups in different countries, involving a student or early-career colleague, offering a first-time speaker an opportunity, or opening an existing activity to a new audience.

Suggested activities include webinars, technical or professional discussions, interviews, podcasts, group and individual features, student engagement, workplace activities, physical or virtual events and cross-border conversations.

The dates of Global HVACR Women Week will move each year to draw attention to an important woman whose contribution helped shape the profession. The inaugural event coincides with the birthday of Margaret Ingels, the pioneering American engineer whose work advanced the understanding of air conditioning, ventilation and human comfort. She was the first woman to graduate in engineering from the University of Kentucky, the second woman engineering graduate in the United States and the first American woman to receive the professional degree of mechanical engineer. 

Further announcements during September and October will introduce participating groups, countries, contributors and activities as the international community takes shape.

Further details from the newly created Global HVACR Women Week website.