Under the leadership of Mr. Muhammad Abbas Sajid, General Chair of the ASHRAE Region-at-Large (RAL) Chapters Regional Conference (CRC) 2024, the event hosted in Karachi from October 4–7, concluded with resounding success! This flagship event brought together participants from 18 chapters across the Region-at-Large, including sizeable delegations from Ghana and the UAE. Due to unfortunate travel restrictions in parts of the Middle East, two chapters joined remotely, reflecting the steadfast commitment of the ASHRAE community to advancing its mission.
Distinguished ASHRAE officers and executives lent their presence and insights, making the event even more impactful. These included Dennis Malcolm Knight, President of ASHRAE; Mick Schwedler, Presidential Member; Timothy Gardner Wentz, Presidential Member; Farooq Mehboob, Presidential Member; Sarah Ellen Maston, Treasurer; Jeff Littleton, Executive Vice President; Mohammed Basel Anbari, Director and Regional Chair (DRC) RAL; Mahroo Macguire, Region XIV Director and Regional Chair; and Dr. Ahmad Alaaeldin Mohamed, RAL Financial Support and Fundraising chair. Their participation enriched discussions and inspired members across the region.
The CRC 2024 sessions served as the cornerstone of this prestigious gathering, aimed at fostering strategic planning and collaborative growth for the region. Over three days, participants engaged in caucus and business sessions as well as core committee trainings by respective Regional Vice Chairs, at Movenpick Hotel Karachi, where critical decisions shaping the future of the Region-at-Large and Society were made.
An integral part of CRC 2024 was its focus on professional development through targeted training sessions. Participants gained valuable insights during training programs on Research Promotion, Membership Promotion, Students Affairs, Chapter Technology Transfer Committee, Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA), Refrigeration, Government Affairs Committee, ECC (Communication), and Historian Trainings.
CRC 2024 also provided opportunities to foster professional connections and celebrate achievements through a series of thoughtfully curated luncheons. The Business Networking Lunch brought together CRC participants and attendees of HVACR Trends 4.0, offering a dynamic platform to explore partnerships and local manufacturing opportunities. The Presidential Lunch became a momentous occasion where ASHRAE President Dennis Malcolm Knight addressed the participants, sharing his vision and insights into the organization’s global mission.
One of the landmark moments of CRC 2024 was the inauguration of the upgraded Anwar Saadat Lab at the Mechanical Department of NED University Karachi, a project spearheaded by the ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter. This state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by Dennis Malcolm Knight, President of ASHRAE, in a ceremony that symbolized ASHRAE’s commitment to advancing educational infrastructure in Pakistan.
The participants also visited the newly built ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter office in DHA Karachi, where the Caucus Orientation Session was held. Later, they explored the HVACR Trends Expo 4.0 and attended a technical session focused on “Sustainable HVAC Design and System for Textile and Garments Industry,” reflecting ASHRAE’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The social events of CRC 2024 celebrated Pakistan’s vibrant culture and hospitality. From a traditional Pakistani welcome at the airport to cultural and sports dinners, delegates experienced the richness of local traditions. On the first day the Welcome Dinner at Emaar Beach featured camel rides, dune buggy adventures, and a sunset feast, while the Gala Dinner on the second day introduced ASHRAE’s first-ever fashion show, showcasing traditional attire, with ASHRAE leaders dressed and parading the walkway as Show Stoppers! The third day dinner was held at the Legends Sports Arena where the participants engaged in different sports activities and enjoyed the street food of Karachi.
Reflecting on the event’s overwhelming success, Mr. Abbas Sajid stated:
“CRC 2024 has not only strengthened ASHRAE’s regional network but also provided an authentic and transformative experience for all participants. This event has set a benchmark, demonstrating Pakistan’s potential to host world-class events and foster global collaboration in the HVACR industry.”
For further details, visit www.ashraepakistan.com.
