MCE - Mostra Convegno Expocomfort, the global business platform for companies in the HVAC+R, renewables, energy efficiency and water sectors today marks the opening of its 43rd edition. 

This year's event is going back to its traditional programming period, from 12 to 15 March 2024, at Fiera Milano. Milan, 12 March 2024 - The 43rd edition of MCE - Mostra Convegno Expocomfort kicks off today. The event focuses on the convergence and integration of technologies, optimising visit routes to help professionals connect with companies and facilitate business development. The event aims to go beyond just living well-being and follow the complex evolution of the very concept of comfort, as the claim of the new edition of MCE, "Beyond Comfort," suggests. 

MCE confirms itself as an unmissable appointment to build relationships and forge strategic alliances. This is confirmed by the fact that all the exhibition spaces have been fully occupied, with over 1,700 companies in attendance, of which 60% are from overseas. MCE is a global event that continues to grow in international importance. Over 300 official delegations from 45 countries worldwide are expected to attend the exhibition. 

The results were positively influenced by the implementation of a new layout, which involves the integration of different technologies, creation of new direct routes for better visitor experience, and renewed focus on components, systems, and technologies that will accelerate the energy and environmental transition towards achieving the goals of the UN 2030 agenda.

 “Concepts such as biodiversity, the progressive depletion of traditional resources, the requalification and energy sustainability of buildings are creating new scenarios in which HVAC+R players can play a crucial role,' emphasises Massimiliano Pierini, Managing Director of RX Italy, 'despite the complexity of the emerging short and medium-term scenario. 

During the opening ceremony of the event, the 10th CRESME Report presented its forecasts. In 2023, the installation of building systems in Italy decreased by -4.2% compared to 2022, which was a peak year. However, the contraction was less severe than expected. 

MCE focuses on Europe and the markets that benefitted most from funds for cohesion and regional development. This year, Poland was designated as the "Country Partner" for the event. This project is dedicated to promotional activities that encourage meetings between exhibitors and decision-makers from some of the most attractive foreign markets. To foster economic growth and consolidation of Italian businesses in foreign markets, a collaboration between ICE - Italian Trade Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has been renewed to promote the event globally and carefully select participants who will be invited to attend. 

The 43rd edition of MCE will introduce the "MCE Excellence Awards - Efficiency & Innovation for Transition Goals". The awards were born from the "Efficiency & Innovation Pathway" initiative, which identified innovative products and systems that represented the excellence of the technologies exhibited at the show. Now, this initiative has become an award given to components, systems, and technologies that will accelerate the energy and environmental transition linked to the United Nations 2030 agenda, signed in 2015.

“To achieve the goal of complete decarbonisation, hydrogen can play a fundamental role. The new focal point of the event is the Hydrogen Hub, which is dedicated entirely to hydrogen related components and technologies. Its aim is to promote the entire supply chain." The Hydrogen Hub project was strongly encouraged and supported by four partners: 

• ANIMA Confindustria already brings together a large part of the supply chain of components for both hydrogen production and consumption systems and is already building relationships with specific institutions and bodies; 

• H2IT - Italian Hydrogen Association brings together large, medium and small companies, research centres and universities in the hydrogen sector. With 147 members, it represents the entire hydrogen value chain from production to end use. 

• AiCARR (Italian Association of Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration), ensures a vast international network of energy experts, as well as academic and scientific support, with a focus on hydrogen issues and development opportunities; 

• Energy & Strategy Group - Polytechnic University of Milan for in-depth research and support, providing content, market analysis and high profile forecasts. 

The 43rd MCE also marks the launch of the Water Prix, promoted in collaboration with Aqua Italia and ANGAISA, on the issue of Intelligent (use of) water, a competition with prizes that communicates the value of water and creates engagement between visitor and exhibitor. The schedule of conferences, workshops, and events is always informative and captivating. It aims to explore the various themes and development potential of specific areas. 

The agenda is in line with three special focuses - Industrial, Smartness, and Hydrogen. Participants from all fields are invited to contribute their knowledge and expertise to improve the efficiency of buildings, neighbourhoods, and cities. The agenda includes institutional speeches and those organised by international associations (EHPA - European Heat Pump Association and REHVA - Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations firstly) and partner associations, with AICARR in the front row with the 53rd International Conference and the presentation of CLIMA 2025. 

“The exhibition this year is completely new. Our approach is based on feedback received from our primary stakeholders, including exhibitors and visitors. We have collaborated and engaged in dialogue with their representatives’ associations through our Scientific and Promoter Committee," - concludes Pierini. - With the return to a calendar that is congenial to us, the 2024 edition presents itself under the best auspices, with an increase in the number of areas and exhibiting companies that we are certain will also correspond to an increase in the attendance of participants."

MOSTRA CONVEGNO EXPOCOMFORT is built by RX, a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com