Women in HVAC-R
Leadership Summit 2026
The summit celebrating women in HVAC-R, equipping emerging professionals with the leadership skills, mentorship and networks to shape the industry’s next chapter.
when
28–29 October 2026
where
Emperors Palace
city
Johannesburg, RSA
Media
Sponsors
19+
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
02
Days of Programme
05
FOCUS PILLARS
10+
DELEGATE CATEGORIES
Summit
Sponsors
Bronze
Exhibitor
The Summit
Empowering the next generation
The HVACR industry is undergoing rapid transformation — technological innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and rising demand for skilled professionals. Despite this, women remain underrepresented across technical, operational and executive leadership roles.
The Women in HVACR Leadership Summit 2026, organised by Empire Conferencing, brings together executives, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, policymakers and young professionals to celebrate women leaders and build actionable strategies for change.
“
Leadership is not defined by the title you hold — it is reflected in the confidence you project, the respect you earn, and the impact you leave behind.
The Summit
Producing smarter
01
Leadership and Career Advancement
Executive presence, boardroom leadership and mentorship for women in HVAC-R.
02
Engineering Excellence and Innovation
Smart HVAC, AI, predictive maintenance and IoT applications.
03
Sustainability and Climate Technologies
Net-zero buildings, energy efficiency and refrigerant transition.
04
Skills Development and Workforce Transformation
Closing the gender gap through apprenticeships and vocational training.
05
Entrepreneurship and Business Growth
Women-owned HVAC businesses, finance and procurement access.
The Summit
Built for the Next Generation of Leaders
A working room spanning the full HVACR value chain, from technical college students to executive leaders.
- HVACR & Mechanical Engineers
- Facility Managers & Contractors
- Manufacturers & Consultants
- Sustainability Professionals
- Executive Leaders
- HR Professionals
- Industry Associations
- Government Representatives
- Technical College & University Students
- Women Entrepreneurs & Young Professionals
Confirmed Speakers
Industry Leaders
Refrigeration mechanics, engineers, executives and academics — all confirmed for the programme.
Lisel Engelbrecht
Analytics and AI Standard bank SA
Prof. Edith Phaswana
Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs UNISA
Ria Ledwaba
CEO
Gree Products
Sylvia Baloyi
Industrial Psychologist, Transition Coach and Adjunct Academic
David Botha
Executive Director
SARACCA
Thobile Ndwandwe
Hod Engineering
Lumacon
Phophi Matshaya
Managing Director
Mumy & Sons HVACR
Jessica Mamutsi
Boleng Mechanical Engineering Services and Consulting
Michele Hughes
Marketing Manager
DAIKIN SA
Angelique Thompson
Chief Operating Officer
ERASE
Reserve Your Place
Two Days.
One Conversation.
Delegate places are limited. Get in touch to receive the full registration pack and reserve your seat at the table.
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