HPBExp 2022

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo

Captivating innovative new products. Electrifying energy. A lively Outdoor Burn Area. Illuminating education sessions. It all happens at HPBExpo!

Schedule at a Glance

Note: Schedule as of January 15. 

    • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2nd

      8:00 am – 9:00 am
       
      8:00 am – 11:00 am
      NFI Core Review Class
      Room: 212
      This is the official review class for the new First Edition NFI Core Certification exam. The class is based on the official reference manual for the exam, the Core Knowledge Reference Manual, First Edition, published Fall 2018. The class will cover combustion, heat transfer, construction, safety principles, and installation knowledge. This includes regulations and instructions, venting, ventilation, and basic electricity.
      8:00 am – 3:00 pm
      NFI Hearth Design Specialist Review Class
      Room: 210
      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.
      8:00 am – 5:30 pm
      NFI/CSIA Online Exams
      Room: 208
      Online exams are available at HPBExpo! You can take the exam when it is convenient for you.

      • Exams are available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
      • There are 10 computers available for each time slot. Register early to get your preferred day and time;
      • Exams are graded as soon as the exam is submitted;
      • For complete details, contact the NFI Office at 703-524-8030.

       

      8:30 am – 9:30 am
      Dot Your I’s and Cross Your T’s! OSHA Recordkeeping Part 1
      Room: 206
      What do you need to have for an OSHA inspection? What is reportable, recordable or a near miss? Do you need to follow 1910 or 1926 CFR? This session is designed to assist employers in identifying and fulfilling their responsibilities for recordkeeping, documentation, and training specific to OSHA.
      8:30 am – 9:30 am
      Social Media
      Room: 201
      As a business owner who probably doesn’t even use Facebook or know what TikTok is, not to mention have time
      to keep up, you probably wonder if you should even include it in your marketing mix. Is it even worth it anymore?
      In this session, we will discuss the recent changes, which platforms to post to, as well as how to attract and engage
      quality customers through your social media marketing efforts.
      8:30 am – 9:30 am
      Stainless Steel Relining
      Room: 205
      This session will explore the basics of relining, the why, when and best choices of materials
      9:45 am – 10:45 am
      Ceramic Theory, Why Flue Tiles Break
      Room: 201
      This session will cover the behavior of vitreous clay flue tiles when subjected to rapid heating versus gradual heating. We will delve into the mechanisms by which vitreous clay flue tiles fail or perform their intended function due to the physics and geometry of the shapes common in flue tiles.
      9:00 am – 10:00 am
       
      9:45 am – 10:45 am
      Dot Your I’s and Cross Your T’s! OSHA Recordkeeping Part 2
      Room: 206
      What do you need to have for an OSHA inspection? What is reportable, recordable or a near miss? Do you need to follow 1910 or 1926 CFR? This session is designed to assist employers in identifying and fulfilling their responsibilities for recordkeeping, documentation, and training specific to OSHA.
      9:45 am – 10:45 am
      Strategies to Gain Outdoor Market Share
      Room: 205
      11:00 am – 12:00 pm
      Marketing Panel 
      Room: 205
      Participants will include Shannon and Brad Good from Good Marketing, Carter Harkins and Taylor Hill from Spark Marketer and Jerry Isenhour from CVC Success Group. Hear the panel’s views regarding the next steps for retailers in the “new normal”.
      11:00 am – 12:00 pm
      “Rung-out by OSHA?” Ladder and Roof Safety 1
      Room: 206
      Working on rooftop sites presents workers with a variety of challenges; what type of fall protection is required, when should it be utilized, what regulations are relevant to the work I’m doing, do I have the right ladder and is it set up properly? This session is designed to review OSHA standards for ladder and roof safety, identifying roof and ladder hazards and mitigating the hazards.
      11:00 am – 12:00 pm
      Winning Outdoor Showrooms
      Room: 201
      Supercharge your outdoor category by incorporating the best practices for showcasing your outdoor offerings. In this session, topics will include building effective displays, pricing, marketing & merchandising strategies, training your sales staff and more.
      12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
       
      12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
      NFI Gas Review Class
      Room: 213
      This is the official review class for the Sixth Edition NFI Gas Certification exam. The class is based on the official reference manual for the exam, the Gas Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Sixth Edition, published Fall 2018. The class 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.
      12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
      NFI Pellet Review Class
      Room: 211
      This is the official review class for the Sixth Edition NFI Pellet Certification exam. The class is based on the official reference manual for the exam, Pellet Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Sixth Edition, published Fall 2018. The class 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.
      12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
      NFI Woodburning Review Class
      Room: 211
      This is the official review class for the NFI Woodburning Certification exam. The class is based on the official reference manual for the exam, Woodburning Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Sixth Edition, published Fall of 2018. This class 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.
      1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
       
      1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
      “Rung-out by OSHA?” Ladder and Roof Safety 2
      Room: 206
      Working on rooftop sites presents workers with a variety of challenges; what type of fall protection is required, when should it be utilized, what regulations are relevant to the work I’m doing, do I have the right ladder and is it set up properly? This session is designed to review OSHA standards for ladder and roof safety, identifying roof and ladder hazards and mitigating the hazards.
      1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
      Chimney Inspections Prior to Installations. What are the Requirements?
      Room: 205
      This session will cover the inspection process required by NFPA 211 when utilizing a chimney to vent a new hearth appliance
      1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
      Execute: 10 Steps to a Perfect Job?
      Room: 201
      Most companies in our industry are stuck putting out the same fires that always come up—missing pipe on a job site, a customer with different expectations for the installation than what was communicated, or, worst of all, a product ordered that doesn’t solve the client’s problem. This session will teach you a ten-step execution process from the initial visit to the showroom to the final installation that will change the way your business operates.
      2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
       
      2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
      Designing the Perfect Showroom to Sell In
      Room: 201
      Companies all over the country are sitting on a gold mine that they aren’t fully taking advantage of—their showroom. It’s easy to think you have this covered, but often, customers are walking out more confused than when they came in.
      While some sessions may recommend investing tens of thousands of dollars into new displays, this one won’t. In this session, learn steps to maximize your showroom by understanding these simple principles:

        • Why every product on your floor has to have a reason for being there (if it doesn’t have a reason, it has to go);
        • Why pricing must be displayed in every showroom (and how to do it effectively);
        • Why most showrooms need less displays (and what to use the extra space for instead).

      Putting these principles into action will change the way your showroom operates and give your company a massive advantage in the market.

     

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
Installing UL Listed Wall Thimbles
Room: 205
This session covers the basics of existing wall thimble inspection, the need for a UL listed wall thimble and the installation of a UL listed wall thimble.
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
Step up to Success
Room: 206
This session will discuss how to take a new recruit and turn them into a proficient and profitable member of your team.
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
 
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Barbecue Research
Room: 205
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Fireplace Inspections Prior to Installations. What are the Requirements?
Room: 201
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Maximizing Customer Reach Through Recipes
Room: 206
When it comes to marketing barbecues almost everyone has a recipe in the mix
somewhere, but are you getting the most out of your time and money spent? This session will cover all the foundation information when making the decision on how recipes can be part of your business.

  • THURSDAY, MARCH 3rd

    8:00 am – 9:00 am
     
    8:00 am – 11:00 am
    NFI Core Review Class
    Room: 212
    This is the official review class for the new First Edition NFI Core Certification exam. The class is based on the official reference manual for the exam, the Core Knowledge Reference Manual, First Edition, published Fall 2018. The class will cover combustion, heat transfer, construction, safety principles, and installation knowledge. This includes regulations and instructions, venting, ventilation, and basic electricity.
    8:00 am – 3:00 pm
    NFI Hearth Design Specialist Review Class
    Room: 210
    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.
    8:00 am – 5:30 pm
    NFI/CSIA Online Exams
    Room: 208
    Online exams are available at HPBExpo! You can take the exam when it is convenient for you.

    • Exams are available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
    • There are 10 computers available for each time slot. Register early to get your preferred day and time.
    • Exams are graded as soon as the exam is submitted.
    • For complete details, contact the NFI Office at 703-524-8030.

     

    9:00 am – 10:00 am
     
    9:00 am – 5:00 pm
    CSIA Certification Review
    Room: 209
    This certification session reviews the material to assist a candidate in passing the Certified Chimney Sweep exam. This is not a substitute for advanced study of the material. Candidates for the exam must bring their copy of the 2015 IRC to the testing site in order to complete the exam. Contact CSIA at (317) 837-5362 for registration and cost information.
    10:00 am – 11:00 am
     
    10:30 am – 12:30 pm
    Empire Comfort Manufacturer Specific Training
    Room: 201
    10:30 am – 12:30 pm
    Net Zero Fire
    Room: 202/203
    Gain knowledge and technical expertise in this hands-on course covering the NetZero Fire product lines: NetZero Waterplace and NetZero Renew. In this two-hour session we’ll walk through product installation and operation of our electric water vapor and bioethanol fireplaces.
    12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
     
    12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
    NFI Gas Review Class
    Room: 212
    This is the official review class for the Sixth Edition NFI Gas Certification exam. The class is based on the official reference manual for the exam, the Gas Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Sixth edition published Fall 2018. The class 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.
    12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
    NFI Pellet Review Class
    Room: 211
    This is the official review class for the Sixth Edition NFI Pellet Certification exam. The class is based on the official reference manual for the exam, Pellet Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Sixth Edition, published Fall 2018. The class 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.
    12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
    NFI Woodburning Review Class
    Room: 211
    This is the official review class for the NFI Woodburning Certification exam. The class is based on the official reference manual for the exam, Woodburning Hearth Systems Reference Manual, Sixth Edition, published Fall of 2018. This class 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.
    1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
    Copperfield Manufacturer Specific Training
    Room: 201
    1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
    Memphis Grills Manufacturer Specific Training
    Room: 202/203
    1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
     
    1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
    Relining, Coating or Pouring Liners, What are the Options and Which is Best for Your Business?
    Room: 206
    Chimney flues are often in need of repair or replacement. This session will discuss the pros and cons of each option and how they might fit into an individual business model.
    1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
    The Mystery of the Budgeting Process
    Room: 205
    Most independent retailers do not produce an annual budget. Professionally run, successful companies produce budgets and work their budgets to facilitate positive outcomes rather than simply accept less than positive results. In this session, discover processes that will keep your business safe.
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
     
    2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
    Reach Your Full Potential as an Independent Retailer
    Room: 205
    How a young entrepreneur in a Specialised Industry reached the top 10 Fastest Growth ranking companies 2 years in a row in the retail sector:
    In this session, Max Lovoie will share with you his best practice to further grow the independent retailers segment vs the Big Box Stores and give the secret of ”his special sauce” to gain customer loyalty.
    He might even share an unusual, fun recipe. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to boost your sales and become THE reference in your area.
    2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
    Listings & Product Safety Part 1
    Room: 206
    3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
     
    3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
    Adding Billiards to Your Product Mix
    Room: 206
    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.
    3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
    Delegate unto Others Before They Delegate unto You
    Room: 205
    The stress of growing a successful business can only be mitigated through managing your people. During this session we will show you how to excel while discussing:

    • How to get everybody in the company on the same page.
    • Developing and respecting lines of communication.
    • The importance of having appropriate job descriptions.
    • How to communicate employee performance and coach improvement.
    • Better understanding of multi-directional accountability.
    • The importance of resolving conflict.
    • How to improve your teams’ effectiveness in problem resolution.
    • How to ensure that task completion dates are met.
    • Develop tools to assist employees in promptly completing tasks.
    • Proactive recruiting strategies.

     

  • FRIDAY, MARCH 4th

    8:00 am – 9:00 am
     
    8:00 am – 10:00 am
    Mendota Manufacturer Specific Training
    Room: 201
    This training session will cover important technical considerations when installing and operating vital components of our gas fireplaces and inserts. During this two-hour session you’ll get hands-on training of Mendota Hearth Heat Management, Power Vent and WiFi systems.
    8:30 am – 9:30 am
    Codes and Standards for Hearth Installers
    Room: 206
    Codes and Standards for Hearth Appliances Installers is a session designed to highlight the important areas that arise in regards to codes and standards. Minimum requirements are discussed as well as how to meet them, communicate deficiencies, and recognizing field issues that can be problematic.
    8:00 am – 5:30 pm
    NFI/CSIA Online Exams
    Room: 208
    Online exams are available at HPBExpo! You can take the exam when it is convenient for you.

    • Exams are available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
    • There are 10 computers available for each time slot. Register early to get your preferred day and time.
    • Exams are graded as soon as the exam is submitted.
    • For complete details, contact the NFI Office at 703-524-8030.

     

    8:30 am – 9:30 am
    Don’t Kill Your Golden Goose-Protect & Perpetuate Your Business
    Room: 205
    Is your financial house in order? Discover the tools you can use to become invincible to lawsuits, save thousands in taxes, and achieve financial peace of mind. By the end of this session you will know how to:

    • Protect 100% of your assets from lawsuits. Learn how to make yourself so unattractive to a plaintiff attorney that
      they will never pursue a lawsuit against you.
    • Save thousands of dollars each year in taxes. Learn five tax reduction strategies most people fail to utilize, which
      could save you more than $10,000 each year in taxes.
    • Avoid probate and eliminate all estate taxes. You will be taken through a checklist of items that are important to every estate and business succession plan. Learn what you should be doing now to prepare for successful business and estate succession.

     

    9:00 am – 10:00 am
     
    9:45 am – 10:45 am
    Chimney Science Part 1
    Room: 206
    Part 1 – Proper chimney performance is a mystery to many. This session will explore the factors that help or hinder proper chimney performance.
    9:45 am – 10:45 am
    Finding & Keeping People-Clues to Solve the Mystery Part 1
    Room: 205
    Building and growing your business beyond your own capacity means you will always be engaged in finding, attracting, hiring, and retaining people. This challenge was hard enough before the pandemic- in a tight labor market, it has only gotten harder. The war for talent is on.
    Part 1 provides a high level look at the mindsets, considerations, and strategies
    others use so you can adopt and adjust them for your business.
    10:00 am – 11:00 am
     
    10:30 am – 12:30 pm
    Kozy Heat Manufacturer Specific Training
    Room: 201
    11:00 am – 12:00 pm
     
    11:00 am – 12:00 pm
    Finding & Keeping People-Clues to Solve the Mystery Part 2
    Room: 205
    Building and growing your business beyond your own capacity means you will always be engaged in finding, attracting, hiring, and retaining people. This challenge was hard enough before the pandemic- in a tight labor market, it has only gotten harder.
    Part 2 provides a deeper dive into the strategies, and specific tactics and tools others use to entice, hire, communicate with, and retain valuable employees.
    11:00 am – 12:00 pm
    Chimney Science Part 2
    Room: 206
    Part 2 – Proper chimney performance is a mystery to many. This session will explore the factors that help or hinder proper chimney performance.
    1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
     
    1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
    Chimney Chase Construction
    Room: 205
    This session will cover proper chimney chase construction.
    1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
    Test Your Knowledge with Kahoot Competition
    Room: 206
    So you think you have all the answers! Let’s see how you stack up against others in the industry in a fun-filled quiz. Kahoot! Is a game based learning platform that allows each person to participate from their own laptop, tablet or smart phone. We’ll see who can come up with the most right answers. However, there is a little twist. To win, you need to come up with the most correct answers…the fastest. Join us for a fun-filled hour and let’s see who comes out on top.
    1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
    Copperfield Manufacturer Specific Training
    Room: 201
    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
     
    2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
    Flashing Chimneys and Chases
    Room: 205
    2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
    The Four Essential Meetings for Hearth Retailers
    Room: 206
    3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
     
    2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
    Outdoor Fire Feature Basics & The Importance of Certification
    Room: 206
    This session will explore the basics of the outdoor fire feature.

    1. Ignition Types
    2. Importance of appliance certification
    3. Basics
    4. Controls
    5. Safety Considerations
    6. Maintenance

     

    3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
    Listings & Product Safety Part 2
    Room: 206

 

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