In February, I attended my first AHR Expo in Orlando. Representing SPARK, I had the opportunity to visit some of our longtime clients, including Tridium and Honeywell, while also immersing myself in the latest innovations in HVAC technology. While SPARK may not be a household name in the HVAC industry, our work is woven into some of the most recognizable products on display—the brand behind the brand, if you will.
For those unfamiliar, the AHR Expo is the largest gathering of HVAC professionals, bringing together manufacturers, engineers, contractors, facility managers, and innovators from around the world. This year’s event was massive, with over 50,000 attendees, nearly 2,000 exhibiting companies, and more than 340 educational sessions. Walking the show floor, one thing became clear: this industry isn’t slowing down, and neither is innovation.
Data is driving the industry forward
One of the most exciting trends I saw at AHR was the emphasis on data. A well-functioning piece of equipment is good, but one that tells a story—alerting users to changes in pressure, flow, or maintenance needs—is great.
Companies like Attune, Lynxspring, tekmar, Appion, Evergreen Telemetry, Resideo, and ABB are leading the charge, delivering smarter solutions that provide real-time insights. It’s clear that the future of HVAC isn’t just about performance—it’s about intelligence.
Brand matters more than ever
That might be a surprising statement in the world of HVAC products but it’s never been more true.
Walking through the expo, I noticed a strong focus on branding and design. Many booths went beyond the standard trade show setup, creating visually striking and engaging experiences. But brand didn’t just show up in displays— it was baked directly into product design. I found myself repeatedly saying, “This is nicer than it has to be—nicely done!”
In a field where differentiation can be a challenge and off-the-shelf metal enclosures are often the go-to, companies are now embracing brand identity to stand out.
AHR isn’t all business—it’s also about community
Despite SPARK’s long history with the HVAC industry (almost 30 years!), I wasn’t sure how I’d be received as someone who isn’t an engineer or product designer. But the openness and willingness to engage was remarkable, and I was repeatedly surprised at how willing people were to answer my questions about their product mix and place in the market.
From trade school students exploring future careers to industry veterans discussing partnerships, the sense of community was palpable. The expo isn’t just about showcasing the latest tech—it’s about fostering connections, education, and collaboration.
And on that note…
Collaboration is key to innovation
One of the best parts of this industry and expo—and one of the reasons the HVAC industry is continuously making large strides—is a focus on collaboration. At AHR I witnessed partnerships forming between companies that, on the surface, might seem like competitors. But by working together, they’ll go further.
Even in a seemingly saturated market, new technology and ideas continue to push the industry forward. That’s due to this community’s collaborative nature and the innovations it creates as a result. Together, we go further.
I’ll be back next year
As SPARK continues to work behind the scenes, helping brands in this space create differentiated, beautiful, high-quality products, I’ll be carrying forward all the insights I gained at the AHR Expo. I left the event energized and inspired by the possibilities ahead, and I’ll absolutely be back next year.
If you attended the conference and would like to connect, or want to hear more about what SPARK does for HVAC product companies like Tridium and Honeywell, please reach out!