EARTH to host its first Industry Forum|University of Kansas|October 20, 2025

A one-of-a-kind event for companies in the HVACR industry to meet with the six universities conducting research that will shape the industry’s future.

EARTH – the Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub, an Engineering Research Center funded by the National Science Foundation – is hosting an Industry Forum on October 20 at University of Kansas. Members of EARTH’s Industry Consortium are encouraged to attend. Companies interested in learning more about EARTH and consortium membership are also invited.

We have an exceptional line-up of talks and networking opportunities for executives in the HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) sector. In an afternoon, you will learn about ongoing research that will lead to the next generation of energy-efficient technologies and systems. You will have the opportunity to meet with faculty, students and staff from the six universities participating in EARTH.

We want you to be the first to know about the|technological innovations on the horizon.

Location

The forum will take place at the Gateway District conference center, which connects to the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, 1101 Mississippi St., Lawrence, KS., 66045.

The Gateway District

Parking Info

Where to stay

A block of rooms has been reserved at The Oread Hotel, located adjacent to KU Campus and within walking distance of the conference center and downtown Lawrence, KS. Deluxe motorcoach transportation will be provided between The Oread Hotel and the conference center.

The Oread

Industry Forum Agenda

Time	Event
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CT	Check in Enter the conference center at the stadium’s Northeast Gate. EARTH team members will be there to greet you.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM	Welcome & Lunch Enjoy a catered lunch, hear a brief overview of EARTH’s research priorities, and get to know your industry peers. Charles (Chuck) Allgood, Chair of EARTH’s Industrial Advisory Board and Technology Fellow at Chemours, will share his perspective on how the sector’s varied stakeholders can collaborate to move the industry forward.
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM	Tech Talks Fireside Chat featuring Casey Williams, EARTH Industrial Liaison Officer, and Tony von Sadovszky, EARTH Innovation Officer Future Frontiers: "Turning Down the Heat: Thermal Pathways to Energy Efficient Data Centers" with University of Maryland Professor Damena Agonafer; and "Model Discovery using Machine Learning and Molecular Simulation" with University of Notre Dame Professor Ed Maginn Industry Panel: Workforce Perspectives, led by University of Kansas Professor Elaine Sutley Introduction to EARTH for new participants, led by Tricia Bergman, EARTH Innovation Ecosystem Lead (Kansas University) and Todd Watkins, EARTH Innovation Ecosystem Co-Lead (Lehigh University)
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM	Group A: EARTH Industry Advisory Board members will attend a private meeting with EARTH and NSF representatives at the Gateway District conference center. Group B: Non-consortium members and other stakeholders are invited to attend a lab tour at KU’s Engineering Complex (EARTH’s headquarters). Shuttle service will be provided to/from KU’s Engineering Complex
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM	Cocktail and networking reception followed by dinner (all companies are invited) Keynote to be given by Dennis Knight, former president of ASHRAE (The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers).

*We will share a more detailed agenda and parking information to confirmed registrants.

Have questions?

Email us at erc-earth@ku.edu and watch the video for an overview of EARTH.