2023 Annual Meeting & Product Showcase
Thank You
Thank you for your Annual Meeting Registration. Additional meeting details will be emailed to you as we get closer to the meeting. If you have any questions on your registration, please email egeil@midwesthpba.org or call (314) 256-9926.
AUGUST 8-9, 2023
White River Conference Center, Springfield, MO
New City, Fun New Location! The 2023 Annual Meeting will be held at the White River Conference Center in the Bass Pro Shop Complex in Springfield, Missouri. This year's event features education sessions presented by industry experts, hands-on training, our product showcase, a delicious dinner prepared by our grill sponsors, and the opportunity to connect with members in our 4-state region.
Meeting Agenda & Session Descriptions
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2023*
TECHNICAL TRACK
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Gas Hands-On Training
Scott Abele, Travis Industries
Building on last year's H.O.T. Academy's success, MWHPBA is bringing back hands-on training. This year, members will be training on Travis Industries' gas hearth systems. Even if you do not sell Travis products, you encounter them in the field. Eliminate costly service callbacks by equipping your installers and service personnel with the knowledge and practice needed to assure fast, efficient, and accurate diagnosis. This is an excellent opportunity to sharpen your skills and train your staff before the season begins. Space for this course is limited, so register early to save your seat.
BUSINESS TRACK
2:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Everything You Know You Should Be Doing As a Sales Leader, but Don't Want to Do
Tim Rethlake, TRaction Coaching
Tim has over 45 years of sales and marketing leadership experience in the hearth industry, which he uses to support his clients to live and work intentionally by focusing on what's most important, not just urgent. During Tim's interactive workshop, attendees will explore:
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The good salespeople are already taken, where will your next ones come from?
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How to onboard, not waterboard, new sales hires.
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Why you must treat your sales team better than your customers.
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The importance of “Story” to a consistent, winning sales process.
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Defining “Unreasonably Great Experience” for your business.
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5:30 PM - 6:15 PM
Stay Up to Date on Issues That Will Impact Your Business
This important government affairs session will touch base on the current issues our industry faces and how they will affect your business. This includes:
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Tax Credit
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EPA Certifications
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Fuel Choice Legislation
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Woodburning Inserts
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Action Alerts
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BARBECUE COOKOUT
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Hosted by Maschino's
Connect with Members & View the Latest Grills in Action
We are bringing back one of our most our popular events, the Barbecue Cookout! Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our grill sponsors, view the latest products in action, and tour one of our member's store during this event. Maschino's, located just a short walk from the hotel, will be our host. There will be plenty of good food, cold drinks, and a good times to be had by all!
Top 5 Reason to Attend
Learn new ways to grow and improve your business from industry experts
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Sharpen up on your skills and train your new techs/installers in our Hands-On Training
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View the latest products and services offered by our participating sponsors.
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Enjoy a delicious dinner perpared by our grill sponsors
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CONNECT with members in our 4-state region
Our Sponsors
Hotel Accommodations - Discounted Room Rates
Angler's Lodge Springfield
621 W. Sunshine, Springfield, MO
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MWHPBA has negotiated a discounted hotel room rate of $119 a night plus tax at the Angler's Lodge for our out-of-town guests. The Angler's Lodge is located across the street from the White River Conference Center and a little over a block from Maschino's. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the conference center and Barbecue Cookout.
To reserve a hotel room by phone, call 844-802-4371 and give them Group # WRCCBKG364.
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To reserve your room online, click here and enter Group # WRCCBKG364 in the Offer code box and click search.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2023*
TECHNICAL TRACK
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
NFI Certification Gas & Core Knowledge Review Courses
Considerable knowledge and expertise are called for in designing, installing, and servicing gas hearth systems, not only because of advances in technology but also because of the nature of fuel gases. We begin with the foundation for all work with gas hearth systems: gas characteristics and combustion basics. We look next at methods and requirements for fuel delivery and then at the fundamentals of gas piping systems.
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BUSINESS TRACK
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
MWHPBA Update Breakfast
Jake Hunter, MWHPBA President
Take a few minutes to learn what is new in your affiliate and at HPBA national, what governmental regulations might affect our region and about your member benefits.
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8:45 AM - 9:45 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.
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10:00 AM - 12:15 AM
Professionalism, Ethics & Profit
Dan Cevilkewich (AKA Dan Cells), Willy's Chimney Service
This sessions sponsored by:
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This course will review what it means to be a professional company and employee, what it means to have ethics, and to provide a clear path on how to make applications and adjustments in your company and as an individual. Attendees will learn how to move forward as a successful hearth company and an employee for the the betterment of the industry. This session includes:
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Communication with customers
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Handling Google reviews
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Defining your company's ethics
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How to profit
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Making goals
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*Schedule subject to change.
Things to do in Springfield
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Visit the OG Bass Pro Shop
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Tour the Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, the Pythian Castle, or the Route 66 Car Museum
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Watch a minor league game
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Visit Branson the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World"
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Spend the weekend fishing and boating on Table Rock Lake
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Visit the home of the throwed rolls - Lambert's
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And much more!