June 2026
The Oregon HPBA and Northwest HPBA (HPBA Region 9) Conference brought together industry professionals in Hood River, Oregon, on May 11–12, 2026, for a program focused on education, networking, and industry collaboration. The event provided attendees with opportunities to learn about emerging industry trends, connect with peers, and engage with exhibitors.
The agenda featured sessions on artificial intelligence, government affairs, labor and industry laws, and roundtable discussions designed to encourage the exchange of ideas and best practices. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in technical breakout sessions covering electric fireplaces, SIT valve troubleshooting, and electronic chimney emissions monitoring.
“The Oregon/Northwest conference was well attended with many new companies that joined our association,” said Danny Kahler, President of Oregon HPBA and Manager of Smokey’s Stoves in Medford, Oregon. “The conference topics ranged from how to use AI in business to how to market electric fireplaces. Current affairs typically take center stage in the Pacific Northwest with gas bans and EPA regulations, and we had a lot of great talks and input on how to navigate these tricky topics. We are looking forward to the next year’s conference!”
One of the most talked-about sessions focused on artificial intelligence and was presented by Tim and Pam Fahndrich of Third River Marketing, WhirLocal Media Group. Attendees were highly engaged throughout the presentation, asking questions and exploring ways AI can support business operations. Participants learned how to craft effective prompts to achieve better results and saw real-world examples of how AI can streamline everyday tasks and improve efficiency. The session also featured Fireplace Fred, an AI-generated chatbot designed to answer common consumer questions.
Conference organizers intentionally built additional networking time into the schedule, allowing attendees more opportunities to connect with exhibitors and one another. Expanded breaks between sessions and a reception the evening before the conference created a relaxed environment for relationship building and peer-to-peer learning.
The event also featured a Hawaiian-themed dinner that included a surprise live Zoom appearance from Tim Reed, President of WhyFire and The Fire Time Network, who joined attendees from Hawaii. His inspirational message helped set the tone for an evening of fun and camaraderie, culminating in a lively hula-dancing contest. Participants also raised funds in support of Operation BBQ Relief.
By combining timely education, technical training, and networking opportunities, the Oregon HPBA and Northwest HPBA Region 9 Conference delivered valuable insights and connections for members across the region.
Event Highlights
