It is an immense privilege for me to welcome all of you to the ASHRAE Region-at-Large (RAL) Chapters Regional Conference (CRC) 2024 in Karachi. As the Registration Chair for this landmark event and as the Chapter Communication Chair for 2024-2025, I take great pride in the journey that has brought us here. Hosting this CRC is a monumental achievement for the ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter, one that we have long dreamed of and worked tirelessly to realize.
For many years, our chapter aspired to bring international ASHRAE events to Pakistan. We knew that achieving this goal would require strategic planning, capacity building, and a relentless commitment to showcasing the capabilities of our chapter. Our first significant milestone came in 2023, when we successfully hosted the first-ever Region-At-Large Planning Meeting (RPM) in Nathiagali. This event was a resounding success, and it marked the beginning of a new era for the Pakistan Chapter. The confidence and trust we gained from our fellow member chapters at that time paved the way for what we are celebrating today—the first-ever RAL CRC to be held in Pakistan.
As part of our efforts to bring the CRC to Pakistan, we dared to take an even bigger step by organizing the HVACR Trends Exhibition and Conference in 2021. This was a groundbreaking initiative for our chapter and demonstrated our ability to successfully conduct large-scale events. Today, we are proud to say that we are one of the few ASHRAE chapters worldwide that continues to organize this event annually.
Over the past years, we have also made significant strides in elevating the quality and scale of our local events, seminars, workshops, and social gatherings. These efforts have transformed the ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter into one of the most active and energetic chapters in the Region-at-Large, fostering a dynamic community of professionals who are passionate about driving innovation and excellence.
In February 2024, we officially began planning for this CRC, and the scope of the project was massive. Our initial step was selecting the most appropriate venue. We explored numerous options, considering iconic locations such as Hunza, Swat, Nathiagali, Bhurban, Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Hosting an event of this magnitude requires not only financial resources but also careful consideration of various logistical factors, such as time, accessibility, and regional proximity to our fellow member chapters across the RAL. After much deliberation, Karachi emerged as the ideal choice due to its strategic location, ease of access for international visitors, and its ability to accommodate the scale of an event like this.
We worked day and night, ensuring every detail was planned with precision and care. From venue selection, to accommodation, meals, logistics, safety and security, and ensuring a smooth experience for all delegates, every element of this event was meticulously crafted to provide an unparalleled experience for our guests. We’ve also planned engaging social events, including fun-filled dinners and cultural experiences, to give our visitors a taste of the vibrant spirit of Pakistan.
We understand the importance of every detail, and that includes ensuring visa assistance, travel logistics, and the overall well-being of our guests. Our goal has always been to create a seamless experience for each and every participant, allowing you to focus on the valuable discussions, networking, and learning opportunities that this CRC offers.
We are excited to welcome you all to Karachi and look forward to making this event a resounding success.
