Join Now
Applications open October 15 – December 15

HPBA Leaders Academy

The HPBA Leaders Academy gives participants the skills, knowledge, and connections to make a bigger difference in their companies, their communities, and the industry.

Applications for the 2027 class are now open. Space is limited.

Apply Now
HPBA members gathered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol during the 2026 Congressional Fly-In
HPBA members on Capitol Hill at the 2026 Congressional Fly-In.
The Program

What You’ll Gain

The HPBA Leaders Academy is built on three pillars.

  • Participants seated at tables during a leadership training session

    01

    Leadership Training

    Enhance leadership and communication skills.

  • Three HPBA advocates in suits at the U.S. Capitol

    02

    Advocacy

    Learn about public policy and how to work with elected officials.

  • Industry members in a small-group roundtable discussion

    03

    Industry Knowledge

    Build a deeper understanding of the hearth, barbecue, and outdoor living industry and the issues shaping it.

Program participants greeting each other at a networking dinner
Our History

Building on GALA

The Leaders Academy builds on nearly two decades of success with HPBA’s Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA). While keeping advocacy as a key part of the program, the HPBA Leaders Academy focuses on industry knowledge and leadership training.

As the program evolves, GALA graduates and future HLA graduates will be connected through the HPBA Leaders Academy Alumni Network, creating a stronger community of industry leaders.

In Their Words

Investing in the Leaders Who Come Next

Jill McClure
Business is changing quickly, and that makes strong leadership more important than ever. The HPBA Leaders Academy is an investment in the people who will guide our industry in the years ahead. The program brings together professionals from every corner of hearth, patio and barbecue to learn from one another, dig into the issues shaping their companies, and help build what comes next.
Jill McClure, CAEPresident and CEO, HPBA
Dan Bonar
Having been a young participant in HPBA’s GALA 20 years ago, I experienced the value of programs like the HPBA Leaders Academy firsthand. The future of our industry depends on the leaders we develop today, and at ICC we’re proud to play a meaningful role in shaping that future.
Dan BonarVice President, Residential
ICC Industrial Chimney Co.
Timeline

How the Program Works

Applications are now open; the 2027 class will be selected in January.

  1. 1 Oct 15 – Dec 15, 2026 Apply Applications for the 2027 class are now open. Space is limited.
  2. 2 January 2027 Class Selected The 2027 class will be selected in January.
  3. 3 March 3–6, 2027 Kickoff at HPBExpo27 The class will kick off at HPBExpo27 in Nashville.
  4. 4 Throughout the Program Webinars + Three In-Person Meetings Participants will join webinars and meet in person three times: HPBExpo27, the Congressional Fly-In, and HPBExpo28.
  5. 5 After Graduation Join the Alumni Network Graduates join the HPBA Leaders Academy Alumni Network, which includes both HLA and former GALA participants.
Participants listening during a classroom session
A smiling participant at a training session
A participant reviewing a policy briefing document

Applications are open through December 15.

Join the 2027 class of the HPBA Leaders Academy. Space is limited.

Apply Now