Power Flame's Upgraded Presence at AHR Expo

Power Flame has been attending the AHR Expo since the show's earliest days. As one of the most established names in commercial combustion equipment — manufacturing gas, oil, and low NOx burners — they’ve built deep roots in the HVAC industry for more than 75 years. That consistent participation and longevity earn you a lot: loyal customers, industry credibility, and first pick of booth space on the show floor. What it doesn't automatically earn you is a trade show presence that matches your reputation.

That’s exactly the conversation that started when Roger Johnsen, Business Development Director at Skyline, first connected with Ashka Huff from Power Flame’s marketing team at AHR 2025. Ashka loved what her booth had always done well — the open concept, the prime location on the floor, the way it made space for the kind of real conversations that have always driven Power Flame’s business at the show. What she wanted was to build on that foundation and raise it: a presence that felt as strong as the brand behind it, with better support behind the scenes. At her previous exhibit house, when something went wrong on the show floor getting a response took time, often requiring her to chase answers and manage issues alone.

Building Something Better, Together

What followed over the next eleven months was less of a typical client-vendor engagement and more of a genuine working partnership. Ashka knew what she wanted to accomplish: a booth that felt worthy of Power Flame's brand, with space for the sales team to have real conversations and room to continue cultivating the longtime industry relationships that always bring people by the booth. That’s where the Skyline team including the designers who would ultimately bring the vision to reality, came in.

The design process was iterative by necessity. Power Flame’s dynamic product lineup meant that they were navigating shifting product plans right up to the show, which meant layouts changed, priorities shifted, and the design had to flex with them. By the time the final version was locked, the team had worked through multiple rounds of revisions. Each time something changed, the Skyline designers came back with updated renderings and a clear point of view—not just options, but concrete recommendations. The design process felt genuinely collaborative: a team that listened closely, understood the brand, and brought real insight to every revision.

The standout addition to the new design was a center product counter that replaced a basic table from the previous booth. Rather than looking like an afterthought or a last-minute addition, it made a true design statement — and it delivered on function, too, adding much-needed storage to the space. The upgraded LED lighting complemented the counter and brought the whole booth together visually, giving the finished exhibit a polished, intentional feel that matched the strength of the Power Flame brand.

What On-Site Support Actually Means

No amount of preparation fully accounts for what happens during a trade show installation. AHR 2026 was a particularly complicated setup — rigging operations were disorganized across the floor, so the hanging sign couldn't go up until the final overnight window before the show opened. Ashka had carefully planned the whole timeline with everything finishing up with time to spare. It didn’t work out that way.

But here's what did happen: when issues came up, Ashka wasn’t alone. Skyline was on-site during setup, and she knew that if something went sideways, someone would be there to help within minutes. The I&D team in particular was exceptional — professional, responsive, and clearly knew what they were doing. That kind of support sounds simple, but for someone who had previously been managing a major national trade show with no on-site presence from her exhibit house, the support was critical. It extended to the practical details, too — when last-minute needs came up on the show floor, whether microfiber cloths or tape, Skyline had it on hand. That kind of ready supply of small essentials sounds minor until you’re the one scrambling for them under the clock.

The overhead sign went up overnight and the booth looked great. The reaction from the executive team, Power Flame reps, and customers said it all. They were impressed — with the larger overhead sign, the taller structures, the expanded room for messaging, and the upgraded lighting that tied it all together.

A Relationship Worth Building On

Power Flame left AHR 2026 with strong leads, a booth that the team was proud of, and a clear sense of what a trade show partnership built on honesty and candid conversation can look like. Ashka's post-show sentiment was simple: Skyline was worth every penny – it was nice to deal with a company who cared about the details and success of our event as much as the Power Flame team did.

The next chapter is already in progress. Power Flame isn’t necessarily looking to go bigger — they’re focused on going better. The conversations now are about continuing to improve the booth experience, exploring new ideas, and building on what worked. That means the partnership with Skyline isn’t a one-show engagement; it’s an ongoing collaboration, with the team already part of the planning for what comes next.

One of the things Ashka is most looking forward to: showing up later. In years past, Power Flame’s team had to be on-site for days in advance to manage the installation themselves. With a team she now trusts completely that changes. Ashka and her colleagues can arrive closer to the show opening, freeing up time to focus on other important matters, including an off-site customer event that Power Flame hosts alongside the show.

The confidence that comes from knowing the booth is in good hands isn’t just a comfort; it translates directly into how the team spends their time and what they can accomplish. There’s a real cost-savings angle too, your team can show up closer to setup to handle equipment rather than having to worry about and oversee the entire booth installation.

The real takeaway isn't about lighting upgrades or booth dimensions. It's about what it feels like to go into a high-stakes event knowing you have someone in your corner — someone who will answer the text, offer the honest opinion, and show up on the floor when it matters.

Contact us today for a free consultation!