NEW ORLEANS - HPBExpo26 brought the Hearth, Barbecue, and Outdoor Living industry together in New Orleans at a moment of real transition.

Across four days, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, service providers, and industry leaders gathered not just to showcase products, but to engage in the bigger conversation about where the industry is headed and what it will take to get there. “We come to Expo because our customers are here. Our friends are here,” said Dan Bonar of Industrial Chimney Company (ICC). “Expo is the one show that we will never miss.” This year’s event made one thing clear: the pace of change is accelerating, and businesses are being challenged to evolve alongside it.

Setting the Direction: People, Technology, and What Comes Next
The opening session, Fueling the Future: People, AI and the Next Era of Our Industry, established a clear framework for the week, focusing on three interconnected forces shaping the industry: workforce development, emerging technologies like AI, and shifting consumer expectations.

Panelists Dave Rettinger, Deb Hannig, and Zack Fisher addressed the practical realities businesses are navigating in today’s market — how to attract and retain talent, integrate new tools without losing operational clarity, and remain relevant in a changing marketplace.

Jessica Voss-Kehl, VP of Innovation at Hearth & Home Technologies, followed with Innovation in an Age of Disruption: Why AI Will Strengthen, Not Replace, the Hearth Expert, making the case that the industry’s human expertise remains irreplaceable and that AI is a tool to sharpen it, not substitute for it.

A Marketplace for Innovation and Insight
With more than 300 brands represented, the event offered a comprehensive view of how the industry is adapting.

Key trends included:

• Continued expansion of electric fireplace offerings, with improved design and performance.
• Increased integration of connected technology in outdoor cooking products.
• Growth in complete outdoor living solutions over standalone products.
• Design shifts toward larger, more visually impactful hearth features.
• A consistent focus on simplifying installation, operation, and maintenance.

“People want to see what it is that they’re paying for,” said Chuck Nitcshke from The Outdoor Plus. “This expo allows us the opportunity to get with our dealers, to get with the distributors, so that they can actually touch, see, and feel it.”

Outdoor Burn Brings Products to Life
This year’s Outdoor Burn proved to be a focal point, offering live demonstrations, hands-on learning, and space for technical conversations that are hard to replicate in a traditional booth setting.

Additionally, the Industry Street Party turned networking into one large backyard barbecue. With food trucks, a biergarten, and live fires, businesses and individuals got a firsthand look at how their customers use these products in real life.

The Log Splitting Showdown was a new crowd favorite, drawing strong engagement and energy from attendees. Congratulations to the HPBExpo Log Splitting Champion Dan Bonar with Industrial Chimney Company (ICC).

Education That Connects to Daily Operations
HPBExpo26 offered more than 50 education sessions to choose from, giving attendees the chance to earn CEUs while tackling real business challenges. Manufacturer Training Sessions provided direct learning on subjects like troubleshooting and installation efficiency, offering in-depth, brand-specific education led by manufacturers and focused on real-world application. In addition, Retailer Roundtables created open dialogue among peers on sales strategies, staffing, compliance, and customer engagement.

“I’ve been in the industry for 58 years, since before HPBA was established,” said John Bassemier of Bassemier’s Fireplace, Patio & Spas Inc., “and the Retailer Roundtables were worth the price of admission alone.”

A new addition this year, Fireside Chats, brought unscripted perspectives from industry trailblazers hosted by the HPBA membership booth throughout the week.

Relationships That Drive the Industry
One of the most consistent takeaways from HPBExpo26 is the value of in-person connection — manufacturers receiving immediate feedback from retailers, strengthening alignment through regional gatherings, and industry peers exchanging ideas in both formal and informal settings.

Programs such as the HPBA Women’s Industry Network event further supported relationship building and leadership development, contributing to a stronger, and more connected industry.

According to Melissa Slaught of Duravent Group, HPBExpo is “a unique and invaluable opportunity to connect directly with our customers in the hearth industry.”

Recognizing Leadership and Achievement
The Ultimate Awards Show highlighted key categories in hearth, barbecue, and outdoor living products, along with individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact.

Awards such as Retailer of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, Emerging Leader, and Advocate of the Year recognized both current contributions and long-term commitment to the industry. The event also recognized Trainer of the Year and Excellence in Education award winners for their commitment to industry teaching and certification.

Attendees directly participated in the Attendees’ Choice Awards by voting through the mobile app for standout products in the New Product Pavilion and for the Best Booth Experience among all exhibitors.

Looking Ahead
HPBExpo26 made clear that the industry is actively adapting. Technology is advancing, consumer expectations are shifting, and workforce challenges remain front of mind. But the fundamentals still hold: strong relationships, shared knowledge, and a willingness to evolve are what move the industry forward.

While the event itself has concluded, the ideas discussed, the products introduced, and the connections made will shape business decisions in the months ahead until we meet again on March 3-6, 2027, in Nashville, Tennessee.

https://hpbexpo.com/