The 2026-2027 application window closed. Updates on the 2027-2028 class will be posted in Fall 2026.
HPBA staff is excited to invite applications for the 2026–2027 Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA) cohort. This 12-month program helps participants learn how government works at the local and national level, and how to use that knowledge to advocate for their business and for our industry as a whole. Applications are due by Friday, January 9th.
Throughout the year-long program, participants will take part in monthly calls that combine government affairs education with broader leadership development. Each month’s cohort call includes learning about government affairs and leadership in general, with insights from some of the most prominent leaders in our industry. GALA sessions and activities will help participants:
Get connected with leaders in our industry from all over North America.
Learn to create messages that are clear, compelling, and persuasive.
Understand how to connect with legislators and advocate for your business.
Participate in leadership discussions with executives from some of the largest companies in our industry.
Make a Difference for Your Business—and Our Industry “We’ve all heard the expression, ‘You only go around once in life.’ Over the past 15 years, I have had ample opportunities to attend the GALA, but I never took it seriously until last year. I was a bit concerned about the entire process, and it was a bit overwhelming, the prospect of meeting one-on-one with Senators, Congressmen, and their staff. That fact is, it was not the least bit difficult and it was far from one-on-one! After two days of intense training (intense in a good way), our guide (affectionately known as our ‘Sherpa’) guided us through the halls of the Congress. My business benefitted greatly from the GALA and we are better prepared as a result to meet any challenge head-on!” —Chris Neufeld (Vice President of Blaze King)
Make a Difference for Your Business—and Our Industry “We’ve all heard the expression, ‘You only go around once in life.’ Over the past 15 years, I have had ample opportunities to attend the GALA, but I never took it seriously until last year. I was a bit concerned about the entire process, and it was a bit overwhelming, the prospect of meeting one-on-one with Senators, Congressmen, and their staff. That fact is, it was not the least bit difficult and it was far from one-on-one! After two days of intense training (intense in a good way), our guide (affectionately known as our ‘Sherpa’) guided us through the halls of the Congress. My business benefitted greatly from the GALA and we are better prepared as a result to meet any challenge head-on!”
—Chris Neufeld (Vice President of Blaze King)
Jeff Harper, Marc Hardesty, Hill Staffer, LJ Johnston, Melissa Womack, Nick Uhles, Rep. Morgan Luttrell (TX)
“The GALA Summit was absolutely one of the best seminars I have ever attended. The amount of information and the hands-on communications training gave me the knowledge and skill to handle myself in fast-moving situations that can often be very stressful and emotional when faced with wild accusations. I can now confidently engage the press, regulatory bodies, or local air districts. I consider GALA imperative for anyone who is going to spend their career managing a business in the hearth industry.” —Shannon Reyna (Pacific Northwest Sales Representative)
“The GALA Summit was absolutely one of the best seminars I have ever attended. The amount of information and the hands-on communications training gave me the knowledge and skill to handle myself in fast-moving situations that can often be very stressful and emotional when faced with wild accusations. I can now confidently engage the press, regulatory bodies, or local air districts. I consider GALA imperative for anyone who is going to spend their career managing a business in the hearth industry.”
—Shannon Reyna (Pacific Northwest Sales Representative)
2025 Government Affairs Leadership Academy Flyin