HPBExpo 2013 Education

The 2013 HPBExpo Education Program is developed by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation (HPBEF).  Over 40 seminars are designed to help industry professionals increase sales, improve business efficiency and strengthen technical competencies.  Continuing Education Units (CEUs) abound for those seeking to renew NFI Certifications. Starting Wednesday, March 13^th, the day before exhibits open, and concluding Friday, March 15^th, the education program consists of sessions across three tracks.

To attend any course, a One-Day Education Passport ($59) or Three-Day Education Passport ($99) is required; the latter of which includes a six-month subscription to “HE@RTH Online Training,” which is sponsored by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation (HPBEF) – a $125 value.

View Full Education Schedule

The 2013 HPBExpo Education Program is generously sponsored by ICC-RSF. With this financial support, we can offer a wide variety of topics presented by leaders in their field. Please be sure you drop by their exhibit booth, Indoor 5300, and thank them for their contribution to the education program.

Technical

Technical seminars focus on subjects and skills necessary to successfully install and service hearth products. From simple practical tools for everyday use to advanced troubleshooting techniques, sessions in this track provide important “how-to” and troubleshooting information by some of the industry’s leading experts. Owners, managers and service technicians will learn the technical skills needed, whether they have been in the industry for 20 months or 20 years.

Safety/Health/Liability

Learn how to make the workplace a safe and healthy environment before an accident happens.  Understand the ins-and-outs of OSHA regulations and be schooled in the American Red Cross best practices should injury occur.  Owners and employees benefit from understanding how to create a safe working environment and the importance of finding a balanced approach to protecting employees and businesses from undue liability can also be found in sessions labeled with this icon.

Elective

The Elective track contains a variety of classes designed for owners, managers, sales personnel and anyone in your organization that interacts with customers.

• Business Management seminars designed to provide practical concepts from the functional areas of business (e.g., marketing, finance and capital resources).
• Sales skills, promotion ideas and marketing strategies for small and large business operations.  Robust sales revenues usually go hand-in-hand with a well developed and implemented marketing plan.  Experts agree that in a tough market, a dedicated marketing plan will make your business standout from the pack.
• Outdoor Living is an exciting segment of the industry that continues to expand.  Sessions include barbecue, patio topics and general outdoor room topics.

Young Guns

Are you a member of HPBA Young Guns?  Several Expo speakers have designed their presentations for this exciting new group.  Be sure to watch for the Young Guns icon next to select education sessions listed on the HPBExpo web site and in the Show Program Guide.

Special Sessions

“Whiz Bang! Retail Sales & Marketing Boot Camp”

Bob Negen, WhizBang! Training

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 8:30am – 5:00pm

One of Expo’s most popular speakers comes back to provide a full day of marketing material geared for specialty hearth retailers. If you missed his sessions in the past, you won’t want to pass up the opportunity to learn during his highly energetic sessions. Topics will include:

• How to Get New Customers for Little or No Money
• How to Turn Those First Time Shoppers into Long Term Customers
• How To Quickly Build Your Customer Data Base Using The World’s Simplest and Best Loyalty Program
• Using Electronic and Social Media Marketing To Dramatically Increase Customer Loyalty and Drive Sales

Manufacturer Specific Training

Wednesday, March 13, 2013; Thursday, March 14, 2013 and Friday March 15, 2013

An HPBExpo first!  Several industry manufacturers will have two-hour sessions to go over the sales, marketing and technical information you need to know. Each session will be listed on the HPBExpo web site and the Show Program Guide.  Please note:

• An Education Passport is required to attend the manufacturer training.
• Some manufacturers will limit attendance to their dealers; others will open their door to anyone.

Education General Information

The complete education program is available at www.hpbexpo.com.  To attend education sessions, you must purchase an EDUCATION PASSPORT.  To purchase your Education Passport, select Education Passport when registering to attend HPBExpo 2013.  Education Passports can also be purchased on site in Orlando.

Expo 2013 BONUS…purchase a Three-Day Education Passport and you will receive a six-month trial subscription to HE@RTH Online Training valid from April 1 – September 30, 2013.  Pre-recorded OnDemand courses are available, including some of the great sessions offered at the HPBExpo.  Students can access the OnDemand classes at any time, day or night. Not enough time to finish a session? No problem. Pause the session and come back to it whenever you have the time.

Education Fees	Member	Non-member
Three-Day Education Passport	$99	$249
One-Day Education Passport	$59	$209
NFI Certification Package:	$389	$539
(Includes manual, exam & review course)
NFI Certification Renewal Package	$289	$439
(For certified specialists whose certifications expire in 2013. Includes manual, exam & review course)
NFI Exam Only	$279	$449

Questions?  Call HPBEF at (703) 524-8030 or email info@hpbef.org.

 NFI Certification

The National Fireplace Institute^® (NFI) is the professional certification division of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation (HPBEF). NFI’s objective is to increase public safety by establishing meaningful credentials for professionals involved in planning and installing residential hearth appliances and venting systems.

This is your chance to become NFI Certified at the hearth industry’s premier event, with review courses taught by some of the industry’s best experts.  Benefits of becoming certified include:

• Increased employee confidence and retention – fewer complaints and callbacks.
• A competitive edge over your competition – more customers = more profit!
• A chance to lower insurance premiums.
• Respect from building and code officials.
• Possible recognition by state/local government.

There are now over 3,500 NFI Certified professionals in the hearth industry. HPBExpo is your chance to add your name to the list.

Three NFI Certifications Available – Gas, Woodburning and Pellet

NFI Certified Gas Specialist

This certification is for professionals who install or plan gas hearth appliance systems. It covers the installation knowledge specific to gas appliances and venting, including regulations and instructions, fuel delivery, appliance requirements, venting and ventilation, and troubleshooting. All major gas hearth appliances (fireplaces, gas log sets, inserts and freestanding stoves) and venting methods (conventional Type B vent, direct vent, liner systems and unvented) are covered.

NFI Certified Woodburning Specialist

This certification covers solid fuel factory-built fireplaces and all types of wood stoves, including freestanding, inserts and manufactured high-efficiency fireplaces. In addition to core knowledge pertaining to woodburning appliances, installation and planning knowledge includes solid-fuel appliance regulations and instructions, appliances, venting and ventilation, and troubleshooting.

NFI-Certified Pellet Specialist

For professionals who plan and install pellet hearth systems, this certification covers the different approaches to pellet appliance fuel delivery, heat transfer and venting systems. Planning, installation and troubleshooting knowledge covered includes such subjects as appliance components, electrical requirements, vent configurations and assembly, and common causes and solutions for pellet system problems.

NFI General Information

How to Participate in the NFI Certification Program at HPBExpo

An NFI Certification package allows the individual access to any one of the scheduled review courses and exams: review courses are offered Wednesday, March 13 and Thursday, March 14.  Exams are offered Wednesday through Saturday. Participants are not required to register for a certain day for review courses or exams. Be sure to register well in advance of HPBExpo to allow study time before attending the review course and taking the exam. Upon registration, the study manual will be sent to the participant via ground shipping service.