HPBA Pacific held its Education Day on May 12, 2025, at Custom Fireside in Sacramento, California, bringing together industry professionals for a day of education, networking, and live demonstrations.
The keynote address by Lobbyist Andrea Deveau, titled “Advocating for Our Industry is Everyone’s Job,” simplified the often-intimidating topic of advocacy, offering practical tips for engaging with local policymakers and stakeholders. She also provided attendees with a timely update on California’s regulatory landscape, emphasizing that industry advocacy must begin at the community level.
HPBA staff Eric Adair and John Crouch delivered a Government Affairs update, covering national issues such as the impact of tariffs, the expiration of emissions certifications, the status of federal tax credits, and the new UL 1390 and UL 1391 insert standards.
The event featured training sessions spanning technical and business skills. Shannon Reyna taught “Electric Fireplace Repair & Troubleshooting” while “Gas Tech 101” covered fuel characteristics and combustion principles. Tyler Barrett of Custom Fireside presented “Customer Service – It’s Everyone’s Job,” focusing on leadership strategies and customer experience.
Manufacturers showcased their latest products at display tables, providing attendees with hands-on access to new products and the opportunity to speak directly with representatives about features, installation, and availability—a valuable experience for retailers and installers seeking to expand their offerings.
From government affairs and technical sessions to leadership and advocacy, HPBA Pacific’s Education Day highlighted the importance of staying informed, engaged, and connected.