The 2026 HARDI Annual Conference will take place from December 7–10, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina in San Diego, California
Brought to you by the Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), this flagship 4-day event serves as the ultimate gathering for North American HVACR wholesale distributors, manufacturers, and vendor partners.
The theme for the 2026 conference is “Frontier”. Based on attendee feedback, the event now shifts to a Monday through Thursday schedule. The event typically draws over 2,200 attendees, including hundreds of executive and director-level wholesaler representatives and over 260 Booth Program vendors.
The curated educational content is split into three core tracks designed to help entire teams implement strategies for organizational growth. Focused on leadership, internal structural improvements, and team retention. Exploring the macroeconomic environment, complex sales trends, supply chain changes, and regulatory policy shifts.
Providing practical tools to optimize sales strategies and capitalize on changing technology (such as AI applications in distribution)
In addition to traditional breakout sessions and keynotes, attendees can connect during the Opening Reception, the action-packed Booth Program & Solutions Center, and the final Closing Reception.
Keynote Speakers
ASTRONAUT CHRIS HADFIELD
A former commander of the International Space Station, Chris spent more than three decades serving the Canadian Space Agency, NASA, and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
CHIEF ECONOMIST DR. ANIRBAN BASU
Anirban founded Sage Policy Group in 2004. He has been called an economist with a sense of humor, which is considered high praise in the dismal science.
HARDI MARKET INTELLIGENCE
HARDI MARKET INTELLIGENCE
TIM FISHER & GRACE HELSER
HARDI Market Intelligence experts Tim Fisher and Grace Helser specialize in HVACR market research, industry benchmarking, and economic analysis, helping distributors navigate trends with confidence.
AUTHOR STEVE MCCLATCHY
Steve McClatchy is a New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized keynote speaker who helps leaders work smarter, reduce stress, and achieve lasting success through practical, engaging strategies.
KEYNOTE MIKE MARKS
Mike Marks co-founded the Indian River Consulting Group in April 1987. He began his consulting practice after working in distribution management for more than 20 years.
KEYNOTE KYLE SCHEELE
Kyle Scheele is a nationally recognized keynote speaker who helps organizations unlock creativity and innovation through engaging, actionable presentations that inspire audiences to turn bold ideas into reality.
The full Agenda for the conference is now available online at hardiconference.com