FAQs

General Questions
Exhibitor Questions
Education and NFI Certification Questions
Attendee Questions
Hotel Questions

General Questions

What is HPBExpo?
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo is North America’s largest indoor-outdoor living showcase. Every year, over 350 leading hearth, patio and barbecue manufacturers and suppliers exhibit and demonstrate their latest home heating solutions; grills, grilling accessories and fully-equipped outdoor kitchens; casual patio furniture and outdoor accents; water and landscape features; all-weather entertainment products and more.

Who attends HPBExpo?
The show attracts more than 5,000 specialty and mass market retailers, installing distributors, builders and remodelers, HVAC service contractors, LP and hardware dealers and professionals interested in getting a first-look at the indoor-outdoor living innovations that consumers will be asking for in the seasons ahead.

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 a complete list of exhibitors to date.

When and where is HPBExpo 2012?
HPBExpo 2012 is February 29 – March 3 at the Georgia World Congress Center (Building C) in Atlanta, Georgia with Outdoor Burn Exhibits adjacent to Building C.

Where are the Indoor Exhibits?
Georgia World Congress Center, Building C.

What are the trade show/exhibit hours?

Thursday, March 1:
Indoor Exhibit Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Outdoor Exhibit Hours: 9:00am – 6:30pm (hours extended for the Tailgate & Cook-Off)

Friday, March 2:
9:00am – 5:00pm

Saturday, March 3:
9:00am – 3:00pm

What are the Education hours?
Education is held February 29 – March 3. Go to Education Program for schedule.

What do I do if my country requires my company’s staff to have a “Letter of Invitation” to travel to HPBExpo?
Click on International Visitors for instructions and information on the Expo homepage.

What is the First-Time Exhibitors Pavilion?
Located on the show floor, the First-Time 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 First-Time Exhibitors Pavilion to see a listing of new exhibitors participating at HPBExpo 2012.

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.

Can I take pictures of exhibits?
Cameras will be allowed on the show floor, but no picture taking, including cell phone pictures, is allowed without the express approval of a company representative in the exhibitor booth that is being photographed.

How much does it cost to park at the Georgia World Congress Center?
Parking is $10 or less per day.

Exhibitor Questions

What does it cost to exhibit at HPBExpo?
Exhibit space fees are divided into four groups for HPBA member companies and two groups for non-member companies. A company must meet all criteria in a group to qualify for that price point.

HPBA Members*

Group 1 - $26/$28⁺ per square foot

2011 HPBExpo Exhibitor
2011 HPBA Member
Will be 2012 HPBA Member

Group 2 - $34/$36⁺ per square foot

Did not exhibit at HPBExpo 2011
Former HPBExpo Exhibitor
2011 HPBA Member
Will be 2012 HPBA Member

Group 3 - $34/$36⁺ per square foot

2011 or Former HPBExpo Exhibitor
Was not a 2011 HPBA Member
Will be 2012 HPBA Member

Group 4 - $26/$28⁺ per square foot

First-Time HPBExpo Exhibitor
Will be 2012 HPBA Member

Non- HPBA Member

Group 5 - $43/$45⁺

Will not be 2012 HPBA Member
2011 or Former HPBExpo Exhibitor

Group 6 - $26/$28⁺

First-Time HPBExpo Exhibitor
Will not be 2012 HPBA Member

⁺Secondary price point applies to indoor corner booths and outdoor space over and above indoor space contracted.
*Only HPBA members paying dues under the category of Manufacturer, Distributor, or Associate are eligible for a member exhibit rate. Exhibitors who indicate they will pay membership for 2012 must do so by January 1, 2012. Member exhibitors with 2,000 sq. ft. or more will receive a $.40 discount per sq. ft.

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., is ordered separately through the show decorator or appropriate contracted vendor. Drayage fees are not included in the booth price.

Am I allowed to share booth space with another company?
No. According to the HPBExpo Rules & 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. Georgia 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 Decorating 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 exhibitors can deliver directly to the convention center. Advanced shipments will be moved in prior to the first day of targeted move-in.

What time does the trade show close? When does move out begin?
The trade show closes on Saturday, March 3 at 3:00pm. Tear-down IS NOT ALLOWED 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.

Does exhibitor staff need to register for badges?
Yes, all exhibitor company staff and family must have a badge. Go to Register for Badges once company booth contract and payment are processed.

How do I register my staff? When do we get our badges?
Exhibitors can register staff online by selecting Register for Badges or by faxing an Exhibitor Pre-Registration Form to (708) 344-4444. Forms are available for downloading on the web registration Main page. Faxed and mailed forms must be received by February 20 to be considered processed. Online registration will remain open until February 27. After this date, you must register onsite. All pre-registered exhibitors must pick up badges onsite at an Express Badge Pick-Up counter.

When does onsite registration open for exhibitor Badge Pick-Up?
Badge Pick-Up will open for Exhibitors on Tuesday, February 28 at 1:00pm. Prior to this date and time, you will need to see onsite security for a wrist band which allows entry into exhibit hall for booth set-up.

When is the Pre-Registration deadline?
Faxed and mailed forms must be received by February 20 to be considered processed. Online registration will remain open until 5:00pm EST on February 27. Onsite registration will open Tuesday, February 28 at 1:00pm.

How can I make changes or additions, if I already registered?
Changes and additions can be made online by going to Register for Badges. Click on the “edit registration” button, or you may call HPBExpo Registration Customer Service at (866) 486-0733 toll free or (708) 486-0733 to update your registration over the phone.

How do I check the status of my registration?
Your registration status can be checked online by going to Register for Badges and following the prompts under the already registered option or you may call CompuSystems Customer Service at (866) 486-0733 toll free or (708) 486-0733. Indicate that you are an HPBExpo 2012 registrant.

When is the Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM) distributed?
The ESM will be online this fall. An exact date is not available at this time.

What do I do if my country requires my company’s staff members to have a “Letter of Invitation” to travel to HPBExpo?
Click on International Visitors for instructions and information on the Expo homepage.

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 & Regulations part 10 A-H. If you are unsure whether or not your display falls within regulation, please contact HPBA, (703) 522-0086 ext. 125.

My booth 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 indoors or outdoors. Please note that the deadline to tag all crates as empty is Wednesday at 5:00pm. Crates are also automatically returned at the close of the show on Saturday at 3:00pm, and should be in your booth space completely by 9:00pm 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?
A complete Sponsorship & Advertising brochure is available on the Exhibitor Services page. For more details, please contact the 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 to register your complaint.

Who is the official Show Contractor?
FREEMAN DECORATING is the official show contractor for HPBExpo 2012.

What are the 2012 Material Handling Rates?
2012 Material Handling Rates are listed in the Exhibitor Services manual, available this fall on the Exhibitor Services page.

What is the New Product Pavilion and how does my company submit an entry?
Located on the show floor and in the Outdoor Burn Area exhibits, the New Product Pavilions showcase new and exciting products and is a draw for attendees. New to HPBExpo 2012, an outdoor New Product Pavilion will be on display, where exhibitors can demonstrate live-burning new products. Go to www.hpbexpo.com and click on New Product Pavilion for an entry forms and rules. (Products must be introduced to the market after HPBExpo 2011 in Salt Lake City, Utah). Companies must be an HPBExpo 2012 exhibitor to be eligible for New Product Pavilion entry.

What is the First-Time Exhibitors Pavilion?
The First-Time Exhibitors Pavilion is an exhibit space area available only to companies that have never exhibited at an HPBExpo before. It’s a centralized location where attendees know they'll see new companies and their products. Regular exhibit space rates apply to the First-Time Exhibitors Pavilion.

How do I submit a new product for the Vesta Awards program?
The Vesta Awards are sponsored by Hearth & Home magazine. 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 and NFI 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 Main page. The Three-Day 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 2012 c/o CompuSystems Registration PO Box 6271 Broadview, IL 60155-6271

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. Click on the “edit registration” button, or you may call HPBExpo Registration Customer Service at (866) 486-0733 toll free or (708) 486-0733 to update your registration over the phone.

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. The shipping deadline is February 23, 2012

How long does it take to receive the manual?
All manuals are shipped via USPS which usually takes between 2-3 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 passing the examination, you will receive CEU 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) 524-8030, extension 129 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 Education Program and refer to specific sessions to see if CEU credits are 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.

The Three-Day Education Passport includes a 6 month subscription to HE@ARTH Online Training. How do I access the online system?
Within two to three weeks after Expo you will receive an e-mail that contains the log in procedures, your user name and password.

Will all the Expo sessions be available online?
We record as many sessions as possible but we are not able to post them all. Some professional speakers will not allow their sessions to be posted online due to copyright issues, others do not use the microphone we provide and sessions with a lot of audience participation do not record well.

Attendee Questions

How do I register to attend the HPBExpo?
Simply go to the Register for Badges. A Pre-Registration Form may also be downloaded for sending by fax or mail from the web registration Main page.

To send by Fax: (708) 344-4444
To send by mail:
HPBExpo 2012
c/o CompuSystems Registration
PO Box 6271
Broadview, IL 60155-6271

Can anyone register for HPBExpo?
HPBExpo is open to trade only. Your company must be in the industry. Hearth, patio, or barbecue retailer, service (chimney sweep/installer), distributor, manufacturer, manufacturer rep, associate, non-profit, mass merchant, hardware, propane dealer, designer, remodeler, builder, landscaper, or architect.

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 $100 per badge if you register by December 31, 2011. After December 31, 2011, the fee is $150 per badge.

Can I register as a non-member?
Yes, your company must be in the industry. Hearth, patio, or barbecue retailer, service (chimney sweep/installer), distributor, manufacturer, manufacturer rep, associate, non-profit, mass merchant, hardware, propane dealer, designer, remodeler, builder, landscaper, or architect. Nonmember badge fee is $100 per badge if you register by December 31, 2011. After December 31, 2011, the fee is $150 per badge.

How do I register my staff? When do we get our badges?
Attendees can register staff online by selecting Register for Badges or by faxing an Attendee Pre-Registration Form to (708) 344-4444. Forms are available for downloading on the web registration Main page. Faxed and mailed forms must be received by February 20 to be considered processed. Online registration will remain open until February 27. After this date, you must register onsite. All pre-registered attendees must pick up badges onsite at an Express Badge Pick-Up counter.

When does onsite registration open for attendee Badge Pick-Up?
Badge Pick-Up will open for Attendees on Tuesday, February 28 at 1:00pm. Education opens on Wednesday, February 29 and Exhibits are open Thursday, March 1.

When is the refund/cancellation deadline?
Refunds for Expo Registration, Education Courses, and NFI Certification Packages less a $10 administrative fee, will be made if the request is received in writing by January 23, 2012. No refunds will be made after that date. HPBA and CompuSystems will not accept a cancellation/refund request over the phone. All refunds will be processed after Expo in the HPBA office. No refunds for Expo Registration, Education Courses, and NFI Certification Packages will be made for payments received onsite.

Hotel Questions

Where can I find a list of hotels and rates?
Please go to Book Hotel Reservations for a list of all hotels, deadlines and to make your reservations. You may also make reservations by calling (800) 388-8819 (Domestic Toll Free) or (312) 527-7300 (International).

What do I do if I need to make changes or cancellations to my hotel reservations?
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made online or by calling HPBExpo/OnPeak at (800) 388-8819 (Domestic Toll Free) or (312) 527-7300 (International) until February 17, 2012. After February 17, 2012, please contact your hotel directly.

Are complimentary shuttle buses provided?
HPBA will offer shuttle bus service from hotels within the HPBA Housing block to the Georgia World Congress Center. These shuttles will run Wednesday through Saturday. Shuttle bus service between the Convention Center and the Outdoor Burn Area will run Wednesday through Saturday.

Where can I find additional information about travel? Restaurants?
Please go to Atlanta Information.

What is there to do in Atlanta, Georgia?
For information on what you can do, please go to Atlanta Information.

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo 2012

Innovations & Ideas for Indoor-Outdoor Living