Ancillary Meeting Requests & Policy

HPBA uses a formal process for reviewing requests for these types of meetings 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.

If you are interested in holding a meeting or event during HPBExpo, review our Ancillary Meeting Request & Policy.

Badges

All badges issued to member and non-member companies are to be used only by that company’s employees or family. Member and non-member companies are prohibited from providing any of their allotted badges to persons who are not employees or family.

Cameras and Photos

Cameras will be allowed on the show floor, but no picture taking – including cell phone pictures – is allowed without the express approval of a company representative in the exhibitor booth that is being photographed.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Refunds for Expo badge registration, paid education courses, NFI certification, and paid meetings and events, less a $10 administrative fee, will be made if the request is received in writing by February 9, 2026. No refunds will be made after that date. To request a refund, please email registration@hpba.org. HPBA will not accept a cancellation/refund request over the phone. All refunds will be processed within 45 days after the conclusion of Expo. No refunds for Expo badge registration, paid education courses, NFI certification, or paid meetings and events will be made for payments received onsite. See Exhibiting Trade Show Rules & Regulations for exhibit space cancellation and downsizing rules.

Children

In accordance with Exhibiting Trade Show Rules and Regulations and security measures, children under the age of 12 are prohibited from entering the Exhibit Hall, Outdoor Demonstration area, and events at any time, including infants. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Children 12 and older must have a badge to enter the Exhibit Hall, Outdoor Demonstration area, and events. Badge(s) can be added or purchased online through badge registration or at onsite registration. 

Code of Conduct Policy

By registering for HPBExpo26, all attendees and exhibitors agree to the following Code of Conduct:

HPBExpo26/HPBA is committed to creating a safe and inviting environment for all attendees, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, nationality or religion. We invite all attendees to help make HPBExpo26 a safe and welcoming space for all attendees.

All communication during HPBExpo26 should be appropriate for a professional audience. We do not condone harassment of HPBExpo26 attendees or participants in any form. Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning conduct, including personal or political attacks, inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images, trolling or sustained disruption of sessions will not be tolerated.

HPBExpo26/HPBA reserves the right, at its discretion, to remove participants from the platform, without refund, for any unacceptable behavior or violation of the Code of Conduct. If you are being harassed or notice someone else being harassed during HPBExpo26, please contact HPBExpo26 staff immediately at expo@hpba.org for assistance.

Suitcasing & Outboarding Policy

As a premier event in the hearth, patio, and barbecue industry, HPBExpo26 is committed to providing all participants a fair and inclusive environment. We urge our sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees to comply with our Suitcasing & Outboarding policy, which is not only an HPBA policy but also a standard recognized by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. This policy will be strictly enforced. Review our full Suitcasing & Outboarding Policy.

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HPBA and HPBExpo26 List Solicitation & Scam Warning

As with many trade shows, unauthorized companies and individuals are contacting HPBExpo26 exhibitors, attendees, and HPBA members with misleading offers. These solicitations often claim—either directly or ambiguously—to represent HPBExpo26, and typically promote access to attendee lists, industry contact databases, or discounted hotel accommodations.

Please be aware:
These companies are not affiliated with HPBA or HPBExpo26 in any way.
They do not have access to our attendee database. The lists they offer are either compiled from public sources or are entirely fraudulent. In most cases, their audience descriptions do not match the profile of our verified registrants.

HPBA does not sell exhibitor, attendee, or member contact information. We also do not share phone numbers or email addresses publicly on the HPBExpo26 website.

We urge you:

• Do not purchase any lists or services from individuals or companies claiming to have access to HPBExpo26 data.
• Do not engage with these solicitations.
• Report them to us at [insert your email address or contact form], so we can issue cease and desist letters and help curb these scams.

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New Protection: FTC Impersonation Rule Now in Effect
As of April 1, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission’s Impersonation Rule allows for stronger enforcement against these types of scams. If you receive a fraudulent offer, you can report it directly to the FTC here:
👉 https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/

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