FAQs: Your Questions Answered
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General Questions
What is the HPBExpo?
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo is North America's largest indoor/outdoor living trade show with over 450 exhibiting manufacturers of hearth products, pools and spas, casual furniture, and barbecues and accessory products. Each year the show attracts nearly 12,000 attendees including specialty retailers, installing distributors, HVAC contractors, and LP and hardware dealers.
Who attends the HPBExpo?
The HPBExpo attracts nearly 12,000 attendees including specialty retailers, installing distributors, HVAC contractors, and LP and hardware dealers. The Expo is for trade only and is not open to the general public.
What are the product categories on display at the HPBExpo?
At the HPBExpo, one can find a plethora of hearth, pool & spa, casual furniture and barbecue and accessory products on display. For a complete list of product categories, please visit the HPBExpo website at: http://www.hpbaexpo.com/showinformation/product_groups.asp
Who exhibits at the HPBExpo?
Manufacturers and distributors of hearth, patio, and barbecue products exhibit at the HPBExpo. Retailers can find not only the latest products for their showrooms, but also the latest services and technologies for their companies.
What are the tradeshow hours?
- Thursday, March 19: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Friday, March 20: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday, March 21: 9:00am – 5:00pm
When and where is the 2009 HPBExpo?
HPBExpo is March 18-21, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada.
What are the future locations and dates of HPBExpo?
- Expo 2010: March 10 – 13, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
- Expo 2011: March 16 – 19, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nevada
- Expo 2012: March 7 – 10, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
- Expo 2013: March 13 – 16, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nevada
- Expo 2014: March 19 – 22, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
- Expo 2015: March 11 – 14, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nevada
Exhibitor Questions
What does it cost to exhibit at the HPBExpo?
- Indoor Space: Inline space - $29/square foot; Corner space - $31/square foot
- Outdoor Space: $29/square foot for any amount equal to or less than the amount of space rented indoors; $31/square foot for any amount greater than the space rented indoors (or outdoor only)
HPBA manufacturer, distributor, and associate members receive a discounted price of:
- Indoor Space: Inline space - $22/square foot; Corner space - $24/square foot
- Outdoor Space: $22/square foot for any amount equal to or less than the amount of space rented indoors; $24/square foot for any amount greater than the space rented indoors (or outdoor only)
HPBA members with 2,000 square feet or more will receive a discount of $0.40/square foot.
What does the cost of booth space provide?
The booth fee covers the space for your exhibit. Each 10x10 booth will be set with an 8’ high back drape, 3’ high side dividers, and a 7”x44” one-line identifications sign with company name and booth number. Any carpeting, electric, furniture, telephone, etc., will need to be ordered separately through the show decorator or appropriate contracted vendor.
Am I allowed to share booth space with another company?
No. According to the HPBExpo Rules and Regulations, Section 5, “Subletting of Space Prohibited - Exhibitors are not permitted to assign or sublet a booth or any part of the space allotted to them, nor shall they exhibit, or permit to be exhibited in their space, any merchandise or advertising materials that are not part of their company’s regular product lines.”
Can I set up my own booth?
Each city has different requirements. Nevada is a right-to-work state. Certain exhibitors may be required to use labor to help set up and tear down their exhibits. These specifications to identify such exhibitors will be explained in detail in the Exhibitor Service Manual provided by HPBA. There will be an area at dock for self-unloaders as long as the vehicle meets the POV requirements, which is nothing larger than a car, van, or pick-up truck. Anything larger will have to use Freeman to unload. Items must be hand carry or roll in; no unloading equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, etc.) can be operated on docks by exhibitors for safety reasons.
What is my targeted move-in date?
To find your targeted move-in date, please check the color-coded map in the Exhibitor Services Manual. This is the date that Freeman Decorating will have your shipment delivered to your booth.
What time does the trade show close? When does move out begin?
The trade show closes on Saturday, March 21 at 5:00pm. Tear-down CANNOT take place before this time. Exhibitors may begin teardown and move out as soon as the show is over. See the Exhibitor Service Manual for additional tear-down hours.
How do I register my staff? When do we get our badges?
Exhibitors can register staff online through the web site or by faxing an Exhibitor Pre-Registration Form to (708) 344-4444. Forms are available for downloading on the web registration Welcome page. If you register by February 23, pending any registration fees and/or membership dues, you will receive your badges by mail (US/Canada only). If you register after February 23, but before March 16, you can pick up your badges onsite. After March 16, you will need to register onsite. All international exhibitors must pick up badges onsite.
When is the Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM) distributed?
The ESM will be distributed to all contracted exhibitors in November.
What do I do if my country requires my company’s staff members to have a “Letter of Invitation” to travel to the HPBExpo?
Simply click on International Visitors on the HPBExpo homepage and fill in your company’s information. HPBA will mail the required letter to the address given.
Can I serve food and beverages in my booth?
Yes, however all food and beverages must be ordered through the convention center’s caterer.
What are the display Rules & Regulations for my type of booth?
If you do not have an island booth (open on four sides), you are limited to a height restriction on 8 feet 3 inches in the back of your booth, and 4 feet in the front section of your booth. For a complete explanation, see the Rules and Regulations part 10 A-H. If you are unsure whether or not your display falls within regulation, please contact HPBA.
Help! My freight is missing, what do I do?
If you arrive at the show and your freight cannot be found, proceed to the Freeman Service Desk with your carrier name and tracking number. Freeman will be able to either help you contact your carrier if freight has not checked in to the marshalling yard or give you the status on unloading your freight if it has checked in. For questions on shipments in advance of the show, call the General Exhibitor Services number posted on the Quick Facts page of the Exhibitor Service Manual.
How do I get my empty crates removed?
Crates are automatically removed once an exhibitor places an empty sticker on the crate during the move-in process. Empty stickers can be obtained at the Freeman Service Desk indoor or outdoor. Please note that the deadline to tag all crates as empty is Wednesday night by 5pm. Crates are also automatically returned at the close of the show on Saturday at 5pm, and should be in your booth space completely by 11pm that same evening.
How can I arrange for security in my booth?
The Exhibitor Services Manual contains a booth security order form.
Can I request the services of an onsite photographer?
The Exhibitor Services Manual contains an onsite photographer form.
My neighbor’s booth is too loud or too bright. What do I do?
First, ask the neighbor if they could turn down their music or lights. If they do not comply, find a member of show management, either in the staff office, registration area or priority assignment booth.
Who is the official Show Contractor?
FREEMAN is the official show contractor for the HPBExpo 2009.
What is the New Products Pavilion and how does my company submit an entry?
Located on the show floor in booth 3041, the New Products Pavilion will showcase new and exciting products and is sure to be a draw for the attendees. Go to http://www.hpbexpo.com/pdf/NewProductPavilionAgree.pdf for an entry form. Pricing ranges from $325 to $400, depending on the size of space needed.
Products must be introduced to the market after the HPBExpo 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. For a full list of Rules and Regulations for the Pavilion, go to http://www.hpbexpo.com/pdf/NewProductPavilionRules.pdf.
How do I submit a new product for the Vesta Awards program?
Visit http://www.hearthandhome.com for full Vesta details. Or, contact Erica Paquette at Hearth & Home magazine: (800) 258-3772 or email vesta@hearthandhome.com.
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Education Questions
Education and Certification Questions
How do I get a copy of the education schedule at the HPBExpo?
Go to Education Program on the website.
How can I register for education sessions at the HPBExpo?
You must be registered for the HPBExpo to attend education. Go to Register on the web site. Forms may also be downloaded for sending by fax or mail from the web registration Welcome page. The Education Passport covers all regular courses, EXCEPT NFI Certification and those courses which require materials fees.
To send by Fax: (708) 344-4444
To send by mail:
HPBExpo 2009
c/o CompuSystems Registration
PO Box 552
Brookfield, IL 60513-0552
Can I register for education/certification on site?
Yes, you can add the Education Passport or purchase an NFI Certification package at the show, but for NFI you should register in advance to have time to study the manual.
Can I register multiple people with one contact name or individually?
You will need to register each individual person, although one person can perform the task.
Do I need to register separately for each course?
Aside from specially marked courses with a separate materials fee and the NFI programs, every course in the schedule is included in your purchase of the Education Passport.
How can I add education if I already registered to attend?
Changes and additions can be made online by going to Register online and select “Check Registration Status”. Follow the prompts. A request can also be faxed to (708) 344-4444. Please include your company name, name of person adding education, education code, payment information, and that it is for the HPBExpo 2009.
If I register for NFI, will I get the book in advance?
Yes, the study manual of the certification you registered for will be sent to you once you have completed registration.
How long does it take to receive the manual?
All manuals are shipped via DHL Ground service which usually take between 3-5 business days.
I’m taking the test and also some classes. If I pass the test will those course count for CEUs?
Yes, if you are successful in examination, you will gain credit for any courses you attended.
I’m NFI Certified. How many CEUs will I need earn at the HPBExpo?
Go to www.nficertified.org and log-in using your last name and NFI ID number. You will find out how many CEUs you have and how many you will need to renew.
I’d like to present a program at an upcoming HPBExpo. How do I go about submitting my request?
Please call (703)522-0086, extension 118 to discuss future program opportunities.
Does the education program offer CEU credits?
Many education classes do offer CEU credits. Please refer to the education schedule by going to the Education Program link to the left and refer to specific sessions to see if CEU credits will be offered. Note: CEU Information is provided in this schedule in anticipation of the number of CEUs approved for each session. However, the CEU Committee will make the final decision on CEU accreditation just prior to Expo.
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Attendee Questions
How do I register to attend the HPBExpo?
Simply go to the Register link to the left. A Pre-Registration Form may also be downloaded for sending by fax or mail from the web registration Welcome page.
To send by Fax: (708) 344-4444
To send by mail:
HPBExpo 2009
c/o CompuSystems Registration
PO Box 552
Brookfield, IL 60513-0552
What does it cost to attend?
HPBA/Affiliate Members receive complimentary badges based on their membership. Badges over the complimentary allotment are $50 pre-registration and $75 onsite. Nonmember badges are $75 each.
What is the Pre-Registration deadline?
Pre-Registration closes March 16, 2009. After March 16 you must register onsite.
When will I receive my badge?
Badges will be mailed beginning January 26, 2009 (US/Canada only). International companies must pick up badges onsite.
What do I do if I pre-registered, but did not receive my badge after January 26?
Please call (866) 486-0733 toll free to check your registration status.
Can anyone register for HPBExpo?
HPBExpo is open to trade only.
Where can I find a list of hotels and rates?
Please go to the Book Hotel Reservations link to the left. All information is available on the reservation form(s) provided. You may also make reservations directly online from the Hotel Reservations web site, you can fax the form to (801) 355-0250 or you can call (866) 365-1113 (Domestic Toll Free) or (801) 505-4139 (International).
What do I do if I need to make changes or cancellations to my hotel reservations?
Reservation changes and cancellations should be directed to HPBA’s housing bureau / The Housing Connection calling (866) 365-1113 (Domestic Toll Free) or (801) 505-4139 (International) until February 13, 2009. After February 13, 2009 please contact your hotel directly.
Are complimentary shuttle buses provided?
Complimentary shuttle busses will be provided between the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and Peppermill, Grand Sierra, Silver Legacy & Eldorado. Service will be from 7:00am to 6:00pm with two exceptions. Wednesday’s last run from the convention center will be at 5:00pm instead of 6:00pm, and Friday’s last run from the convention center will be at 7:30pm
Where can I find additional information about travel?
Please go to About the Show link to the left. Hertz rental car and Reno transportation information is listed. All HPBA participating Hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle service.
What is there to do in Reno?
From world class golf and skiing to gambling to museums, Reno has plenty to offer you. For more information on what you can do, visit the Reno-Tahoe Convention and Visitors Authority website at http://www.visitrenotahoe.com.
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