Ultimate Awards Show
Ultimate Awards Show
Celebrate your industry at the year’s must-attend event, where contributions and achievements are recognised — all announced live.
The Industry, All in One Room
Celebrate your industry at the year’s must-attend event where contributions & achievements are recognized – Emerging Leader, Advocate of the Year, Retailer of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, Excellence in Education Award, Trainer of the Year Award, and the Attendees’ Choice Awards – all announced live!
Doors — bars open at 5 PM and the awards show begins at 5:15 PM, Friday, March 5, 2027.
Award Categories
Six awards are decided by nomination. Nominations open soon.
Retailer of the Year
Given to an individual who has dedicated their time, passion, and energy to bettering the industry and their community. Nominees will be considered based on their contributions to the industry, HPBA, and affiliates. Overall, the Retailer of the Year award is in recognition of the nominee’s commitment to retail excellence, customer focus, and industry involvement.
Affiliate of the Year
This award is the highest honor given to an HPBA Affiliate. It recognizes an affiliate that excels in outreach, advocacy, and industry support, highlighting their best practices and accomplishments within their local regions.
Emerging Leader
Recognizes a newcomer to the industry who has been working in the field for 8 or fewer years. This individual has already made significant contributions to the industry and has demonstrated the potential for leadership and continued service. The nominee is actively improving the industry through their involvement and positive influence.
Advocate of the Year
Recognizes an individual who devotes their time, energy, and passion to advocating for the industry. This individual actively participates in legislative and regulatory issues in their region and affiliate, as well as in HPBA activities and training. Overall, this advocate plays a crucial role in ensuring its continued success through advocacy, as well as inspiring others to take action throughout the year.
Trainer of the Year
Given to an instructor who taught industry-related courses during the year, taught at least 10 industry classes, and encouraged individuals to achieve NFI Certification and/or taught NFI Review courses.
Excellence in Education
Given to an individual who has worked for 10 or more years training or educating in the hearth industry, has taught NFI or HPBEF classes, and has been an advocate for industry education and NFI Certification.
Attendees’ Choice
One set of awards is decided by the people walking the floor, not by nomination.
Attendees’ Choice in Hearth, Barbecue & Outdoor Living Products, and Best Booth Experience
Attendees vote onsite at HPBExpo27 via the official HPBExpo Mobile App for their top choice of Best Booth Experience, along with their top choice of Hearth, Barbecue & Outdoor Living Products displayed in the New Product Pavilion.
Deadline — voting ends at 4 PM on Friday, March 5, a little over an hour before the show begins.
Friday Night in Nashville
The Ultimate Awards Show closes the week at HPBExpo27 — Friday, March 5, 5 to 7 PM.