AREA – the European association of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump contractors – will take part in Chillventa 2026 in Nuremberg with a programme combining technical discussion, networking and direct exchange with its members and industry professionals.
The key appointment will be the AREA Forum “The Future of RAC Training and Certification in the EU”, scheduled for Wednesday, 14 October, from 9:40 to 10:40 am, at the Chillventa Forum, Hall 8-512.
The session will focus on the implementation of the new F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573, with particular attention to the growing competence requirements associated with alternative refrigerants and new technologies.
AREA supports the objectives of the Regulation, while highlighting that Member States and national associations are currently at different stages in the development and implementation of training and certification schemes. The Forum will therefore provide an opportunity to discuss practical solutions for achieving a consistent and high-level skills upgrade across Europe.
Among the main topics will be capacity building, safety and certification, the handling of flammable and natural refrigerants, the contribution of appropriately trained technicians and engineers to EU climate objectives, and the technical challenges associated with flammability, toxicity and high-pressure applications.
The session will bring together AREA representatives and experts, as well as U-3ARC, AREA’s partner association representing the African RACHP sector, and will conclude with a debate and questions from the audience.
AREA, ASERCOM, EPEE AND INWIC COCKTAIL RECEPTION
On Wednesday, 14 October, from 17:00, AREA will also co-host a joint cocktail reception with ASERCOM, EPEE and INWIC, offering participants an informal opportunity to meet representatives of the European and international HVACR community and exchange views on current industry developments.
MEET AREA AT CHILLVENTA
Throughout the exhibition, visitors will also be able to meet AREA representatives at the association’s booth:
AREA Booth – Hall 9, Stand 9.131
Tuesday 13 – Thursday 15 October 2026
The booth will provide a meeting point for AREA members, partners, technicians and stakeholders interested in European policy, refrigerants, training, certification and the evolution of the RACHP sector.
FULL PROGRAMME – AREA FORUM
THE FUTURE OF RAC TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION IN THE EU
Promoted by AREA
Wednesday, 14 October 2026 | 9:40 – 10:40 am
Chillventa Forum, Nuremberg | Hall 8-512
Language: English
Key words: certification, training, alternative refrigerants, F-Gas Regulation
Moderator:
Marco Buoni, AREA – Board, with mandate for International Affairs
The seminar will focus on:
1. Capacity building, safety and certification
- Focus on flammable refrigerants and safe working practices.
- The importance of robust training, assessment and certification schemes.
2. Supporting the achievement of EU climate goals
- Ensuring that the transition required by the F-Gas Regulation is matched by the availability of suitable equipment, lower-GWP refrigerant alternatives and adequately trained personnel, including technicians and engineers.
3. Challenges associated with alternative and natural refrigerants
- Addressing flammability, toxicity and high-pressure applications.
- Ensuring safety, reliability, energy efficiency and environmental performance throughout the equipment lifecycle.
SPEAKERS
1) Stepan Stojanov, AREA – President
ABC Certification in light of F-Gas 3.0, Successful National Implementations
2) Thanos Biris, AREA – Vice President
The importance of training and certification on alternative refrigerants for the success of the F-Gas Regulation
3) Marco Buoni, AREA – Board, with mandate for International Affairs
Real Alternatives, Training and Certification 4 Alt Refs: available schemes in Europe
4) Jörg Peters, VDKF – Bundesfachschule Kälte-Klima-Technik
Natural, flammable refrigerants in education: future-proof, environmentally friendly and safe to use
5) Said El Harch, U-3ARC – Vice President, partner of AREA
Europe and Africa together for a sustainable and safe refrigeration
Final debate with the audience