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1965 - 75

1975 - 85

1985 - 95

1996: Orlando, FL

1998: Cancun, Mexico

1999: Monterey, CA

2002: Tampa, FL

2003: Rancho Mirage, CA

2005: San Francisco, CA

2006: Savannah, GA

2007: Lahaina, HI

2009: Scottsdale, AZ

2010: Palm Coast, FL

2011: San Diego, CA

2012: Austin, TX

2013: Miami, FL

2014: Palm Springs, CA

2015: Los Cabos, Mexico

2016: Orlando, FL

2017: Lahaina, HI

2018: Naples, FL

2019: San Antonio, TX

2020: Virtual – COVID

2021: Miramar Beach, FL

2022: Hilton Head Island, SC

2023: Scottsdale, AZ

2024: Lost Pines, TX

1965–1975: The Beginning of Balance

AABC was officially founded in 1965, with the first Annual Meeting held in 1966. This formative decade saw the launch of the National Standards, the start of TAB training, and the creation of the National Examining Board. Annual Meetings expanded nationwide, and even to Acapulco, cementing AABC’s role as a leader in standardizing TAB practices.

1975–1985: Building Structure and Standards

AABC introduced zones, restructured leadership, and released multiple editions of the National Standards. These years brought seminar-style meetings, expanded certification efforts, and a growing national presence. With meetings from Las Vegas to Hawaii, this decade defined AABC’s commitment to quality, education, and organizational strength.

1985–1995: Growth and Global Impact

AABC grew globally with its first international meeting, launched key programs like technician certification and the TAB Journal, and championed indoor air quality initiatives. This decade reinforced AABC’s leadership in standards, education, and industry impact.

1996: Orlando, FL

Association business at the 1996 Annual Meeting was heavily focused on the AABC Balancing Procedures and an upcoming update to the AABC National Standards. This meeting also offered an expanded technical program offering educational sessions about general business topics. Activities included the annual golf tournament, several opportunities to connect with fellow attendees at receptions, and the annual banquet & awards program.

1998: Cancun, Mexico

Hurricane Mitch didn’t stop AABC members from gathering in Mexico for the 1998 Annual Meeting. Thankfully, the storm had mostly passed by the time the meeting commenced, leaving attendees with lovely tropical weather perfect for enjoying the hotel’s beachfront setting. The meeting included informative technical sessions, association business, and unique social events like dinner aboard a replica Spanish Galleon, as well as water sports, golf, and sightseeing.

1999: Monterey, CA

Following the theme “AABC – Setting a Higher Standard,” the 1999 Annual Meeting kicked off in Monterey, California. The meeting offered a variety of sessions covering important association updates, the latest technical information, and more. Attendees were treated to a visit from comedian Michael Burton, a masquerade-themed banquet, and plenty of beautiful sights to explore in Monterey and the surrounding areas.

2002: Tampa, FL

The 2002 annual meeting had a lot to offer for attendees. In addition to the usual business meetings and technical sessions, AABC members had the opportunity to attend a Control Manufacturers roundtable discussion and a tour of the Environmental Technologies facility in Tampa. The annual golf tournament was a hit once again, and attendees and families enjoyed a pool party and opportunities to explore the local area, including a trip to nearby Caladesi Island.

2003: Rancho Mirage, CA

AABC members enjoyed the 2003 annual meeting in sunny southern California. In addition to a robust technical program, attendees heard updates about things like the new AABC website and the potential expansion of AABC’s commissioning certification program into the AABC Commissioning Group (ACG). After meetings, attendees had a chance to connect and relax with activities including a visit to the Big League Dreams Sports Park, a West vs. East softball game, the annual golf tournament, and a Jeep Adventure Tour to Metate Canyon Ranch.

2005: San Francisco, CA

AABC members gathered for the association’s 40th anniversary meeting in 2005. Over two days, members discussed association business and attended education sessions, as well as enjoying the San Francisco sites. Meeting activities included dinner aboard the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier, a city tour, and a day at a local winery.

2006: Savannah, GA

In Savannah, members admired the beauty of the host city with a trolley tour and riverboat lunch cruise. With nine of AABC’s past presidents in attendance, this meeting was one for the books. Several dedicated members were recognized for their contributions to the association, and business discussions focused on training as a top priority for AABC.

2007: Lahaina, HI

The theme of the 2007 Annual Meeting in Hawaii was “The AABC Advantage: A Formula for Success.” One panel discussion, “Closing the Gap Between Owner, Contractor, and Engineer,” drew a great deal of interest and participation from attendees. In addition to a great educational program, members enjoyed a sunset dinner cruise, a submarine tour, deep sea fishing, and a tour of a tropical plantation.

2009: Scottsdale, AZ

The 2009 Annual Meeting focused on “Meeting Today’s Energy Challenge,” with discussion of the new AABC Energy Management initiative and featured speaker Mark Wilhelm of Green Ideas Environmental Building Consultants. Despite unexpected cold weather, attendees enjoyed the annual softball game, line-dancing and a quick-draw shoot out at a western saloon dinner, and an Apache Trail Jeep tour.

2010: Palm Coast, FL

The 2010 Annual Meeting followed the theme of “Pursuing the Vision” and featured presentations from several of AABC’s committees. In beautiful Palm Coast, attendees were treated to a twilight tour of St. Augustine led by historians in period clothing and ending with a Spanish-inspired meal at the historic Casa Monica Hotel. The weekend’s activities also included a beach volleyball tournament and cookout, an offshore fishing trip, and a private schooner ride by the Castillo de San Marcos.

2011: San Diego, CA

In San Diego, AABC members heard a keynote from retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Ray Smith, a former commander of the Navy SEALs, on leadership and teamwork in high-stress environments. After business concluded, attendees enjoyed a dinner overlooking downtown San Diego, as well as a private fishing charter and the annual banquet. Perhaps the highlight of the week, though, was the first-ever AABC sailing regatta, which saw six sailing teams hit the water of San Diego Bay.

2012: Austin, TX

In Austin, Texas, AABC members gathered for committee meetings, elections, and a series of technical presentations, including a speech from ASHRAE President Thomas Watson. Taking advantage of Austin’s vibrant culture, many attendees enjoyed live music at venues walking distance from the hotel. As always, group dinners provided an opportunity for good food and great company, and the Annual Banquet wrapped up the meeting with dinner and dancing.

2013: Miami, FL

The 2013 meeting brought members from around the country to Miami for three days of education and fun. Attendees heard from board members and experienced speakers for a packed technical program. They also had the opportunity to dine on the beach, play badminton, take a salsa lesson, and celebrate another amazing year at the Annual Banquet, which featured a local Latin band.

2014: Palm Springs, CA

The 2014 meeting addressed important association developments such as the continuing education program, the industry partner program, zone changes, and technician training manual updates. The AABC softball game brought out some friendly competition, and the week ended as always with dinner and dancing at the annual banquet.

2015 - Los Cabos, Mexico

The 50th anniversary annual meeting boasted record attendance of AABC members from around the U.S. and beyond. Attendees enjoyed several days of education and celebration in Los Cabos, with presentations on the past, present, and future of AABC, as well as activities such as snorkeling, ziplining, and a deep-sea fishing tournament.

2016 - Orlando, FL

AABC members gathered in Orlando for the 2016 annual meeting for an informative technical program and an exhibit hall with a record number of exhibitors showcasing their latest technology. The weekend’s activities included opportunities for attendees to connect at receptions and meetings and to become detectives at the Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show.

2017 - Lahaina, HI

The beautiful Sheraton Maui Resort welcomed AABC members to the 2017 annual meeting. In addition to association business and technical sessions, activities included deep-sea fishing, a snorkel sail, and a traditional Hawaiian luau instead of the usual banquet. The luau featured performers who shared festival dances from Tahiti, warrior dances from Fiji, and a traditional dance of the Tahitian princess Tiare.

2018 - Naples, FL

The 2018 annual meeting was a year of firsts: the newly revised TBE exam was offered for the first time at this meeting, and exhibitors presented the first technology showcase featuring the latest tech in the industry. Members and their families enjoyed fun in the sun at a beach party, complete with beach volleyball, cornhole, kayaking, and a cookout.

2019 - San Antonio, TX

AABC moved from the beach to the wild west for the 2019 meeting, gathering in San Antonio, Texas. After technical sessions and business meetings, an evening at Enchanted Springs Ranch gave members and their families the chance to practice six shooting, ride a mechanical bull, and show off their square-dancing moves.

2020 - Virtual – COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a pivot to a virtual meeting in 2020, but that didn’t stop AABC from learning and working to keep the association moving forward. Technical presentations and a general business session happened on Zoom, allowing members to interact and collaborate safely.

2021 - Miramar Beach, FL

Returning to an in-person meeting post-COVID made 2021 an exciting meeting for everyone. This excitement was compounded by the introduction of the AABC Hall of Fame — the first modern inductee, George Ebert, received a standing ovation after addressing the crowd. AABC President Mike Kelly and ASHRAE Director at Large Wade Conlan announced a Memorandum of Understanding between AABC, EMA, ACG, and ASHRAE to establish “consistent leadership communication to advance major initiatives.” A beach party with fireworks was the perfect display to celebrate meeting in-person once again.

2022 - Hilton Head Island, SC

In Hilton Head, AABC members and their families experienced South Carolina with a low country boil, a dolphin tour, and a sea turtle patrol. Long-time members Joe Baumgartner, George Young, and George Coultas were honored as modern inductees to the AABC Hall of Fame.

2023 - Scottsdale, AZ

With over 200 people in attendance, the 2023 annual meeting in the majestic Sonoran Desert was the most well-attended in recent history. Former AABC President Ted Cohen was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame. Everyone rounded out a great meeting with dinner and dancing at the closing celebration.

2024: Lost Pines, TX

The 59th Annual Meeting took AABC to Texas, where members explored the vast Lost Pines property and all it had to offer. Attendees got to try their skills at archery, tomahawk throwing, trap shooting, and line dancing. During the general business session, Walt Green and Chuck Fant were posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition for their contributions to the Certified Technician exam.

1965–1975: The Beginning of Balance

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