February 2025 Chapter Meeting – ASHRAE President Visit

Empowering Our Workforce: Building a Sustainable Future

Presentation Abstract: Why is the fast-growing HVAC&R Building Service industry – with its direct ability to address the role that buildings play in the climate crisis – experiencing an inability to attract new talent? “Empowering Our Workforce: Building a Sustainable Future” delves into this question by highlighting the emergence of new technologies to the industry and explores the imperative to remain adaptive and forward-thinking in shaping the engineers and building scientists of the future.

Speaker Bio:

M. Dennis Knight, P.E. is ASHRAE’s president for the 2024-25 term. He is the founder of Whole Building Systems, LLC, has over 46 years of experience in high-performance building design, construction, and operation. He has commissioned hundreds of new buildings and retro-commissioned over 100 million square feet of existing facilities. A pioneer in Building Information Modeling (BIM), Dennis introduced BIM to a 30-person architectural firm in the early 2000s and provided whole building energy simulation analysis. Knight is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and holds dual registration in South Carolina as a Mechanical Engineer and Fire Protection Engineer.

Tickets:

• Professional: $40 (ASHRAE members may use code Member2425 for $5 off)
• Student: Free (Limited to 15 spots only)

Meal Selections:

• VEGAN COBB SALAD: Spring Mix, Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Crispy Garbanzo beans, Red Onions, Sweet Potato, Avocado, Pepitas, Shaved Cauliflower, Toasted Cumin Vinaigrette.
• GARDEN FRESH RIGATONI (V): Zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, garlic, mixed bell pepper, cherry tomato, spinach, basil
• QUESADILLAS: Cheddar jack, bell peppers, pickled onions, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, Nacho Chips
• GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH: Arugula, Mama Lil’s, grilled squash, Basil aioli, Swiss, Mama Lil peppers served with Fries
• WAGYU BURGER: Cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, kosher pickle, special sauce, brioche bun served with Fries

Please note that event registration fees are non-refundable. Once your payment is processed, we are unable to issue refunds for any reason, including cancellation or no-show. However, we can accommodate transferring your registration to another individual or to a future event upon request. We appreciate your understanding and support.