FAQs
General Questions
What is HPBExpo?
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo is North America's largest indoor-outdoor living show featuring more than 350 exhibitors who display and demonstrate hearth products, pools and spas, casual furniture, barbecues, and accessory products. Each year the show attracts more than 11,000 participants, including specialty retailers, installing distributors, HVAC contractors, and LP and hardware dealers.
Who attends HPBExpo?
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 HPBExpo, one can find a plethora of hearth, pool and spa, casual furniture and barbecue and accessory products on display. View a complete list of product categories.
Who exhibits at HPBExpo?
Manufacturers and distributors of hearth, patio, and barbecue products exhibit at HPBExpo. Retailers can find not only the latest products for their showrooms, but also the latest services and technologies for their companies. View acomplete list of exhibitors to date.
What is the New Exhibitors Pavilion?
Located on the show floor, the New Exhibitors Pavilion gives first-time exhibitors high visibility by being easy to locate in one area on the floor. Go to www.hpbexpo.com and click on New Exhibitors Pavilion to see a listing of new exhibitors participating at HPBExpo 2010.
What are the tradeshow hours?
- Thursday, March 11: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Friday, March 12: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday, March 13: 9:00am – 5:00pm
When and where is HPBExpo 2010?
HPBExpo 2010 is March 10-13 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
Are children permitted to attend the show?
In accordance with display rules and regulations and security measures, children under the age of 12 are prohibited from entering the trade show floor and outdoor burn area at any time, including infants. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Children 12 and older must have a badge to enter exhibit halls.
Exhibitor Questions
What does it cost to exhibit at HPBExpo?
- Indoor Space: Inline space - $39/square foot; Corner space - $41/square foot
- Outdoor Space: $39/square foot for any amount equal to or less than the amount of space rented indoors; $41/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 - $23/square foot; Corner space - $25/square foot
- Outdoor Space: $23/square foot for any amount equal to or less than the amount of space rented indoors; $25/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 identification 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. Florida 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 and online this fall on the Exhibitor Services page. 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 pickup 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 online this fall. This is the date that Freeman will have your shipment delivered to your booth.
What time does the tradeshow close? When does move out begin?
The tradeshow closes on Saturday, March 13 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 website or by faxing an Exhibitor Pre-Registration Form to (708) 344-4444. Forms are available for downloading on the web registration Welcome page. Faxed and mailed forms must be received by March 5 to be considered processed. Online registration will remain open until March 13. All pre-registered attendees must pick up badges onsite at an Express Badge Pick-Up counter.
What is the Pre-Registration deadline?
Faxed and mailed forms must be received by March 5 to be considered processed. For your convenience online registration will remain open until March 13. Onsite registration will open Tuesday, March 9 at 1:00pm.
How do I check the status of my registration?
Please contact CompuSystems at (866) 486-0733 toll free or (708) 486-0733 to check your registration status. Indicate that you are an exhibitor at HPBExpo 2010.
When is the Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM) distributed?
The ESM will be online this fall. Exhibitors in need of a complete print-out of the manual should contact info@hpbexpo.com.
What do I do if my country requires my company’s staff members to have a “Letter of Invitation” to travel to HPBExpo?
Simply click on International Visitors on the Expo homepage, select the link “official letter of invitation” 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.
What Sponsorship Opportunities are available?
If you are interested in learning about what sponsorship opportunities will be available for the Expo, please contact our Director of Advertising, Betteanne Leahy at (800)404-5461 or leahy@hpba.org.
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 HPBExpo 2010.
What are the 2010 Material Handling Rates?
Freeman has instituted a simplified “tiered rate structure” based on cumulative weight per booth. Prices for indoor and outdoor material handling will be the same this year and prices listed will be applicable for 5 years. Shipments less than 2,500 pounds will be billed at $55/CWT; shipments 5,000-9,999 pounds will be billed at $52/CWT; and shipments 10,000 pounds and greater will be billed at $49/CWT. Additional charges apply to off-target, overtime, and warehouse shipments not received between March 6 and March 18, 2010. The form for Material Handling will be available in our online Exhibitor Service Manual. In addition, Freeman’s Exhibitor Service Department at freemanorlandoes@freemanco.com and (407)816-7900 can help estimate material handling charges for exhibitors who would like personal assistance in determining their show services budgets in advance.
What is the New Products Pavilion and how does my company submit an entry?
Located on the show floor, the New Products Pavilion will showcase new and exciting products and is sure to be a draw for attendees. Go to www.hpbexpo.com and click on New Products Pavilion for an entry form and rules. (Products must be introduced to the market after HPBExpo 2009 in Reno, Nevada).
What is the Green Pavilion and how does my company submit an entry?
Located on the show floor, the Green Pavilion gives exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their green products that meet what HPBA considers the significant tenets of being Green: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Show your greenest product (limit three per company) and tell us why it’s green. To qualify, tell us how your product incorporates at least 2 of the 3 categories: Production, Use and Disposal. Go to www.hpbexpo.com and click on Green Pavilion for rules and entry form.
How do I submit a new product for the Vesta Awards program?
Visit www.hearthandhome.com for full Vesta details. Or, contact Erica Paquette at Hearth & Home magazine: (800) 258-3772 or email vesta@hearthandhome.com.
Education Questions
Education and Certification Questions
How do I get a copy of the education schedule at HPBExpo?
Go to Education Program on the website.
How can I register for education sessions at HPBExpo?
You must be registered for HPBExpo to attend education sessions. Go to Register for Badges on the website. 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 2010
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?
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 for Badges. Select badge type (Attendee or Exhibitor). Members must select "Register with Member ID." After entering your six digit Member ID, scroll down to see the names that have been registered and select the person to be corrected/changed. Non-members must 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 HPBExpo 2010.
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 takes between 3-5 business days.
I’m taking the test and also some classes. If I pass the test will those courses 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 HPBExpo?
Go to www.nficertified.org and login 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.
Attendee Questions
How do I register to attend the HPBExpo?
Simply go to the Register for Badges 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 2010
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 badge fee is $75 each.
How do I register my staff? When do we get our badges?
Attendees can register staff online through the website or by faxing an Attendee Pre-Registration Form to (708) 344-4444. Forms are available for downloading on the web registration Welcome page. Faxed and mailed forms must be received by March 5 to be considered processed. Online registration will remain open until March 13. All pre-registered attendees must pick up badges onsite at an Express Badge Pick-Up counter.
What is the Pre-Registration deadline?
Faxed and mailed forms must be received by March 5 to be considered processed. For your convenience online registration will remain open until March 13. Onsite registration will open Tuesday, March 9 at 1:00pm.
How do I check the status of my registration?
Please contact CompuSystems at (866) 486-0733 toll free or (708) 486-0733 to check your registration status. Indicate that you are attending HPBExpo 2010.
How can I make changes or additions, if I already registered?
Changes and additions can be made online by going to Register for Badges. Select badge type (Attendee or Exhibitor). Members must select "Register with Member ID." After entering your six digit Member ID, scroll down to see the names that have been registered and select the person to be corrected/changed. Non-members must 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 changing/adding, payment information if applicable, and that it is for HPBExpo 2010.
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 website, 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/The Housing Connection by calling (866) 365-1113 (Domestic Toll Free) or (801) 505-4139 (International) until February 5, 2010. After February 12, 2010, please contact your hotel directly.
Are complimentary shuttle buses provided?
Complimentary shuttle busses will be provided between the Orange County Convention Center and all hotels with the exception of The Peabody Orlando, Hilton Orlando, and the Westin Imagine Orlando which are all within walking distance of the center. 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 Orlando Information.
What is there to do in Orlando? Restaurants?
For information on what you can do, please go to Orlando Information.
