General questions

What is HPBExpo?

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo is North America’s largest indoor-outdoor living showcase. Every year, leading hearth, patio, and barbecue manufacturers and suppliers exhibit and demonstrate their latest home heating solutions; grills, grilling accessories, and fully-equipped outdoor kitchens; casual patio furniture, billiards, and outdoor accents; water and landscape features; all-weather entertainment products; and more. It’s also a one-stop-shop for retailers nationwide to find not only the latest products for their showrooms, but also the latest services and technologies for their companies. HPBExpo is open to trade only.

Who attends HPBExpo?

The show attracts more than 4,000 specialty and mass market retailers, installing distributors, service (chimney sweep/installer), builders and remodelers, HVAC service contractors, LP and hardware dealers, and professionals interested in getting a first-look at the indoor-outdoor living innovations that consumers will be asking for in the seasons ahead.

Who exhibits at HPBExpo and what products can you expect to see?

Manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of hearth, patio, barbecue, pool and spa, casual furniture, billiard products, accessory products and more, exhibit at HPBExpo, along with suppliers of business services to the industry. Retailers can find not only the latest products for their showrooms, but also, the latest services and technologies for their companies.

When and where is HPBExpo25?

HPBExpo 2025 is March 26 – 29 at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Indoor exhibits are located in Halls D-F. Outdoor Exhibitions are located in Parking Lot F.

Exhibition & Education: March 27 – 29, 2025

How much does it cost to park at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center?

Up-to-date parking information is available on the Center’s website: https://mccno.com/gettinghere/

Where are future HPBExpo’s being held?

Future HPBExpos are currently planned in the cities listed below. We are also considering what what other cities will work for our show!
New Orleans, Louisiana
Nashville, Tennessee
Louisville, Kentucky

What are the dates and hours for indoor and outdoor exhibits*?

Thursday, March 27: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Friday, March 28: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday, March 29: 10:00am – 3:00pm

*Trade show/exhibit and/or event hours are subject to change.

Indoor exhibits are located in Halls D-F of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, while outdoor exhibits are located at the front of Parking Lot F.

Are children permitted to attend the show?

In accordance with display 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. 

Can I take pictures of exhibits?

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.

Can I hold a meeting or event in conjuction with HPBExpo?

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. Click here for the Ancillary Meeting Policy and steps on how to submit a request.

Can I rent a Scooter or Wheelchair for HPBExpo 2025?

Use the Mobility Scooter Reservation Form to rent a scooter or wheelchair for HPBExpo 2025.

Attendee questions

When does badge Pre-Registration open?

Pre-Registration opens online on October 9, 2024.

How do I register my company? When do we get our badges?

Attendees can register company personnel beginning October 9.  All pre-registered individuals must pick up badges onsite.  Onsite badge registration will also be available in New Orleans.

Can anyone register for HPBExpo?

HPBExpo is open to trade only. Your company must be in the industry : hearth, patio, or barbecue dealer/retailer, service (chimney sweep/installer), distributor, manufacturer rep, non-profit, mass merchant, billiard retailer, hardware, propane dealer, designer, remodeler, builder, landscaper, or architect. Suppliers, manufacturers, and providers of business services (Associate members/non-members) companies are eligible for exhibitor badges only.

Suitcasing and Outboarding Policy: As a premier event in the hearth, patio, and barbecue industry, HPBExpo 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.

What does it cost to attend?

HPBA Affiliate Members may be eligible for an allotment of complimentary badges based on their membership category. Complete badge pricing is available on the Attendee Badge Registration page.

Can I register as a non-member?

Yes, your company must be in the industry: hearth, patio, or barbecue dealer/retailer, service (chimney sweep/installer), distributor, manufacturer rep, non-profit, mass merchant, billiard retailer, hardware, propane dealer, designer, remodeler, builder, landscaper, or architect. Suppliers, manufacturers, and providers of business services (Associate members/non-members) companies are eligible for exhibitor badges only. All fees subject to change.

When is the badge Pre-Registration deadline?

Online registration will remain open until 2:00pm EST on Saturday, March 29. Onsite registration will open on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:30am.

When is the refund/cancellation deadline?

Refunds for Expo Badge Registration, Education Courses, NFI Certification, and meetings and events, less a $10 administrative fee, will be made if the request is received in writing by February 17, 2025. No refunds will be made after that date. HPBA and CompuSystems will not accept a cancellation/refund request over the phone. All refunds will be processed after Expo in the HPBA office. No refunds for Expo Badge Registration, Education Courses, NFI Certification, or meetings and events will be made for payments received onsite.

When does onsite registration open for attendee Badge Pick-Up?

Badge Pick-Up will open for Exhibitors and Attendees on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:30am, and remain open until 2:00pm on Saturday, March 29.

How do I check the status of my registration?

Your registration status can be checked online by going to the special link located in the email confirmation you received after registering.  You may also call CompuSystems Customer Service at (855) 326-4496 toll free; (224) 563-3118 or hpbe@csreg.zohodesk.com. Indicate that you are an HPBExpo25 registrant.

How can I make changes or additions, if I already registered?

Changes and additions can be made online by going to the special link located in the email confirmation you received after registering. You may also contact CompuSystems Customer Service at (855) 326-4496 toll free; (224) 563-3118 or hpbe@csreg.zohodesk.com to update your registration. Indicate that you are an HPBExpo25 registrant.

Education & NFI Certification Questions

I’m NFI Certified. How many CEUs will I earn at HPBExpo?

Up to 28 CEU’s will be available at Expo depending on which and how many classed you attend. If you are NFI or CSIA certified or both you will get CEU’s for attending sessions at HPBExpo. Make sure you have your badge scanned to earn CEU’s.

I’d like to present a program at an upcoming HPBExpo. How do I go about submitting my request?

Please call (703) 524-8030 to discuss future program opportunities.

How can I register for education sessions at HPBExpo?

You must be registered for HPBExpo to attend education sessions.

The HPBExpo25 Education Program will take place exclusively on the trade show floor starting on Thursday, March 27.

Education sessions will be free for attendees!  You no longer need an Education Passport or single session ticket to attend the general sessions and receive CEUs. Aside from specially-marked courses with a separate materials fee and the NFI programs, you do not need to indicate each session you are interested in. Please note this does not include NFI Certification Review Courses, click here for information on how to sign-up and purchase an NFI Certification Review Course or Exam.

Can I register for education/certification onsite?

You can add NFI Certification at the show, but you should register in advance to have time to study the manual.

Can I register multiple people with one contact name?

You will need to register each individual person, although one person can perform the task.

Do I need to register separately for each session?

Aside from specially-marked courses with a separate materials fee and the NFI programs, you do not need to indicate each session you are interested in.

If I register for NFI, will I get the book in advance?

Yes, the study manual for the review/exam you sign-up for will be sent to you once you have completed your order. The shipping deadline is March 3, 2025.

How long does it take to receive the manual?

All manuals are shipped via USPS which usually takes between 2-3 business days; depending on location.

I’m taking the test and also some classes. If I pass the test will those courses count for CEUs?

Yes, if you are successful in passing the examination, you will receive CEU credit for any courses you attended.

Does the education program offer CEU credits?

Many education classes do offer CEU credits. Please refer to the education schedule by going to Education Info (coming soon) and refer to specific sessions to see if CEU credits are offered. Note: CEU information is provided in this schedule in anticipation of the number of CEUs approved for each session. However, the CEU Committee will make the final decision on CEU accreditation just prior to Expo.

All education sessions at Expo qualify for both NFI and CSIA CEU’s. If you are NFI or CSIA certified or both you will get CEU’s for attending sessions at HPBExpo.

Will all the Expo sessions be available online?

We record as many sessions as possible, but we are not able to post them all. Some professional speakers will not allow their sessions to be posted online due to copyright issues, others do not use the microphone we provide and sessions with a lot of audience participation do not record well.

Hotel & Travel Questions

Where can I find a list of hotels and rates?

Reservations for hotels in the HPBA/HPBExpo housing block are available online through our official housing partner onPeak.

How can I make changes or cancellations to my hotel reservations?

Reservation changes and cancellations can be made online or by calling HPBExpo/OnPeak at (800) 388-8819 (Domestic Toll Free) or (312) 527-7300 (International) until March 5, 2025. After March 5, 2025, please contact your hotel directly.

Are shuttle buses provided?

Most properties within the official HPBExpo25 hotel block are within walking distance to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Shuttle buses may be provided.

Where can I find additional information about Travel? Restaurants? Things to Do?

Experience New Orleans by taking part in events, arts & culture, shopping, sports & outdoor activities, tours and much more. Visit the New Orleans Information site for restaurants, events, discounts, and things to do while in New Orleans.

Exhibitor Questions

What does it cost to exhibit at HPBExpo?

EXHIBIT SPACE FEES:

Member Category: $34/36 per square foot~*

HPBA members paying dues under the Manufacturer, Distributor, or Associate membership categories and in good standing at the time of the Expo.

Non-Member Category: $42/44 per square foot^*

Fees applies to Exhibitors that are not members of HPBA or in good standing at the time of Expo; HPBA Retail or Service Category members.

First-Time Exhibitor Discounted Category: $34/36 per square foot

Exhibitors that have never been a member of HPBA and have never exhibited in the HPBExpo.

+Secondary, higher price applies to indoor corner booths and all outdoor space over and above indoor space contracted.

~Member exhibitors with 2,000 sq. ft. or more will receive a $0.50 discount per sq. ft.

^Non-member manufacturers that do not produce or exhibit hearth products, grills, or fuels are eligible for the member category rate of $32/34 per square foot.

What does the cost of booth space provide?

The booth fee covers the space for your exhibit. Linear booths will be set with an 8’ high back drape, 3’ high side dividers, and a 7”x44” one-line identification sign with company name and booth number. Booths over 300 sq. ft. are not automatically set with signage; however, signage is available upon request. Any carpeting, electric, furniture, telephone, etc. is ordered separately through the show decorator or appropriate contracted vendor. Drayage (material handling) fees are not included in the booth price and will be billed by the show decorator, Freeman, to individual exhibitors.

Am I allowed to share booth space with another company?

No. According to the HPBExpo Rules & Regulations, Section 5, “Subletting of Space Prohibited – Exhibitors are not permitted to assign or sublet a booth or any part of the space allotted to them, nor shall they exhibit, or permit to be exhibited in their space, any merchandise or advertising materials that are not part of their company’s regular product lines.”

Does exhibitor staff need to register for badges?

Yes, all exhibitor company staff and family must have a badge. Booth contracts and payments must be processed prior to badge registration.

How do I register my staff? When do we get our badges?

Exhibitors can pre-register staff for badges. All pre-registered exhibitors must pick up badges onsite.  Onsite badge registration will also be available in New Orleans.

When does onsite registration open for exhibitor Badge Pick-Up?

Badge Pick-Up will open for Exhibitors on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:30am. Prior to this date and time, you will need to see onsite security for a wrist band which allows set-up personnel entry into exhibit hall. Plan to have proper identification to obtain a wrist band.

What Sponsorship Opportunities are available?

Sponsorship & Advertising options will be available in late summer. For more information contact sponsors@hpba.org to make your brand stand out.

When is the Exhibitor Service Manual (ESM) published?

The Exhibitor Service Manual will be available online in the Exhibit section in November 2024. Exhibitors will view and/or download forms, and have the option to place some orders electronically from the online Exhibitor Service Manual.

What is the New Product Pavilion and how does my company submit an entry?

Located on the show floor, the New Product Pavilion showcases new and exciting products and is a draw for attendees. Details and an online entry form will be available at www.hpbexpo.com in the fall within the Exhibit tab.

Products must be introduced to the market after HPBExpo 2024. Companies must be an HPBExpo25 exhibitor to be eligible for New Product Pavilion entry. Each product displayed in the New Product Pavilion will be an eligible entry for the 2025 Attendees’ Choice Awards (for either the hearth, barbecue or outdoor living category).

Who is the official Show Contractor?

Freeman is the official show contractor for HPBExpo25. Check the online Exhibitor Service Manual, available in November 2024, for links to order products and services from Freeman.

What are the 2025 Material Handling Rates?

All advanced shipments received at the Freeman warehouse as well as all shipments received onsite or driven to the convention center will incur a material handling fee by the official general contractor, Freeman. Exhibit materials that can be hand-carried in one trip from a legally parked vehicle by the exhibitor will not incur material handling fees. Dollies, hand trucks, or other means of wheeled transport are not permitted for hand-carry. Cars, Mini-Vans, Small Pick-Up Trucks, Full-Size Vans, and Large Pick-Up trucks requiring use of the dock area will be unloaded by Freeman for per-vehicle-load fee. Vehicles larger than a large pick-up truck, including those with trailers will be unloaded at the main dock at the published per hundred weight rates.

The 2025 material handling fee schedule can be reviewed in the online Exhibitor Service Manual.