Education Schedule
Education will be provided by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI), and free to attendees in two classrooms on the trade show floor thanks to the generosity of Copperfield Academy.
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Click on the title for description.
Tuesday – February 13, 2024
CSIA CDET Review Course & Exam 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Room 204
NFI Hearth Design Specialist Review Course10:00 AM – 4:30 PMJesse Doucette | CEU: TechnicalRoom 202AB
The Hearth Design Specialist certification is designed to show consumers that the sales personnel understand the technical information they need to properly plan their installation. Based on the Hearth Design Specialist Reference Manual, First Edition which was published in the fall of 2017, this certification covers the technical knowledge on combustion, heat transfer, safety and venting for woodburning, and gas and pellet hearth appliances. Other topics include an introduction to codes, standards and regulations, fuel characteristics, and appliance requirements. All major hearth appliances are covered including fireplaces, gas log sets, fireplace inserts, and free-standing stoves.
NFI Exams10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Room 202C
- Exams are available: Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm; Thursday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- There are 10 computers available on a first come, first served basis.
- Exams are graded as soon as the exam is submitted.
- For complete details, contact the NFI Office at 703-524-8030.
NFI Pellet Review Course10:00 AM – 1:00 PMMark Humphrey | CEU: TechnicalRoom 205AB
This is the official review course for the Seventh Edition NFI Pellet Certification exam. This course is based on the official reference manual for the exam, Pellet Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Seventh Edition. This course covers the different approaches to pellet appliance fuel delivery, and venting systems. Planning, installation, and troubleshooting knowledge will also be covered. More specifically, such subjects as appliance components, electrical requirements, vent configurations and assembly, and common causes and solutions for pellet system problems will be discussed.
Dexen Manufacturer Training10:00 AM – 12:00 PMGeorge Suzuki | CEU: TechnicalRoom 207CD
New Hire Orientation10:30 AM – 11:30 AMHope Stevenson | CEU: ElectiveBooth 323
You have one chance to make a first impression on a new hire. The dreaded first day. They are nervous and you have a business to run or tasks to complete. It’s easy to think that orientation isn’t that important but it’s actually imperative. It is key to retaining that new hire. In this session, you will:
- Learn how important this first impression has become post pandemic and with a new generation in the workforce
- Take away ideas on how to keep the employee engaged but also fulfill all the safety and legal obligations you have
- Recognize that this is the first step in creating an employee career path
- Learn how to build loyalty and excitement towards your company
- Leave with a step by step outline of what to include in your orientation
Draft & Flow10:45 AM – 11:45 AM Russ Dimmitt | CEU: TechnicalBooth 337
This session will introduce the basic use of a manometer on every service call. Understanding and using this simple tool will help a tech get a ballpark view of air moving through the home and to diagnose problems before the call comes, “You just cleaned my chimney and it’s still smoking.”
Is Your Installation TECHnically Correct? – Wood11:50 AM – 12:50 PMMike Segerstrom & Bill Ryan | CEU: TechnicalBooth 323
Common Mistakes, “But It Passed Inspection” “It’s in the details” of the manual.
How Digital Marketing Can Spark Your Sales12:05 PM – 1:05 PMShannon & Brad Good | CEU: ElectiveBooth 337
In this session, you will learn how you can advertise smarter, not harder! This session will offer a checklist and examples to create and implement your own Digital Marketing Plan.
Empire Comfort Manufacturer Training12:30 PM – 2:30 PMTim CummingsRoom 207CD
Safety as a Culture1:10 PM – 2:10 PMBob Ferrari | CEU: SHL Booth 323
This session will include:
- Why aren’t we using known safety systems – habits and motivations
- Philosophy of Safety
- NCSG and OSHA – where we stand today
- Employer/employee responsibilities
- Definition of “Competent and Qualified person”
- Risk assessment and Hazards
- General principles and uses of PPE
Achieve More Goals More Often1:25 PM – 2:25 PMDoug Brown | CEU: ElectiveBooth 337
Far more people set goals than hit them. In this session, you will learn more subtle elements of the goal achievement process that most organizations still need to be exposed to.
NFI Core Review Course1:30 PM – 5:00 PMMark Humphrey | CEU: TechnicalRoom 205AB
This is the official review course for the new Second Edition NFI Core Certification exam. This course is based on the official reference manual for the exam, the Core Knowledge Reference Manual, Second Edition, published Spring 2022. This course will cover combustion, heat transfer, construction, safety principles, and installation knowledge. This includes regulations and instructions, venting, ventilation, and basic electricity.
Is Your Installation TECHnically Correct? – Gas2:30 PM – 3:30 PMMike Segerstrom & Bill Ryan | CEU: TechnicalBooth 323
Common Mistakes, “But It Passed Inspection” “It’s in the details” of the manual.
Doing Life and Business as a Family, without Burning the Candle at Both Ends2:45 PM – 3:45 PMShannon & Brad Good | CEU: ElectiveBooth 337
Has anyone ever said to you “I could never work with my husband/wife/kids/family!” If you are a business owner who DOES work with your husband/wife/father/mother/in-laws/children/grandchildren, this session is for you. It’s one thing to come home to conversations about the work day but when your working with family, that conversation hits a little closer to home. How do you “do life” while having a life outside of work-related life? How do you grow your family-owned and run business without feeling like you need to run away? Join us for this light-hearted and collaborative session offering tips and examples to bring back to your family business.
Valor Manufacturer Training3:00 PM – 5:00 PMStuart MeyerRoom 207CD
Outdoor Kitchens – A Blueprint and Sales Process3:50 PM – 4:50 PMJoan Nutting | CEU: ElectiveBooth 323
Do outdoor kitchens sound intimidating? In this session, Joan will walk you through strategies for selling and creating outdoor kitchens. She will provide a blueprint to simplify and elevate your customer’s outdoor living space. Don’t let your customer walk away only to have someone else manage their outdoor kitchen project. Joan will teach us how to quote the project, streamline the installation process, and find skilled sub-contractors. Additionally, she will discuss forging connections with builders, illustrating how collaborative efforts can enhance efficiency and satisfaction for everyone involved. Discover a line of business that will extend your relationships with new and existing customers.
Work Clean…and Decrease Your Stress4:00 PM – 5:00 PMDoug Brown | CEU: ElectiveBooth 337
A leader is someone who gets results by following a process. Being efficient and effective when executing tasks and projects (personally and professionally) minimizes time spent spinning wheels. Allocate your newfound time to those areas you choose.
Wednesday – February 14, 2024
CSIA CCS Review Course & Exam8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Room 204
Mendota Manufacturer Training8:00 AM – 10:00 AMDave Jellison | CEU: TechnicalRoom 207CD
NFI Exams10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Room 202C
- Exams are available: Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00PM
- There are 10 computers available on a first come, first served basis.
- Exams are graded as soon as the exam is submitted.
- For complete details, contact the NFI Office at 703-524-8030.
NFI Woodburning Review Course10:00 AM – 1:00 PMJesse Doucette | CEU: TechnicalRoom 202AB
This is the official review course for the NFI Woodburning Certification exam. This course is based on the official reference manual for the exam, Woodburning Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Seventh Edition, published Fall of 2023. This course covers both solid-fuel factory-built fireplaces and all types of wood stoves, including freestanding, inserts, and manufactured high-efficiency fireplaces. Installation knowledge specific to wood burning appliances, including installation and planning, solid-fuel appliance regulations and instructions, appliances, venting and ventilation, and troubleshooting are also included.
Women’s Mentoring Class – Do You Have a Growth Mindset10:00 AM – 12:00 PMShannon Good & Amie Ryan | CEU: ElectiveRoom 207AB
What does having a growth mindset mean? Individuals who believe their talents can be developed through hard work, good strategies, and input from others have a growth mindset. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset. When entire companies embrace a growth mindset, their employees report feeling far more empowered and committed; they also receive greater organizational support for collaboration and innovation. What are the key elements of a growth mindset? What are some growth mindset examples? You’ll learn this and more during the session.
What is the purpose of a mentoring program? The purpose of mentoring programs is to help connect knowledge seekers (mentees) with knowledge bearers (mentors). These mentee-led relationships provide mentees the opportunity to connect in meaningful ways with someone whose past experience can help them navigate careers and life. Whether a mentor or a mentee, think about how you can apply the growth mindset to your experience during the 2024 Women’s Mentoring Program.
The Level 2 and Your Installation10:15 AM – 11:15 AMMike Segerstrom & Bill Ryan | CEU: TechnicalBooth 323
Appropriate inspections result in better planning; Better planning results in efficient and compliant installs; Proper inspection, planning and execution result in satisfied clients and increased profits.
Earned, Not Given: Transforming Your Compensation Approach10:30 AM – 11:30 AMMark Stoner | CEU: ElectiveBooth 337
In this session, we will discuss how to build your service company from 1 truck to many trucks. One of the emerging needs for Hearth stores to solve is the request for service, installation and ongoing maintenance of the appliances that are sold. We will discuss how to attract and train technicians, market this very profitable service.
Kozy Heat Manufacturer Training10:30 AM – 12:30 PMHeather Hussong Reasoner207CD
Introduction to House Pressure for the Service Technician11:35 AM – 12:35 PMBob Ferrari | CEU: TechnicalBooth 323
The way air moves through a home has a great influence on the performance of natural draft appliances or fireplaces. Building science has become its own industry. Blower doors and duct blasters can measure leakage and building performance may then be improved through sealing the building envelope. A chimney service tech needs to quickly and easily determine if there are building pressure issues that may affect the appliance they are servicing.
Customers with a smoking problem often think the system simply needs cleaning and they call for a sweep. But sweeping a chimney does not solve a pressure problem.
This session introduces the basic use of a manometer on every service call. Understanding and using this simple tool will help a tech get a ballpark view of air moving through the home and to diagnose problems before the call comes, “You just cleaned my chimney and it’s still smoking”.
This session will cover:
- Basic pressure physics
- Manometer use
- Typical sources of depressurization
Selling Services vs. Products is NOT the Same Sales Process11:50 AM – 12:50 PMDoug Brown | CEU: ElectiveBooth 337
A change in focus from transactional product sales to serving others creates an entirely different dynamic for all concerned. It affects how you position your organization’s capabilities and how to surface areas of concern more effectively. Since nobody ever pulled a rabbit out of a hat without carefully putting one in there in the first place, you need a sound methodology and replicable process to build exceptional value that exceeds the total investment required. Once you understand the full impact on the buyer, you can bring additional value to the table that others will not or can not. It makes selling both easier and more profitable.
You Are a Brand, Whether You Know it or Not, Part 112:55PM – 1:55 PMKurt Matthews | CEU: ElectiveBooth 323
Part 1
- Definition of branding
- History of brand-building
- Customer perceptions—truth vs. reality
Wood Pellet Heating in the Context of a New Clean Energy Paradigm1:00 PM – 2:00 PMTim Portz | CEU: tbdRoom 207AB
Delivered by Tim Portz, the Pellet Fuels Institute Executive Director, this presentation seeks to outline the sentiment for wood pellet heating amongst the state and federal agencies, think tanks and opinion makers shaping the conversations about the future of our energy economy today. The era of renewable energy targets is over, replaced by strategies and roadmaps obsessed with driving the carbon intensity of delivered energy ever lower. Where do these ambitions leave wood pellet manufacturing and use? This discussion will put the value proposition of wood pellet manufacturing and use through the stress test of a carbon-obsessed, energy policy environment to better understand why the industry and its supply chain partners must come together to retell the story of wood residual upcycling once more.
Travis Manufacturer Training1:00 PM – 3:00 PMKip Rumens | CEU: TechnicalRoom 207CD
Train the Trainer1:10 PM – 2:10 PMHope Stevenson | CEU: ElectiveBooth 337
Bring to mind your favorite job. Chances are you initially enjoyed that job because you had someone knowledgeable and skilled showing you the way. You had a good trainer. It makes a difference. Not only to how well you performed that job but also to how much you enjoyed that job.
In this session, you will:
- Understand what skills and qualities a good trainer needs to successfully train others.
- Understand the importance of having a training program or plan to follow so that training is scalable as your company grows (using a new, do, review format).
- Identify when you should be engaging in group training vs one on one to decrease the amount of time spent on non-billable hours.
- When doing one on one’s, learn how to engage individuals by understanding their learning preference (visual, auditory or kinesthetic) to create higher retention for the trainee.
- Develop a testing system for comprehension to ensure the trainee is retaining things
NFI Gas Review Course1:30 PM – 5:00 PMRon KessnerRoom 202AB
This is the official review course for the Sixth Edition NFI Gas Certification exam. This course is based on the official reference manual for the exam, the Gas Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Sixth Edition, published Fall 2018. This course will cover installation knowledge specific to gas appliances and venting. This includes regulations and instructions, fuel characteristics and delivery, appliance requirements, venting, ventilation, and troubleshooting. All major gas hearth appliances will be covered including fireplaces, gas log sets, inserts, and freestanding stoves. Venting methods such as conventional type B-vent, direct-vent, liner systems, and vent-free will also be covered.
Understanding the IRC Energy Code2:15 PM – 3:15 PMMike Segerstrom & Bill Ryan | CEU: SHLBooth 323
Chase interior requirements; combustion air requirements, glass door requirements.
Start with Why2:30 PM – 3:30 PMJohn Ceaser | CEU: ElectiveBooth 337
In this session, we will discuss how to approach all aspects of chimney work – from the initial appointment phone call, to the inspection and subsequent repairs – from a different angle. Start With Why takes the principle from Simon Sinek’s book of the same name and applies it to our trade. Once you change your mindset to starting with the customer’s viewpoint, and training with the end in mind, you may come away with a different idea of the work we do everyday.
HPBA Government Affairs Update for Retailers, Reps, and Distributors; Update on New UL Insert Standards3:30 PM – 5:00 PMRyan Carroll | CEU: TechnicalBooth 323
Learn about the latest legislative and regulatory changes that affect your business this year. HPBA Government Affairs Team will review the latest changes and updates that are coming and will be available to answer questions. Also, learn about the new UL standards for solid-fuel inserts and what retailers and installers will need to do to meet the new requirements.
Copperfield Manufacturer Training3:30 PM – 5:30 PMSal ParenteRoom 207CD
You Are a Brand, Whether You Know it or Not Part 23:50 PM – 4:50 PMKurt Mathews | CEU: ElectiveBooth 337
Part 2
- Branding and consumer psychology
- Elements of a brand
- How to manage a brand
Thursday – February 15, 2024
NFI Exams10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Room 202C
- Exams are available: Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- There are 10 computers available on a first come, first served basis.
- Exams are graded as soon as the exam is submitted.
- For complete details, contact the NFI Office at 703-524-8030.
Value Selling, Part 110:15 AM – 11:15 AMJoe Valenti | CEU: ElectiveBooth 323
Value Selling (Part 1)
- History – Copperfield & Hose Master
- Selling styles
- Selling your services
- Values
- How to use a Line Card (in the selling process)
Things to Know About Chimney Chases10:15 AM – 11:15 AMMatt Ellis | CEU:TechnicalBooth 337
In this session, we will go over proper construction techniques for chimney chases and common issues encountered in the real world.
Value Selling, Part 211:30 AM – 12:30 PMJoe Valenti | CEU: ElectiveBooth 323
Value Selling (Part 2)
- Value brand selling
- Reviewing the sales process
- The decision maker audience
- Features & benefits
- Role Play
Practical AI: Marketing Magic for Your Business Right Now!11:30 AM – 12:30 PMTaylor Hill & Carter Harkins | CEU: ElectiveBooth 337
Join us as we dive into the world of AI and its practical applications in everyday business and marketing. In this presentation, we’ll explore how AI can be a game-changer for your business, making business and marketing tasks simpler and more effective.
We’ll demystify AI and show you how it can be used for creating engaging content that resonates with your audience. Learn how AI can help tailor your ads for better reach and conversion, ensuring that your marketing dollars are well-spent.
We’ll dive into the role of AI in social media content and management, demonstrating how it can streamline your social media strategies.
We’ll also discuss the power of AI-driven chatbots and how they can enhance customer service, providing quick and efficient responses to inquiries, and freeing up your time to focus on other aspects of your business.
This presentation is designed to be accessible, jargon-free, and packed with practical tips. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to enhance your existing strategies, you’ll leave with actionable insights to elevate your marketing game.
Successfully Using Drones in Your Business12:45 PM – 1:45 PMRuss Dimmitt | CEU: TechnicalBooth 323
In this session, we will discuss what is necessary to use drones in your business and how they can improve your service.
Peer to Peer Networking12:45 PM – 1:45 PMHope Stevenson | CEU: ElectiveBooth 337
Traditionally networking is viewed as a component of marketing but one of the most powerful things you can ever do to build your business is engage in peer networking. You don’t need to do everything on your own. Others have already been where you are and can help guide you.
In this session, you will:
- Learn about different types of peer networking or peer groups
- Peer groups, mastermind groups, one on ones
- Understand the give and take aspects to peer groups
- Determine if a peer group is right for you and what areas of your business it can help you with
- Leave with a method of measuring your ROI in peer groups
Fireside Fortune – How to Build a World-Class Hearth Service Division2:00 PM – 3:00 PMMark Stoner | CEU: ElectiveBooth 337
In this session, we will discuss many par structures to properly compensate your team. All pay structures have good parts and bad parts but my experience is a production based pay structure has the most upside for the company and the employees. We will discuss details on setting that up in your business.
How to Create a Website that Engages Customers and Makes You Money2:00 PM – 3:00 PMTim Reed | CEU: ElectiveBooth 323
Most fireplace companies—manufacturers and retailers alike—have websites that are outdated and difficult to use. It’s not that they don’t care, it’s just hard to know what to do. As the rest of the world gets faster and sleeker online, the gap grows, and incredible companies are left behind by potential customers because their websites don’t keep up.
This session will remove the confusion from web design and show you exactly how to build a website that’s easy to navigate—and simple for customers to take action on.
In this session, you will:
- Learn what needs to be on your webpage to engage customers so they take action.
- Understand how Search Engine Optimization (SEO) works—and which metrics actually matter.
- See examples of real-life websites that are doing a great (and poor) job at this.
Don’t settle for a clunky website that you don’t have control over. Instead, put these principles in place and watch it turn your website into a sales funnel.
Updated February 7, 2024