JOIN US FOR THIS REGION'S MUST-ATTEND EDUCATION AND NETWORKING EVENT
Our last Annual Meeting shattered attendance records — and we’re bringing that momentum with us into 2025!
We may be headed back to St. Louis, but we’re turning up the heat with the same top-tier education and unforgettable experiences you loved in Springfield. Here’s what you can look forward to:
-
Expert-led education sessions that tackle today’s industry challenges
-
Hands-on training to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence
-
A product showcase featuring the latest innovations
-
A delicious dinner prepared by our grill sponsors
-
Special visit to a local retailer member’s showroom
-
Unmatched networking with fellow members and industry leaders
…and so much more!
ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025*
TECHNICAL TRACK
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Hands-On Gas Training
Space is limited for this event, register early. This interactive, hands-on training session is designed for service technicians and industry professionals looking to enhance their skills in maintaining and troubleshooting gas fireplaces. The session will also cover common repair scenarios, safety protocols, and best practices for efficient servicing. Gain practical experience and confidence in delivering high-quality gas fireplace maintenance and repairs.
BUSINESS TRACK
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
State of the Industry: Insights from the Top
Panel of Industry Leaders
Get a front-row seat to the future of the fireplace industry. In this powerhouse session, top leaders from the nation’s leading manufacturers will break down the latest trends, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer demands that are shaping the market. From supply chain shifts to product innovation, this is your chance to hear directly from the decision-makers steering the industry. Bring your toughest questions—this interactive session is designed to give retailers the answers and insights they need to adapt, grow, and thrive.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch With Our Sponsors
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Ventilation and Make-up Air: What it is and Why it Matters for Hearth Systems
Brian Barclay, RM Manifold Group
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Navigating Government Affairs: Key Issues Impacting Your Business
Jason Tolleson, HPBA & Andrew Hasek, Hearth & Home Technologies
Stay informed and prepared as we break down the latest regulatory and legislative developments affecting the hearth industry. This session will explore national and regional policy trends, upcoming compliance requirements, and proactive strategies to safeguard and grow your business. Gain valuable insights from industry experts and learn how to stay ahead in an evolving regulatory landscape.
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Protecting Your Business Through Smart Advocacy
Jason Tolleson, HPBA
This will be the most important session you will participate in this year! We’re bringing a condensed version of the Government Affairs Leadership Academy directly to you. GALA Lite offers essential training on navigating government affairs issues and advocating for the fireplace industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights on how to effectively engage with policy, regulations, and advocacy efforts that impact your business and the industry as a whole.
BARBECUE COOKOUT
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Hosted by Forshaw's
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2025*
TECHNICAL TRACK
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
CounterStrike® & Poly Pipe Certification: Line Sizing & Installation
Space is limited for this event, register early. This certification course provides in-depth training CounterStrike® and poly gas piping systems. Participants will learn proper installation techniques, safety standards, and compliance requirements. Hands-on demonstrations will prepare attendees to install and service these piping systems safely and efficiently. Certification will be awarded upon successful completion of the course and exam.
BUSINESS TRACK
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
MWHPBA Update Breakfast
Jake Hunter, MWHPBA President
Start your day with breakfast with our sponsors and a concise update on your association’s latest initiatives, achievements, and future plans.
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Dealer Roundtable Discussions
These roundtable discussions give you the chance to hear from your peers and share your experiences. Topics might include new ways to seek employees, current state of the industry, what a recession might mean for your store, and more.
10:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Hiring & Retention Strategies from a Top Hearth Retailer
In today’s competitive labor market, attracting and retaining skilled employees is more critical than ever. Hear firsthand from a top-performing hearth retailer about what’s working—and what’s not—when it comes to building a reliable, high-performing team. This session will cover practical approaches to recruitment, onboarding, training, and employee engagement, all tailored specifically to the hearth industry.
*Schedule subject to change.
BARBECUE COOKOUT
Tuesday, August 6 | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Connect with Members & View Grills in Action
The Barbecue Cookout is back and better than ever! Enjoy a delicious dinner hot off the grill, prepared by our amazing grill sponsors, see the latest outdoor cooking products in action, and tour one of our standout member stores. This is your chance to relax, connect with fellow members, and soak up the fun in a laid-back, festive setting. Don’t miss this crowd favorite—good food, great people, and a whole lot of hearth industry flavor!
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS
Our discounted room rate at the Angler's Lodge has expired. There are a handful of rooms still available at the Angler's Lodge, but they are now running about $149 a night. Click here if you would like to reserve a room at the Angler's Lodge at the higher rate, or we have listed a few other hotels close to the White River Conference Center that might offer a more affordable rate.
Angler's Lodge
Room Rates are $149 and up
Only a handful of rooms available
Reasons To Join Us
Top 5
Learn new ways to grow and improve your business from industry experts
View the latest products and services offered by our participating sponsors
Earn up to 9.5 CEUs towards your NFI or CSIA recertification
Brush up on your skills and train your new techs and installers in our Hands-On Training
CONNECT with members in our 4-state region - Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri
OUR SPONSORS
Things to do in St. Louis
-
Experience the Gateway Arch
-
Explore Forest Park featuring one of the largest free zoos in the US, the Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and Science Center.
-
Watch a Cardinals Game
-
Stroll through the Missouri Botanical Garden
-
Visit Grant's Farm, the historic home of the Busch family
-
Take a drive into Augusta and explore the wineries
-
Visit the sharks at the St. Louis Aquarium
-
And much more!