
May 12-13, 2026 | Hilton Garden Inn | Perrysburg, OH
JOIN US FOR OUR REGION’S PREMIER TRAINING AND NETWORKING EVENT!
Burn & Learn returns to Perrysburg in 2026 for our third year—and we’re continuing to grow! What started as a new opportunity for hands-on learning has quickly become the region’s must-attend industry event. This year we’re moving to a new location with more space, allowing us to expand our training areas and offer even more hands-on learning opportunities.
Our planning committee has built another outstanding agenda featuring expert instructors, fresh topics, and expanded training sessions designed to meet the evolving needs of your business.
At Burn & Learn 2026, you’ll be able to:
- Connect with industry leaders and peers from across the region
- Sharpen your skills and discover strategies to increase profitability
- Earn your NFI Certification to strengthen your professional credentials
- Enjoy great food and good company at our annual Tailgate Party
- See the latest products and innovations shaping the industry
- Support our community by participating in the charity auction
More training. More connections. More value for your business.
Burn & Learn 2026 Agenda*
TUESDAY, MAY 12
TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS
Space is limited for all technical workshops and they sell out quickly—register early to secure your spot.
Technical Workshop 1:
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Hands-On Gas Fireplace Training
Presented by Regency Fireplace
One of our most popular manufacturer hands-on training courses! This interactive session is designed for service technicians and industry professionals looking to sharpen their skills in maintaining and troubleshooting gas fireplaces. Participants will rotate through multiple stations, diagnosing issues and learning new techniques in a hands-on environment. Walk away with practical experience and the confidence to deliver high-quality gas fireplace maintenance and repairs.
Technical Workshop 2:
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Barbecue Grill Troubleshooting
Presented by RH Peterson Co.
Learn to diagnose and repair common issues with gas grills in this hands-on session. Experts from RH Peterson Co. will guide you through troubleshooting techniques, safety tips, and best practices to keep grills performing at their best and customers satisfied.
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Electric Fireplace Troubleshooting
Presented by Modern Flames Electric Fireplaces
As electric fireplaces continue to grow in popularity, understanding how to properly diagnose and service them is essential. In this session, experts from Modern Flames will cover key components, common issues, and practical troubleshooting techniques to help you confidently service electric fireplaces and improve customer satisfaction.
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
CounterStrike® & Poly Pipe Certification
Chris Wolfe, Ray Murray
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 WORKSHOP
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Keynote Presentation: Strategically Growing Your Revenue and Profits
Roger Oxford, Results Oriented, LLC
Growing a successful fireplace and outdoor living retail business takes more than great products—it requires smart pricing, efficient operations, and strategic growth decisions. This session will explore practical ways to increase revenue and improve profitability, including pricing installed projects correctly, understanding true job costs, improving installation productivity, and reducing the time from quote to installation. We’ll also discuss opportunities to grow through expanded services, outdoor living products, and maintenance programs while managing inventory, staffing, and customer expectations. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to improve margins and run a more profitable business.
Bonus: Yes, it’s that Roger Oxford—former SVP of Hearth & Home Technologies—bringing decades of industry leadership and real-world insights.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Fired Up: Retailers Ask, Experts Answer
Panel of Industry Leaders from Napoleon, Regency Fireplace Products, & Travis Industries
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.
2:50 PM – 3:50 PM
Your HPBA Membership in Action
Jill McClure, HPBA
Join HPBA President & CEO Jill McClure as she shares how to put your HPBA membership to work for your business through industry data, timely updates, advocacy efforts, and valuable connections. Learn how HPBA resources and initiatives can help you make informed decisions, strengthen operations, and keep your business moving forward.
4:10 PM – 5:10 PM
From the Field: What Reps Are Seeing in Today’s Market
Panel of Leading Manufacturer Representatives in Our Region
Join a panel of experienced manufacturer representatives as they share insights from the field based on their visits with retailers across the region. Hear what they’re seeing in showrooms, product trends, and customer demand. This interactive discussion will highlight common challenges, successful strategies being used by top retailers, and opportunities to grow sales and improve operations.
TAILGATE SPONSOR BBQ & CHARITY AUCTION
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
BREAKFAST WITH OUR SPONSORS
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
NFI CERTIFICATION
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
NFI Core Knowledge & Review Course
(A separate charge applies for this review)
Complete your gas training by earning your NFI Gas Certification! This comprehensive exam covers key topics in gas hearth appliance installation and service, including ignition systems, burners, fuel delivery, draft and ventilation principles, and more. Register today to receive your study materials and take the next step in advancing your skills and credentials.
TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS
Repeat of Tuesday’s training. Space is limited for all classes.
Technical Workshop 1:
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Hands-On Gas Fireplace Training
Presented by Regency Fireplace
Technical Workshop 2:
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Barbecue Grill Troubleshooting
Presented by RH Peterson Co.
9:45 AM – 10:45 PM
Electric Fireplace Troubleshooting
Presented by Modern Flames Electric Fireplaces
11:15 AM – 3:30 PM
CounterStrike® & Poly Pipe Certification
Chris Wolfe, Ray Murray
BUSINESS WORKSHOP
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
MSHPBA Update & Industry Insights
Start your day with breakfast with our sponsors and a concise update on your association’s latest initiatives, achievements, and future plans.
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Scans and Sweeps: Pathway to Year-Round Product Sales and Installs
Learn how adding chimney sweeping services to your retail store can drive year-round growth. In this interactive panel, retailers at different stages of offering sweeps will share strategies for leveraging service calls, safety checks, and maintenance visits to boost sales. Discover practical techniques to engage customers, uncover opportunities, and keep your business thriving in every season.
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Reps vs. Retailers: A Marriage Made in Heaven
Join this open discussion exploring the relationship between manufacturers’ reps and retailers. Retailers will share what they truly value from their reps—communication, support, product knowledge, and more—while reps and attendees can ask questions and exchange ideas. Gain real-world insights to strengthen partnerships, improve collaboration, and drive mutual success.
* Schedule subject to change.






Hotel Reservations

*NEW, BIGGER LOCATION*
Hilton Garden Inn
6165 Levis Commons Blvd.
Perrysburg, OH 43551
ROOM RATE:
$144 per night, plus tax and fees
TO RESERVE A ROOM AT THE HILTON GARDEN INN:
Online: Click here to book your room online.
By Phone: Call (877) STAY-HGI and let them know you are with the MidStates Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association.
If you should have any issues reserving your room, please call our office at (314) 400-2116.
The cut-off date for hotel reservations is Sunday, April 26, 2026. After April 26, MSHPBA and the Hilton Garden Inn cannot guarantee the discounted room rate.
Tailgating Done Right
Tuesday, May 12 • 6-9 pm
Don your favorite sports jersey and join us for an unforgettable evening of great food, networking, and the latest in hearth, patio, and barbecue products! Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our grill sponsors while connecting with industry professionals.
Preview top grills in action, explore cutting-edge outdoor hearth innovations in our burn area, and bid on premium products at our charity auction. Come for the food, stay for the connections, and leave with new insights and products to elevate your business!






















