Ready for that summer feeling?
North America's largest indoor-outdoor showcase, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo (HPBExpo) is returning to New Orleans' Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from March 11-14, 2020. Featuring more than 600 exhibitors (including Weber Knapp), the annual showcase is a must-see for more than 5,000 folks in the hospitality, design, and outdoor living industries:
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Retailers - Distributors
- Builders
- Remodelers
- Service contractors
Like you, they all want a firsthand look at the latest in hearths, patios, and barbecues out there today.
The grill and outdoor kitchen market is one of the fastest-growing in the country. Expect to bring a lot of great intel (and maybe a doggie bag) back to your company should you make your way to The Big Easy this March.
Here’s a guide for both first-timers and veterans attending HPBExpo 2020:
2020 Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo: The Basics
Like many trade shows, HPBE is part education, part exhibition, and part networking.
The education portion of the event actually kicks off before the exhibition. Specifically, there's various education and learning sessions for attendees from March 11-13, while the exhibition portion runs March 12-14.
In addition to education and the exhibition, there are various networking events and parties that let you link up with like-minded peers.
- A BBQ luncheon will take place on March 11
- A tailgate and cook-off is set for March 12
- The annual Hearth & Home Magazine Vesta Awards will be handed out on March 12.
4 Other Tips for Fun & Leisure at HPBE 2020
Aside from checking out the latest and greatest on the show floor, and gaining insight in the educational sessions, there are other reasons you want to be at HPBE. Here are four more tips for maximizing your stay.
1. Get in Line Early for the BBQ
(Photo courtesy HPBExpo)
Of course this is No. 1!
It’s a hearth, patio, and barbecue show, after all. There's no shortage of great food available to test.
There are exhibitors grilling both inside and outside the venue, trying to one-up each other when it comes to best-in-class cooking.
The food is great, but prepare to wait in line to try it. We’ve waited in line 45 minutes -- tortured by the enticing aromas -- just to get a small sample.
2. Outdoor Hours
Speaking of outdoors, don't get stuck in the show hall all day. HPBE offers both indoor and outdoor exhibitors, so you can get outside to enjoy some of the New Orleans weather. For those of us in the snowy Northeast, that’s a godsend.
After show hours, attendees can continue the conversations out into Bourbon Street for evening festivities.
3. Stop by the New Product Pavilion
Here, attendees can check out the latest and greatest offerings to hit the market. So if you’re specifically looking for something new, go here first.
Outdoor living is an industry that loves to get creative. The pavilion will feature innovative year-round products that’ll attract customers to stores and inspire your own designs.
4. There will be a lot of great networking
HPBE is a rotating show that's had big attendance numbers in recent years. New Orleans is always one of the top-attended shows on the circuit, making the networking events all the more valuable.
All the food and partying is great, but your main goal should be to meet the people behind the companies. Get answers to all of your questions and learn how to improve your product line!
While You’re There ...
Got time to say hi?
HPBE 2020 will be Weber Knapp’s fourth time attending and third time exhibiting. Be sure to visit Booth 3019 if you're heading to New Orleans this March -- you can check out our official exhibitor profile here.
If you’ve got any other questions about the HPBE show, let us know.