Shaping What’s Next: Innovation Takes Center Stage at HPBExpo25
Shaping What’s Next: Innovation Takes Center Stage at HPBExpo25
HPBA
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Set in the vibrant city of New Orleans, HPBExpo25 brought together manufacturers, retailers, and leaders from across North America for four days of discovery, collaboration, and inspiration. This year’s Expo highlighted the innovation, connection, and momentum propelling the hearth, barbecue, and outdoor living industry forward.
From product debuts to conversations about technology, electrification, and customer experience, the message was clear: Our industry is changing. And at the heart of the changes are the passionate people who are shaping what’s next.
Innovation That’s Shaping the Industry
At HPBExpo25, attendees experienced how cutting-edge technology and smart design are reshaping living spaces and business operations. From advanced cooking systems to next-generation materials, sleek product lines drew crowds and energized retailers eager to bring the latest innovations to their customers.
“AI is making a big impact, especially in customer service,” said Ian Reed, co-owner of Hearth & Home in Paducah, Kentucky. “It’s speeding up tasks like paperwork that used to take much longer.”
President and director of sales at Miles Industries and makers of Valor Fireplaces Paul Miles explained that the company unveiled several new products at HPBExpo25, including enhanced electric models with real wood accents and upgraded gas units.
“Innovation has been important to us for a long time. You have to keep improving,” Miles said. “You need to keep making new products, finding new applications for them, improving your technology, and pursuing efficiency. It’s an important aspect, and we will continue to do that.”
Trends Shaping the Future
If one word could describe the trends shaping the outdoor living industry, that word is “convenience.”
“People want furniture you don’t have to maintain,” said Mark Cliffe, director of international and commercial sales of Berlin Gardens. That sentiment echoed across the show floor—from maintenance-free cabinetry to plug-and-play outdoor kitchens.
Another major trend? Tech integration. Mike Whittaker, director of sales Canada at Onward Manufacturing Company and makers of Broil King said, “A lot of people are looking for technology in the barbecue industry—incorporating your cell phone into your cook system.” App-connected grills and precision cooking systems are becoming the new standard.
Linear fireplaces are also getting bigger and bolder. “When I first got into the market, 50-inch was king . . . now it’s 60, 70, 80,” said Daniel Rosato, national sales manager at Glen Dimplex Americas, noting the evolution in consumer tastes and expectations.
The Rise of Electric Fireplaces
Many of the manufacturers this year brought electric models with different features and styles to reflect this fast-growing segment, responding to consumer demand for sleek, energy-efficient, and easy-to-install models.
“There are some really exciting things happening in the electric and some of the gas fireplaces, but electric is definitely coming on strong,” said Chuck Nuno, president of West End Brick N’ Fire in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Rosato explained that electric fireplaces make excellent secondary heat sources—not just for homes and cottages, but also for rental properties and commercial spaces like hotel lobbies.
“There’s nothing to say that a consumer can’t have a wood-burning fireplace and an electric fireplace in their bedroom or a gas fireplace and an electric fireplace in another room,” Rosato said.
Many of the electric fireplaces displayed at the show offered a wide range of advanced features, including OLED displays for ultra-realistic flame effects, customizable flame colors, and LED ember beds. Several models also featured adjustable heat settings, flame-only mode, and smart controls via apps or voice assistants. Safety elements like cool-to-touch surfaces and auto shut-off timers, along with sleek designs for wall-mounted or built-in installations, highlighted the blend of innovation and convenience in today’s electric fireplace offerings.
“Electric is really coming back—the realism has gotten impressive,” Reed said.
A Platform for Learning and Growth
HPBExpo25 wasn’t just about seeing the latest gadgets. It was also about building better businesses. Education sessions, retailer roundtables, and technical training opportunities drew crowds, offering something for everyone.
With a robust lineup of 36 expert-led sessions sponsored by Copperfield Academy on outdoor heating, grilling techniques, sales and customer service techniques, and leadership, the energy around education was unmistakable.
“It’s an awesome opportunity to catch up on your CEUs, to get new certification, and to network,” said Melissa Womack, owner of CDR Fireplaces in Alvarado, Texas. This year’s Expo made it clear: Investing in learning is investing in longevity.
The Ultimate Awards Show and Bayou Bash Industry Party
HPBExpo wouldn’t be complete without a celebration, and the Ultimate Awards Show honored those who are raising the bar across the industry.
- Emerging Leader: Kyle Titsworth, The Fireplace Showcase
- Advocate of the Year: Edward Hosack, Travis Industries
- Advocate of the Year: Daniel Hammer, Sutter Home & Hearth
- Retailer of the Year: Karen DiVerdi, Enchanted Fireside
- Affiliate of the Year: HPBA Pacific
- Lifetime Service Award: John Crouch, HPBA
- Lifetime Service Award: Cindy Wise, SEHPBA
- Excellence in Education Award: Bob Wise, CVC Success Group
- Trainer of the Year: Jesse Doucette, Crown Chimney LLC
The Attendees’ Choice Awards offer a snapshot of the innovation driving the barbecue, outdoor living, and hearth industries forward. The 2025 winners reflect a trend toward combining smart functionality with a streamlined user experience.
- Barbecue: TempTong by F&C Distributors
- Outdoor Living: Alogfire by Flame King
- Hearth: DaVinci GreenSmart Electric Fireplace by Travis Industries
In the barbecue category, the TempTong combines two essential tools into one: grilling tongs and a built-in digital meat thermometer. Features like a retractable probe, backlit display, and integrated temperature guide help simplify the cooking process, pointing to a broader movement toward multifunctional tools.
In outdoor living, the Alogfire captured attention with its compact, propane-fueled design that offers the warmth of a fireplace without the setup of traditional wood burning. Its portability and ease of use reflect consumers’ growing expectations for adaptable, low-maintenance outdoor products.
Meanwhile, in the hearth category, Travis Industries’ DaVinci GreenSmart Electric Fireplace demonstrates some of the advancements in electric fire technology, including using holographic projections, customizable flame styles, and smart home integration to create a highly tailored visual experience.
Together, these winners show a shift toward versatile products incorporating technology to reshape how people cook, gather, and live indoors and out. Customization also emerged as a key theme across all categories, reflecting a growing consumer desire to tailor their environments to personal tastes and lifestyles. Across the board, the ability to personalize heat, light, and functionality is no longer a luxury—it’s becoming the new standard.
Travis Industries received the first-ever Best Booth Experience Award, a new recognition given to the most engaging and memorable exhibitor display. Kip Rumens, vice president of sales, shared that the company’s approach focused on creating an inviting and functional space tailored to the needs of the company’s dealer network. “The strategy is always about the dealer experience,” he said. “We want dealers to have a great viewing experience . . . enough space to mingle but still feel like you’re at a family reunion.”
The booth incorporated elements such as controlled lighting, curated music, and areas to sit and relax—aimed at making the environment comfortable and welcoming.
The booth itself was built with a creative and budget-conscious approach. “We bought three gazebos on Amazon and customized them to make it have that taller appearance,” Rumens explained. “We did our own spin on free, very cost-effective displays, and made it look stunning and look custom, and it turned out great.”
Rumens noted that while Travis Industries has always emphasized booth design and engagement, the award still came as a surprise. “To win it at the first go-round . . . was a lot of fun. It was very exciting.” He said the goal was to create a standout space.
“HPBA puts on a great show, and we always try to stand out because they put so much effort into creating an environment that draws customers in,” Rumens said.
Affiliate Receptions and After-Hours Bonding
Before the show floor even opened, industry networking took over the city. Regional affiliates hosted vibrant receptions throughout the city, reminding everyone why this community is so special.
“The people in this industry are amazing,” said Incoming HPBA board chair and president of RPG Brands Kris Richardson. “I love the people in this industry—what’s cooler than playing with fire every day?”
The Industry Is Moving Forward
HPBExpo25 made one thing clear: This industry isn’t standing still. From groundbreaking innovations to deepened community connections, it’s moving forward with purpose. With manufacturers pushing boundaries, retailers adapting to changing demands, and professionals doubling down on education, the path ahead is bright. What we witnessed in New Orleans was a powerful statement about where we’re headed, together.
Save the Date for HPBExpo26 in New Orleans
Mark your calendars. HPBExpo returns to New Orleans from March 18 to 21, 2026. Whether you’re a manufacturer, retailer, installer, or industry professional, it’s the can’t-miss event to ignite our year.
“It’s a phenomenal show—we had a really good turnout this year and look forward to seeing everyone again next year. We’ve got exciting products coming in 2025 and 2026, and we can’t wait to share them with you!” said Sean Coffey, Marketing Manager at Regency Fireplace Products.
HPBExpo26 housing opens this summer, with registration launching in September. See you at HPBExpo26!
HPBA
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based just outside of Washington, DC, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms, and allied associates for all types of fireplace, stove, heater, barbecue, and outdoor living appliances and accessories. HPBA provides professional member services and industry support in government relations, events, market research, education, certifications, consumer education, and industry promotion.
