The President’s Perspective: March 2026
The President’s Perspective: March 2026
Jill McClure
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What Happens If We Stop Showing Up for Each Other?
There’s a quiet trend in every industry right now.
We attend less.
We Zoom more.
We protect margins.
We question travel.
We say, “We’ll see you next year.”
And little by little, our connections fade.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: If this industry ever stops gathering at HPBExpo, it won’t be because of regulation.
It won’t be because of big box competition.
It won’t be because of tariffs.
It will be because we forgot that proximity is power.
That partnership requires presence.
That business doesn’t survive on emails alone.
There’s Only One Place This Happens
HPBExpo isn’t just a trade show.
It’s the only place in our industry where:
- Retailers can look manufacturers in the eye and say, “Here’s what my customers are asking for.”
- Manufacturers can walk the floor and see—in real time—how their products live in the market.
- Affiliate leaders, government affairs champions, educators, regulatory agencies, and innovators are in the same room.
- Deals are made; partnerships are strengthened.
- And yes, friendships are formed that stay with us through the years.
There’s nowhere else where you can see this entire industry in one place.
Not online.
Not at regional meetings.
Not on social media.
This article is brought to you by HPBA.
This Year’s Education Isn’t Ordinary
This year’s education lineup is a who’s who of industry leadership.
Not recycled content.
Not theoretical panels.
Industry leaders bringing their very best thinking—about retail strategy, operations, sales, leadership, margins, advocacy, and what’s next for our market.
When was the last time you were in a room where your competitors, your suppliers, and your partners were all learning the same thing at the same time?
That alignment matters.
Here’s the Part We Don’t Say Loudly Enough
The net revenue from HPBExpo does not go to shareholders.
It goes back to you.
It funds:
- Government Affairs that protect your right to sell and burn.
- Affiliate support that strengthens our boots-on-the-ground grassroots efforts.
- Industry initiatives through HPBA and direct support to HPBAC for the critical work there.
- The infrastructure that keeps this industry organized, protected, and forward-moving.
When you show up, you’re not just attending a trade show.
You’re funding your own defense.
You’re investing in your own industry.
You’re strengthening the ecosystem that allows your business to exist.
The Question Isn’t “Can I Afford to Go?”
The better question might be: Can we afford not to gather?
Industries don’t weaken overnight.
They drift.
They lose shared moments.
They lose shared language.
They lose shared urgency.
HPBExpo is when we reset that.
It’s when retailers and manufacturers stop negotiating through email and start building trust in person.
It’s when new leaders emerge.
It’s when the next partnership is formed.
It’s when we remind ourselves that this isn’t just a collection of companies.
If You Care About This Industry . . .
Make HPBExpo non-negotiable.
Bring your team.
Learn in the sessions.
Walk the floor.
Shake hands.
Have the hard conversations.
Make the deal.
Strengthen the relationship.
There’s only one room each year where our entire industry gathers.
Be in the room.
We’ll see you there—at HPBExpo26!
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Jill McClure
Jill is the president and CEO of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA).
