HPBExpo is HPBA’s exciting and award-winning annual trade show that provides synergies between various stakeholders and attendee groups throughout the hearth, patio, and barbecue industries. HPBA works with a variety of organizations who wish to hold meetings or events in conjunction with HPBExpo. HPBA uses a formal process for reviewing requests for these meetings or events to protect HPBExpo from any activities that detract from the industries’ premier annual expo, or that could undermine the investment made by its exhibitors, sponsors, attendees, and other stakeholders.

Requests for meetings held in conjunction with HPBExpo are managed on a case-by-case basis. HPBA has an Ancillary Meetings Policy and specific guidelines for any approved meetings or events held in conjunction with HPBExpo.

Steps for submitting and approval of ancillary meeting requests

1. Read the HPBExpo Ancillary Meeting Policy and submit an Ancillary Meeting Request form.
2. Space is limited – submit requests as soon as possible, but no later than January 16, 2026.
3. Requests will be reviewed weekly and approved on a first-come, first-served basis. In some cases, approval is required by the HPBA Board of Directors. Please allow 10-15 business days for receipt of confirmation.
4. Once approved, HPBA will contact the hotel(s) or convention center to secure a meeting room for the requested event. A nominal fee will be charged for meeting space at the convention center.
5. After approval and once the meeting space has been secured, HPBA will notify the organization that the request has been approved and which meeting room(s) has been assigned. Every effort will be made to notify the organization within 2-3 weeks after the event has been approved. Please note that the response time can vary depending on a multitude of factors including but not limited to event size, scheduling, board approval, and venue response time.
6. The submitting organization will then work directly with the assigned venue and approved vendors to plan the event and work within the outlined HPBExpo Ancillary Meeting Policy.

Note: Groups that have already secured their own space must still complete the Ancillary Meeting Request form.