NCHPBA Annual Event, June 7-9, 2026
at the Chula Vista Resort!

Keynote Address | "The Shift: Why Empathy, Speed, and Transparency are Critical to Win in the Modern Age" by Tim Reed: Fire Time Magazine & WiFire

Our industry has been historically protected from disruption by three main factors—product exclusivity, specialized knowledge, and limited customer options—but these are all withering away in the modern landscape. In order to stay relevant, we need to capitalize on what today's consumer is looking for—empathy, speed, and transparency. The keynote will address the shift that's taken place in our market, why the old-school approach our industry has employed historically will no longer work, and how to take advantage of the opportunity in front of us today.

Gas Line Sizing, by Eben Waugh, Ray Murray Inc

The first part of the class will provide training about gas piping systems. It will include assembly fittings and gas line along with line sizing training. Instructions on the use of line sizing charts and approved methods for designing a gas installation and line sizing charts will be provided.

Health & Safety on the Job, Amie Ryan, NFI

A review of applicable regulations and common-sense policies and procedures designed to keep hearth industry personnel safe on the job. It also provides practical resources for in-store training meetings.

Specialty Installation is Your Most Valuable Asset, by Tim Reed: Fire Time Magazine & WiFire

This course explores the critical role of specialty installation in the hearth industry, highlighting how it can be a retailer’s most valuable asset. Participants will gain insight into current market challenges, including shrinking margins and increased competition, and learn strategies to differentiate their offerings through expert installation. Ideal for fireplace retailers and industry professionals seeking to elevate their business in a rapidly changing landscape.

Component Testing (Valve testing, millivolt readings, etc.) by Eben Waugh, Ray Murray Inc –

This class will help identify where to test components of a gas appliance as well as the tools needed to help troubleshoot hearth appliances. We will cover thermocouple and thermopiles, gas valves, gas pressures, and some controls, orifices and remote controls.

How to Properly Vent a Chimney, Metal Fab Chimney

Metal-Fab Inc. Training Class - 1.5-hour class covering proper sizing for different flue systems depending on the fuel source (gas, wood or oil)

7 Steps to Win More Sales, by Tim Reed: Fire Time Magazine & WiFire

Most companies in our industry make sales the old fashioned way—by intuition or accident. The problem is, even if these methods work for an individual, they can't be replicated, improved on, or taught to anyone else. In order to win consistent sales—and train new salespeople to succeed—we have to adopt a sales process. The course walks through seven simple steps to make it easy for salespeople to sell—and customers to buy. This isn't robotics and formulas, it's being intentional to treat people as human beings and help them every step of the way. If you've struggled to get the most out of your sales team or haven't been able to bring new salespeople on board, then you don't want to miss this class.

VIP Panel Discussion

This will also be a Q&A, bring your questions and concerns. Feel free to send us topics that you think need to be covered!

The Topics we’ll be discussing include:

• EPA – what’s happening?
• Energy Choice
• Geo-political Climate and effect on our industry
• Inovation
• State of the Industry

Gas and Electric Fundamentals

Alex Morris, Wolf Steel Technical

Gas

The primary focus of this in-person theoretical session is to provide attendees with the fundamental concepts of the principles of combustion, the properties of gas, and how to work safely and effectively with the differences in the 2 primary gas types (natural gas and liquid propane) used in Napoleon Hearth Products. The session will also cover how to accurately perform a Gas Hearth Pressure Test (Inlet & Outlet) via video demonstration.

Electric

The primary focus of this in-person theoretical session is to provide attendees with the background and theory of basic electricity. This session will cover electrical circuits, characteristics of electrical current, and cover the practical applications of measuring and testing equipment as well as the types of tests a technician must be able to safely perform when testing a Napoleon hearth appliance.

Government Affairs Update by Karen Arpino and sidekicks

The legislative and legal landscape is changing. Things are happening and moving, both good and bad. What does the legislative and regulatory landscape mean for our members? From the local regulations to the Federal Energy Choice legislation, to the pausing of some issues and the more aggressive take on others. How do we think this will all unfold?

Gas Insert Installation (Including Best Applications for Install and Sale)

by Curtis Marx, HHT

1. Pre-Installation & Sizing
2. Venting & Gas Line Integration
3. System Commissioning
4. Advanced Troubleshooting & Service

Advanced Flame Characteristics - Analyzing and Determining Common Issues

Alex Morris, Wolf Steel Technical

The primary focus of this in-person theoretical session is to provide attendees with the background and theory of basic electricity. This session will cover electrical circuits, characteristics of electrical current, and cover the practical applications of measuring and testing equipment as well as the types of tests a technician must be able to safely perform when testing a Napoleon hearth appliance.

• The House as a System
• Venting/ventilation
• Gas pressure & gas piping systems including sizing

Make-Up Air by Curtis Marx, HHT

Practical knowledge of Make up air and its importance with todays building standards. Understanding negative air pressure, air changes and the house as a system.

Sales Techniques of the Most Successful People by Amie Ryan, NFI

Turns out that listening may be the most important tool in your folder of techniques. But there’s way more to effective, profitable selling in our industry. You’ll get tips and proven paths to take with customers who may be difficult.

Alert Distributing, Jim Schroeder

Description to come!

Stoll Dealer Meeting by Jim Meier, Mid America Sales and Marketing

Description to come!

Electric Fireplaces, Installing & Servicing by Curtis Marx, HHT–

Description to come!

Electric Fireplaces, Installing & Servicing (1-hour course)

by Curtis Marx, HHT

• Core Fundamentals & Safety
  - Electrical Safety Protocols: Lock-out/tag-out procedures, proper grounding, and circuit requirements (standard 120V vs. 240V lines)
  - Product Overview: Understanding different types of units, including wall- mounted, built-in, and inserts, as well as flame technologies like LED and water vapor.
  - Clearance & Codes: Minimum distance from combustibles and venting requirements (none required for electric, but airflow is critical).
• Component Identification & Function
  - Heating Elements: How fan-forced and infrared heaters operate.
  - Blower Motors: Cleaning and checking for debris or failure.
  - Flame Effects: Servicing LED strips, spindle motors, and rotisseries.
  - Control Systems: Managing thermostats, remote controls, and PCB (printed circuit board) logic.
• Routine Maintenance Procedures
  - Cleaning Air Intakes: Using a vacuum to clear dust from vents to prevent overheating.
  - Glass & Exterior Care: Proper cleaning techniques using non-abrasive, lint-free cloths.
  - Electrical Inspection: Checking power cords for fraying and ensuring outlet integrity.
• Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
  - Power Issues: Troubleshooting tripped breakers, blown internal fuses, and faulty GFCI outlets.
  - Sensor Failures: Identifying "overheating protection" triggers and resetting sensors.
  - Noise Diagnostics: Distinguishing between normal operation sounds and mechanical bearing failure.
  - Using a Multimeter: Testing for continuity and voltage at key terminal points.
• Certification & Compliance
  - NFI Core Knowledge: Training on the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) standards for hearth professionals.
  - Documentation: Best practices for service reports and 12-point safety inspections.

Sales Techniques of the Most Successful People

Amie Ryan, NFI

Turns out that listening may be the most important tool in your folder of techniques. But there’s way more to effective, profitable selling in our industry. You’ll get tips and proven paths to take with customers who may be difficult.