September 2026 
Greetings
Welcome to the Minnesota Chapter of ASHRAE! My name is Travis DeWeese and I’m grateful to serve as your president for the 2026 – 2027 year.
The MN Chapter plans to align our efforts with ASHRAE Society President Sarah Matson’s theme, “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience.” Her theme focuses on how the building industry can work together to improve the efficiency, performance and resilience of existing buildings in the face of growing climate and infrastructure challenges. I encourage everyone to read the full Presidential introduction here and check out the HVAC Hero interactive training game.
To support this vision of working together, the MN Chapter will have our own theme of “ASHRAE Acuity”. The goal being to strengthen Chapter awareness, presence, membership and opportunities. Some key goals include:
- Increased awareness and presence with new ASHRAE swag for the leadership team. Looking good and standing out.
- Providing opportunities for education and collaboration at monthly Tech Sessions and ASHRAE events.
- Engaging more with local universities, community colleges, and technical schools.
- Continuing to grow committees by encouraging member involvement and leadership opportunities.
I encourage you to visit the ASHRAE Minnesota Chapter Calendar for details on our programming. Upcoming September events include:
- 9/15 Rochester Section Monthly Seminar: Desiccant Ice Rink Design by A.J. White, Dry Solutions Inc.
- 9/17 MN Chapter Kickoff meeting and Tech Session: Desiccant Ice Rink Design by A.J. White, Dry Solutions Inc.
- 9/26 Hearts and Hammers Volunteer event.
Stay tuned for our annual events like the Energy Expo in October, Holiday Party and Awards in December, AHR Expo in January, Refrigeration Seminar in February, Education Seminar in April, Golf Outing in June and more. These events are designed to educate, inspire, and strengthen our professional community.
Finally, I want to recognize and thank our dedicated Board of Governors, committee chairs, and volunteers whose efforts make our chapter thrive.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, I look forward to seeing you at our events and working with you to make 2026 – 2027 a year of collaboration, growth, and ASHRAE Acuity.
Travis DeWeese
2026 – 2027 President
Minnesota Chapter of ASHRAE
Upcoming Events
MN Chapter Kickoff and Tech Session
September 17, 2026
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Axel's Restaurant, Roseville
Join us as we kick off the new ASHRAE program year. President Travis DeWeese will start things off by sharing our theme and goals for the year ahead, followed by a seminar on desiccant dehumidification and its application in ice arenas. This presentation will provide an overview of why humidity and dew point control are especially important in refrigerated ice environments, how desiccant systems differ from conventional cooling-based dehumidification, and the key factors involved in equipment selection and system design. Technical session eligible for 1 PDH.
Volunteer Opportunity - Hearts and Hammers
September 26, 2026
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Linden Hills, Minneapolis
Join fellow ASHRAE Minnesota members, friends, and family for a hands on volunteer day with Hearts and Hammers, helping a homeowner in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis with exterior home repairs. Volunteers will help with landscaping, minor repairs to beams, and trim painting. Lunch, tools, and gear will be provided.
This event is open to everyone 18+. No experience is necessary, and ASHRAE membership is not required, so feel free to bring friends, family members, or anyone willing to lend a hand.
2026 MN Energy Expo
October 21, 2026
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest Hotel & Conference Center
The MN Energy Expo will take place on Wednesday, October 21st at the Marriott NW in Brooklyn Park.
Attendees can look forward to:
- Educational sessions
- Exhibitors and sponsors
- Networking
- Hot breakfast and lunch
Sponsorship Available
Women in ASHRAE Pottery Networking
October 27, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dame Errant - 1729 N 2nd Street, Suite 101
We are excited for our first Halloween-themed Women in ASHRAE event! We will gather at Dame Errant to make a pinch pot and network with industry friends. The event is open to ALL! Folks are welcome to come in costume. Let's have some fun!
Research Promotion
CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota’s largest natural gas distribution company, plans to issue a Request for Ideas (RFI) in Fall 2026 to gather ideas and proposals for research and development (R&D) projects under Minnesota’s Natural Gas Innovation Act. CenterPoint is seeking bold ideas to help shape the future of how energy is delivered to our customers in Minnesota.
Through this process, CenterPoint is expected to fund research and development efforts that could include market research, emerging technologies, small-scale demonstration level initiatives, and other projects to support future opportunities to accelerate emissions reductions solutions. This effort is part of CenterPoint’s innovation plan approved under Minnesota’s Natural Gas Innovation Act. The plan invests in a diverse set of innovative efforts and cleaner energy strategies that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the benefit of CenterPoint’s customers and communities.
To be added to the RFI distribution list and receive a copy once it is available, please complete this short form.
Questions related to the RFI can be directed to Esha Seth, Senior Project Manager, at esha.seth@centerpointenergy.
Society
ASHRAE society president Sarah E. Maston, P.E., BCxP, LEED AP is proud to present her 2026-27 presidential theme, “Changing the Game: Retrofitting for Resilience.”
"There is no one-size-fits-all solution or game plan for retrofitting buildings. Every building has its own constraints – mechanical systems, budgets and operational needs. Also, financial constraints, or utility infrastructure, plays a part in deciding the game plan or resilience strategy of a building. That’s why teamwork is absolutely essential.”
Rochester Section
September 15 Rochester Section Monthly Seminar: Desiccant Ice Rink Design
September 15, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Bleu Duck Kitchen
This presentation will provide an overview of why humidity and dew point control are especially important in refrigerated ice environments, how desiccant systems differ from conventional cooling-based dehumidification, and the key factors involved in equipment selection and system design.
If you miss this event, catch AJ White at on September 17 for the ASHRAE MN kickoff.
