The Rocky Mountain Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (RMHPBA) hosted over 80 industry professionals at its annual event in June. RMHPBA retail member Flatirons Fire hosted the three-day event, which took place from June 2 to 4, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
Three days of education, networking, and hands-on skill development provided members with a valuable opportunity to learn from industry leaders, stay current on the latest developments, and connect with other members.
Accessible and Educational
The Denver event is one of two annual regional meetings hosted by RMHPBA in 2026. By holding two regional events, the association aims to make annual meetings more accessible, so members can build relationships in their immediate geographic areas.
Barbara Brennan, RMHPBA Board President, said, “Members of the Board of the RMHPBA have worked very hard to have an Annual Meeting that is accessible, educational, and an all-around good time.”
RMHPBA Executive Director Larry Grogan emphasized the importance of collaboration. “It is our desire to have people come together and learn from each other,” he said. “There is a lot that unites us, and we believe we are better together.”
Gas HOT Training
The annual event opened on June 2 with an optional two-day Gas Hands-On Technical (HOT) Training session. The goal of the session was to help field technicians and hearth professionals sharpen their technical skills.
The session delivered practical instruction on servicing and installing gas hearth appliances. Along with practical training, registrants enjoyed a catered breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.
Educational Sessions and Government Affairs
The main event took place on June 4, bringing together attendees for business classes, technical seminars, and policy updates. Brennan taught the business education modules, and all educational sessions were approved for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the National Fireplace Institute (NFI).
Four RMHPBA board members held interactive roundtable discussions, covering a range of important topics across the hearth industry. During the government affairs update, a guest speaker from Atmos Energy spoke about important regulatory and legislative developments via Zoom. The three-day event concluded with an evening barbecue dinner.
Bringing Members Together
In addition to the technical and educational aspects, the event prioritized networking across all three days. During scheduled breaks, shared lunches, and evening dinners, members discussed various industry issues and built lasting professional relationships.
Initial feedback reflected strong enthusiasm for both the venue and the program, highlighting the value of bringing regional hearth professionals together in person.