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.

This is the official review course for the new First Edition NFI Core Certification exam. This course is based on the official reference manual for the exam, the Core Knowledge Reference Manual, First Edition, published Fall 2018. This course will cover combustion, heat transfer, construction, safety principles, and installation knowledge. This includes regulations and instructions, venting, ventilation, and basic electricity.

• Exams are available: Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 3:00pm; Monday: 9:00am – 12:00pm
• There are 10 computers available on a first come, first serve basis. 
• Exams are graded as soon as the exam is submitted.
• For complete details, contact the NFI Office at 703-524-8030.

Become an expert in Dexen systems. Learn how electromechanical systems work and shortcuts to troubleshooting.

In this session, you will learn what inspection of the fireplace is telling us about the product we want to install and more;

-Understanding the minimum requirements of our trade.
-Understanding the requirements of the products we sell.
-Deficiencies that can change your course on an installation.

Internal Exit Strategies – Developing an Employee to Take Over the Business:

The last few years have left all of us wondering “where has time gone” and “what could possibly happen next”?   Our sense of control is gone.  On a positive note, the last couple of years may have also left you with a sense of gratitude and new appreciation for loyal, hard-working employees.  We can combine the two by creating an exit plan that has an employee take over the business.

In this class you will learn:
• Why it is important to have a plan BEFORE you need to exit
• How to create an internal exit plan that includes employees
• How to communicate that plan
• Action steps for what you need to do NOW

In this session, you will learn three ways to move the needle; even in the midst of a shifting economy. In it, you’ll learn:

1. Why following a documented sales process is the key to reaching customers when things tighten up.
2. How to create a regular cadence of follow up with your customers.
3. What your company can do to meet customers on their terms digitally.

Now is the time to invest in building a business that lasts rather than waiting until it’s too late.

In this session, you will learn that there are a set of facts that everyone who has contact with c ustomers and potential customers need to know to be effective and an asset to their company. We will go over the more common ones.

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In this session, you will learn about “best practices” that you can use to strengthen your business and the results of the “real life” industry survey that is featured in the guide. This session is for everyone, but it will be of special interest to owners and managers of the many smaller HPB dealers that are looking to build both sales and profits through installation and service.

This is the official review course for the Sixth Edition NFI Pellet Certification exam. This course is based on the official reference manual for the exam, Pellet Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Seventh Edition, published Fall 2018. This course will cover 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.

In this session, you will learn how to plan your day by focusing on top priorities and doing what matters most first. Take a deeper dive with Sue following her keynote address and learn all the tools you need to immediately be more effective.

Immediately after his presentation on Saturday, Ted Topping will be available for follow-up questions in the HPBEF booth (#2029). Ted is the author of our Professional Service is Profitable (Second Edition) guide, and this is a great opportunity to get your copy signed. Ted has been one of our most-requested HPBExpo speakers for years, and Louisville 2023 marks the ninth time that he is sharing his unique “big picture” perspective with the industry.

In this session, you will learn what are we seeing in Masonry fireplaces, what it really means and more;

-Recognizing common construction deficiency.
-Navigating your sale based on information.
-Liability protection.

If you don’t know what’s in your policy, it WILL come out of your wallet.  In this session, we will thoroughly review exposures that are inherent with the hearth industry, such as pollution (soot) liability, professional liability, inland marine/tool coverage, along with commercial auto and workers’ compensation updates.

We will also spend some time discussing some of the newest exposures such as cyber liability and employment practice liability (EPLI).

The one source of most coverage flaws will be found in the communication thread between the insured to the agent then to the underwriter.  We will review methods to avoid those mistakes and make sure the coverage you requested is what the carrier is providing.

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In this session, you will learn that the simplicity of how an electric fireplace works is a vital need for the future of all specialty Hearth professionals. This is a basic technical introduction to electric fireplaces that will give you a broad understanding and take the fear out of this fast-growing category.

In this session, you will learn about several equations on math theories that are used on a regular and sometimes daily basis when performing installations. We will go over some of the most common ones and how they can be applied to make your job easier.

This session is a review of the material to assist a candidate in passing the Certified Chimney Sweep exam. This review is not a substitute for advanced study of the material. Candidates for the exam must bring their copy of the 2021 IRC to the testing site in order to complete the exam. The exam will be given immediately following the review.  This is the only time the CSIA review will be given at Expo.  Contact CSIA at (317) 837-5362 for registration and cost information.

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, Sixth Edition, published Fall of 2018. This course will cover 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.

• Exams are available: Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 3:00pm; Monday: 9:00am – 12:00pm
• There are 10 computers available on a first come, first serve basis. 
• Exams are graded as soon as the exam is submitted.
• For complete details, contact the NFI Office at 703-524-8030.

In this session, you will learn the importance of factory built chimney components including fire stops, attic insulation shields and more;

-Recognizing common installation deficiencies.
-Recognizing age, use and exposure degradation.
-Navigating your sale based on circumstances.

This session will review the four main stages of the Homeowner Experience and help you take a second look at the importance and profitability of marketing communications.

The discussions about electrification stands to impact the industry significantly. In many cases, this could be in just the next several years. Join HPBA’s government affairs team for an in-person session to learn more about the issue and what you can do to be an advocate for our industry – especially at the local level.

Employee turnover is the highest it has ever been for most small businesses. One of the most valuable keys to retention is creating and communicating a career path for your employees. In this session, you will learn:

1. How to create a career path for each position in your company.
2. How to effectively communicate with an employee about their opportunities to grow.

As an industry, we’ve participated in several fireplace technology shifts, from masonry to zero-clearance wood, from zero-clearance wood to b-vent gas, from b-vent gas to direct vent gas, and each time what could have been viewed as a threat turned out to be an opportunity for the savviest retailers and distributors who positioned themselves to provide the right product solutions for each consumer and homebuyer situation.

In this session, you will take a fresh look at the process of hiring. This session will focus on the Retaining Exceptional Employees guide, and will be focused on two key hiring strategies from that guide: Deciding what you want someone to do, and finding the right person for that job. These strategies form the core of a proven employee-management system that is appropriate for dealers, distributors and manufacturers.

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.

TBD

In this session, you will learn about some of the PPE that are important for installers to utilize and why. We will also discuss what OSHA’s requirements are for business owners and installers.

Immediately after his presentation on Sunday, Ted Topping will be available for follow-up questions in the HPBEF booth (#2029). Ted is the author of our popular Hiring and Retaining Exceptional Employees guide, and this is a great opportunity to get your copy signed. Ted has been one of our most-requested HPBExpo speakers for years, and Louisville 2023 marks the ninth time that he is sharing his unique “big picture” perspective with the industry.

In this session, you will learn what are we seeing in factory built fireplaces, what it really means and more;

-Recognizing common installation deficiencies.
-Recognizing age, use and exposure degradation.
-Navigating your sale based on circumstances.

In this session, you will learn everything you need to know about all things affecting your operations: from the new biomass stove tax credit to the discussions that may be happening near you about the future of natural gas hookups in cities across the country. We will also discuss the latest efforts by the Department of Energy to regulate gas hearth products and get members up to speed on campaigns in Alaska and British Columbia to preserve your ability to get consumers the cleanest wood-burning products available.

Whether you have participated in the Women’s Mentoring Program OR you are interested in participating this year, attending this exclusive roundtable and networking event will be one of the highlights of this year’s HPBExpo. 

Plan to laugh and learn with other Women of the Hearth Industry for 90 minutes on Sunday, March 12th @ 3:00 p.m. in Room C108 (adjacent to the show floor).

We will begin with a 3-part round table education with opportunities to share your experiences, concerns and ideas.

Then, we will network with each other during a wine and cheese gathering. Don’t miss out! This event is free, however, pre-registration is required.  Registration Link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WomensMentoringEduSession

TBD

Join us to discover how to increase revenue by expanding to billiards and home recreation furniture and games. Learn more about the wide spectrum of products offered, how you can incorporate these ideas into your current showrooms, and how you can utilize your current staff and operations to offer more home leisure fun to your customers.

In this session, you will learn some of the techniques necessary to reduce risks when working on roofs and off ladders. We will discuss practical methods to set up fall protection before you leave the ground.

• Exams are available: Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 3:00pm; Monday: 9:00am – 12:00pm
• There are 10 computers available on a first come, first serve basis. 
• Exams are graded as soon as the exam is submitted.
• For complete details, contact the NFI Office at 703-524-8030.

In this session, you will learn:

1. Why is is important to create a strategic plan for your business.

2. How to create a strategic plan.

3. Who should be involved in the process.

4. How to implement a strategic plan.

In this session, you will learn what the hearth appliance installation is telling us, what it really means and more;

-New appliance, old chimney?
-Common deficiencies with existing vents and chimneys.

Too often hearth appliances are installed in existing fireplaces without a proper inspection being performed. We will cover some of the common areas that are missed and what standard of care the installer must meet.

In this session, you will learn the ways that hearth retailers can thrive in the outdoor living segment, and also, why some fail. With a 20-year track record in sales, installation, training and manufacturing in the Outdoor Living Market, their experience and expertise will provide you with a strategic plan to succeed in this highly profitable segment.

In this session, you will learn the six things that will help you reset and rebuild your business for the “new normal” of the post pandemic economy. This is a practical session based on retail and service-industry best practices that Ted is interpreting for our industry.

In this session, you will learn about the techniques necessary to properly insulate a liner and ways to make that work easier and more economical. There are more chimney liners installed improperly than are installed correctly. Join this session to learn tips and tricks.

TBD

Immediately after his presentation on Monday, Ted Topping will be available for follow-up questions in the HPBEF booth (#2029). Ted is the author of both our Professional Service is Profitable (Second Edition) guide and our Hiring and Retaining Exceptional Employees guide. This is a great opportunity to get your copies signed. Ted has been one of our most-requested HPBExpo speakers for years, and Louisville 2023 marks the ninth time that he is sharing his unique “big picture” perspective with the industry.

In this session, you will take a closer look at electric hearth appliance applications and more;

-Field circumstances that can leave you with no other choice.
-Listen to your clients, listen to the appliance.
-Lower cost option for sticker-shocked clients.