The Association of Italian Refrigeration Technicians (ATF) celebrated its first twenty years of activity with a special evening at the charming Castle of Casale Monferrato, a 14th-century fortress located in the heart of Casale Monferrato, the historic “Italian Capital of Refrigeration.” The event brought together many members and friends in the castle halls and towers to celebrate two decades of support to refrigeration professionals. The evening featured an aperitif dinner offered by the Association and commemorative plaques were gifted to ATF’s long-standing members.
The day began at 4:30 PM with the annual members’ meeting, a moment reserved for association members, followed by the official celebrations at 6:30 PM, including the inaugural speech and awards ceremony, organized in collaboration with ATF’s partner companies. Among the prizes, offered by Errecom, Testo, Wigam, Carel, and other long-time partners, the highlight was a grand final prize provided by Vulkan Italia: a kit for creating connection without flame.
During the event, President Alfredo Sacchi and the association’s leadership, represented by Secretary General Marco Buoni, founder of the Centro Studi Galileo Enrico Buoni, Vice President Marco Masoero, as well as Chiara Bertelli and Simone Portalupi, expressed their gratitude for the continued support of members and corporate partners who have contributed to ATF’s success.
The evening was hosted by Marco Buoni, who not only created a celebratory video showcasing the Association’s two decades of activities but also led the entire event and awards ceremony, making the occasion truly memorable for all the guests.
Among the institutional guests was Mayor Emanuele Capra, who welcomed participants on behalf of the city and assisted in presenting the plaques. The event was coordinated by the staff of the Centro Studi Galileo, a key organizational partner, while the Enoteca Regionale del Monferrato (Monferrato Regional Wine Shop), as per tradition, curated the aperitif dinner, offering a wide sampling of the region’s gastronomic and wine excellences.
With the pleasant weather, the evening took place both in the Marescalchi Hall, adorned with paintings and works by master Barberis, and on the Castle walls, overlooking the river, the city, and the Monferrato hills—UNESCO heritage sites. This stunning setting was appreciated by all participants.
The celebrations were an opportunity not only to recognize past achievements but also to look to the future. In less than a week, ATF will be present at the Chillventa in Nuremberg, together with AREA, its international counterpart, which brings together over one hundred thousand professionals from across Europe, continuing its mission to promote refrigeration culture and the benefits this sector provides to millions of people every day.