Hot News
FEBRUARY 2019
Let us Know You Are Coming to HPBExpo!
 Be on the look-out for the Registration Brochure! Register now online and join thousands of hearth, patio, and barbecue professionals and experience new products in the spotlight of the industry's premiere event. Hotel rooms are available at a discounted rate on a first-come, first-served basis. Housing closes February 13 th.
HPBExpo 2019
Exhibition: March 14-16
Education: March 13-15
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
Dallas, Texas
Expo Keynote Address
Mike Holmes, DIY Network star of Holmes on Homes, Holmes Inspection, and All-American Handyman, will give the keynote address at HPBExpo this year thanks to our sponsor, Napoleon Products. All attendees are invited to join us for what is sure to be an interesting talk on Thursday morning prior to the opening of the show.
BBQ Section Meets in Dallas

Manufacturers of grills and accessories are invited to join us at our annual section meeting at HPBExpo 2019. We will meet on Wednesday, March 13 th starting at 7:30 am. Breakfast will be served.

The meeting will provide the section members with updates on promotions, the latest on BBQ research, and governments affairs. We also will have ample time set aside to discuss education that targets the BBQ side of business and an open talk about what HPBA is doing for the section and what other services we could provide.

This is your chance to be heard and to hear about our programs, so please plan to send a representative if you are a section member. Please RSVP to Emily McGee by February 15.
Government Affairs Review for Retailers, Distributors, and Reps at HPBExpo

Unsure of the NSPS requirements set to take effect in May 2020? Experiencing an occupational licensing issue?

Join HPBA’s Government Affairs team for a review of all government affairs and code issues at HPBExpo on Friday, March 15 th at 3:00 pm in Room A130. Hear the latest on state, federal, and local issues that affect you, your business, and your customers.
Key Government Affairs Meeting for Hearth Manufacturers at HPBExpo

HPBA invites all hearth manufacturer members to attend the annual Wednesday morning meeting at HPBExpo. The meeting, in Room A130, will start at 8:00 am on Wednesday, March 13 th , with an update on issues relating to gas products, including the rulemakings on efficiency begun by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), as well the battle over vent-free products and ASHRAE. Canadian issues, including the success of the Save My Natural Gas Campaign in British Columbia, will also be reviewed.

The meeting will also cover wood burning issues, including the NSPS, test methods (the review of B.415) and a new federal bill to authorize a national changeout grant program. All manufacturing and laboratory members are invited to attend, with both technical and marketing staff. A full agenda will be sent out to Section members soon – but save the date and time. For more information, please contact Ryan Carroll .
Explore All the Big Things Happening in Dallas, TX
For the first time the HPBExpo is coming to Dallas with our largest indoor-outdoor living event happening at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center . 

Explore all that Dallas has to offer. You've heard of pub crawls and wine tastings – but Dallas takes it to the next level. The Margarita Mile is a collection of the best and brightest margaritas in the city!

New Feature for 2019 - New Product Spotlight Sessions

Attend a presentation on select New Products in the New Product Pavilion – hear directly from the exhibitor, live in the New Product Pavilion, about their new featured product! A schedule for these presentations will be available in the Show Guide, the Mobile App, and on signage in the Pavilion onsite.

Exhibitor e ntries are now being accepted for the New Product Pavilion . Each product entered will also be an eligible entry for the 2019 Attendees' Choice Awards, in which attendees will vote for their choice of most-marketable new product in both Hearth and Outdoor Living categories. Space is limited! Contact Amy Jackson with questions.
Secure Your Exhibit Space
Check out what people are saying about exhibiting at North America's largest indoor-outdoor living industry showcase. Visit our Apply to Exhibit page for floor plans and contracts or contact Anita Derouin to discuss booth options. 

Expo Education - Earn CEUs!
HPBExpo Education will equip you with the knowledge (and the continuing education credits) you need to stay ahead of your competition. This year we have exclusive sessions that can only be heard at Expo.  Review full schedule . Sign-up for your Education Passport during the online badge registration process.

Don't miss out on all the events:
Plan to attend the Tailgate & Big Green Egg Cook-Off Event…Affiliate Receptions...the Vesta Awards…and so much more .
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The Kansas City BBQ Society's Great American Cookout Tour
Ever want to dazzle your customers with your grilling expertise? Here is your chance to pick up a few pointers on technique, skills, recipes and learn about some great products. Add grillmaster to your title of accomplishments after you experience the Great American Cookout tour at HPBExpo. Be sure to check out the grilling demos scheduled daily in the outdoor burn area.

Reach Expo Media with the Online Press Room
Exhibitors can now log on to add or update their Online Press Room profile . The Online Press Room is your opportunity to tell HPBExpo media about your brand and products. Don't miss out on this complimentary opportunity! Contact Emily McGee with any questions.
IMPORTANT WARNING REGARDING 3rd PARTY HOUSING SOLICITATIONS
Please be advised that unauthorized third-party housing solicitations are currently being made (examples: Global Housing Services, Corp. and Event Accom.) . 

These third-party companies may claim they are with HPBExpo or onPeak; however, they are not affiliated with HPBA or the HPBExpo and have not been authorized by HPBA to contact attendees regarding housing for the upcoming HPBExpo 2019. There have been cases in the past where attendees booked with a third-party company and discovered their reservation was not valid upon arrival. 
The official housing partner for the HPBExpo 2019 is onPeak . 
2020 Priority Booth & Housing Selection

Exhibitors should take advantage of the opportunity to select prime booth space for the 2020 Expo in New Orleans. Appointment times for priority point holders will be posted online by the end of February. If you have questions or are interested in priority exhibit space, visit Lobby A during the following hours:

Thursday, March 14 (1:00pm - 5:00pm)
Friday, March 15 (8:00am - 5:00pm)
Saturday, March 16 (8:00am - 12:30pm)

HPBExpo's official housing partner, onPeak, will be on-site taking attendee and exhibitor hotel reservations for HPBExpo 2020 in New Orleans. HPBExpo 2020 housing reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis in Lobby A during show hours.
HPBExpo 2019 Mobile App is Now Available

The show mobile app conveniently allows you to plan your route, research and schedule appointments with exhibitors, manage your education, show events, and much more.
HPBEF/NFI
Remember to purchase an Education Passport when you register for HPBExpo in Dallas, or purchase one onsite in the Registration counter in the lobby. The 2019 Education Program is sponsored by Hearth & Home Technologies. There is an incredible variety of technical, business and safety related classes this year. Here are just a few of the highlights from the full schedule of 30+ sessions:

  • How Much Is Your Business Worth?
  • Using "Why I Grill" to Promote Your Business
  • What Your Accountant Is Not Telling You
  • Installation Considerations for Outdoor Gas Appliances
  • Your Company Safety Plan
  • Selling to Women
  • Succession Strategies to Protect and Perpetuate Your Business
  • American Red Cross CPR/AED Training

Take a look at the schedule by clinking Education Info below. Remember, the education program starts Wednesday, so plan to arrive in time to learn and apply many new ideas to improve your business.
#WhyIGrill
Our long-awaited new promotional concept launched in February. Our goal is to unify the industry under one umbrella and encourage consumers to get out there and use their grills – and tells us why.

We have a website dedicated to sharing #WhyIGrill and are partnering each month with a grilling ambassador. Our January ambassador, Chef Tobias Dorzon, former NFLer, was the perfect way to kick this off. He shared one of his recipes, promoted #WhyIGrill and shared his story about why he grills. We also sent out press releases announcing this new concept and about our Super Bowl survey . We call on our members to embrace this hash tag and engage with us over social media as we spread the word.

Manufacturers' Shipment Report Reminder

Data collection is now open for HPBA’s 2019 Manufacturers’ Shipment Report (MSR). Eligible hearth appliance and accessory manufacturers are invited to participate regardless of participation history. This data is an asset for the Association as it pursues its advocacy and promotional work, but rest assured your company’s individual shipment data is never disclosed or shared. Participants also receive a set of indices for several product types. These indices provide information about the growth or decline of various products as well the rate of the change. If you are interested in participating or have questions about the MSR, please contact Cameron Downs .
Government Affairs
HPBA Comments on EPA's Proposed NSPS Sell-Through

On January 14th, HPBA filed comments on the EPA’s proposal to establish a sell-through period for some of the products that currently cannot be manufactured or sold after May 15, 2020. The proposal was to retail sell-through of two years (until May 15, 2022) for only hydronic heaters and forced-air furnaces. HPBA urged EPA in our comments to provide sell-through for all products impacted by the NSPS, including wood and pellet stoves, and to do so as quickly as possible.

While we hope that EPA will quickly review comments and publish an appropriate final rule, the shutdown of parts of the U.S. government, including the EPA, has undoubtedly extended that process. Due in part to the shutdown, EPA is going to briefly reopen the comment period this month for approximately five days. Given these factors, HPBA does not anticipate a final decision on retail sell-through before HPBExpo. Retailers are reminded that, until EPA decides otherwise, all products for sale on May 15, 2020, must be certified to the Step 2 targets. HPBA will file comments in mid-February on a separate set of concerns, which may be part of a longer term rulemaking and cover many technical issues. For any questions about the NSPS comments, please contact John Crouch .
Biomass Stove Tax Credit Has Slim Chance of Renewal

Congress is debating whether to include the biomass stove tax credit and other expired tax credits during discussions on funding to keep parts of the federal government open after February 15, 2019.

Since December 31, 2017, the biomass stove tax credit has been expired. We have heard from Congressional staff that Senators and Representatives need to hear from constituents that they want the tax credit renewed.

Take action now and send an email to your Senators and Representative, urging them to renew the biomass stove tax credit! Please contact Rachel Feinstein if you have any questions. 
Save My Natural Gas Campaign and Reception from Utility Companies
During the last week of January, HPBA’s John Crouch joined members and staff of the American Public Gas Association (APGA) at a conference in Florida to present our aggressive public affairs program in Vancouver, the Save My Natural Gas Campaign.

The program was well received and in turn, we were able to learn about APGA’s new program to promote increased use of gas appliances, Gas Genius, which will debut in March. For more info contact John Crouch .
Manufacturers Section Meeting Dates Announced
The HPBA Gas Hearth Appliance Manufacturers Section and the HPBA Solid Fuel Hearth Appliance Manufacturers Section will meet in Denver on April 10 th and 11 th, respectively.

More information will be sent directly to the Section members, but manufacturers should plan to be represented there if your manufacturing or importing company is involved in the hearth side of the industry. Member laboratory companies that service the hearth industry are also invited. For more info contact Ryan Carroll or John Crouch . 
ADDRESS UPDATE
New from the post office – for mailed payments to HPBA, the post office has changed the format of our address, effective immediately.

The new address is P.O. Box 424014, Washington DC 20042-4014

After the end of this year, any payments sent to our old address will be returned to sender. We apologize for this inconvenience.

All other correspondence can continue to be sent to our physical address below: