Best Western PLUS Hood River Inn

May 11-12, 2026

Title Sponsor: 

Register: Click HERE (though NWHPBA website)

Agenda

Monday, May 11

8:00 am - 9:30 - NWHPBA Board Meeting
10:30 am - 3:00 pm - Golf Tournament - Indian Creek Golf Club, 3605 Brookside Drive, Hood River1:00 - 5:00 pm - TECHNICAL WORKSHOP - TBD
4:00 pm - 6:00 - Welcome Reception with Exhibits. Join us for social time with drinks followed by dinner. Wear your best Hawaiian shirt! 
6:00 pm - 8:00 - Reception, Dinner - Virtual surprise guest, Virtual Welcome by HPBA staff, Hula Lessons/contest, 50/50 raffle. 

Tuesday, May 12

7:30 am - 8:30 – Breakfast & Coffee, dedicated time to Visit Exhibitors, Sponsor Updates - Sponsored by NW Natural

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

8:00 am - 12:00 pm - NFI  Test Review Class,  Hearth Design Specialist (Course only. Exams online) - Rich Sedgwick, National Fireplace Institute
8:00 am - 10:00 -  Gas trouble Shooting: electronic ignition, IPI systems, Speaker TBD
10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Electric Fireplaces: Modern Flames electric fireplaces, basic electricity, electric fireplace sizing. John Keeny. Modern Flames.

MAIN SESSION

8:30 - 9:30 am - A.I. that Actually Works: How organizations can use A.I. today without getting overwhelmed - Tim and Pam Fahndrich, Co-founder & CEO, Third River Marketing, WhirLocal Media Group - DETAILS

9:30 am – 10:15 – Natural Gas Update - Zachary Sielicky, State and Local Government Affairs, NW Natural

10:15 am – 10:45 – Break, Visit Exhibitors - Sponsored by Coastal / Cal Ranch

10:45 am - 11:45 - Government Affairs Overview - Caroline Logue, C.A. Logue Public Affairs; Jason Tolleson (virtual); Harvey Gail, Oregon HPBA Lobbyist

11:45 am - 12:00 pm - Automated Combustion & Precision Smoke Measurement - overview - Noel Putaansuu, President and Founder, Acumentor LLC dba Smokeless Chimney

11:45 - 12:30 – Lunch, Visit Exhibitors - Sponsored by Associated Energy Systems

12:30 – 1:15 pm – NW & Oregon HPBA Affiliate Membership Meetings (break out rooms)

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

1:15 pm  - 2:15 - Automated Combustion & Precision Smoke Measurement - Reserach  - Noel Putaansuu, President and Founder, Acumentor LLC dba Smokeless Chimney

1:15 pm - 4:00 pm - Continued - NFI Review Class (Course only. Exams are done online) - Rich Sedgwick, National Fireplace Institute

MAIN SESSION

1:15 – 2:15 pm – Roundtable Discussions:  Working with general contractors, permits; Operations and efficiency; Staff development and culture; Technology and innovation.

2:15 – 2:45 pm – Break , Visit Exhibitors

2:45 – 3:45 pm – Real World Lessons on Labor and Industry Laws - Jake Armstrong, Serenity Hearth & Patio; Carolyn Logue, C.A. Logue Public Affairs

3:45 - 4:00 pm - Wrap up: Thank You's and Final Words - Harvey Gail, NW and Oregon HPBA Executive Director

Registration Rates

• HPBA member registration: $145
• Non-member registration: $200
• Booths and Sponsors, see below. Rates include registration for booth and sponsor attendees. 

NFI Certification Class  

• For the NFI Review Course,  register for $75 which covers food, breaks, room rental. But also register for the course itself through the link to the NFI website. MORE INFO

Hotel Info

Rooms at the Best Western PLUS Hood River Inn, 1108 East Marina Way, Hood River, OR.  Rates: 

Economy / Non view double queen: $159
Non view king: $149
Riverview queen: $179
Riverview double queen: $199
Riverview king: $189

All rooms are plus 9.5% tax. Call  to book your room: 1-800-828-7873. Mention Hearth Patio Barbecue Association when you book to be on the room block.
Room booking deadline April 21, 2026.