Press Room

“Hotlanta” Gets Hotter With Fireplace, Stove, Barbecue, and Outdoor Living New Products and Trends at HPBExpo

Arlington, Va. – Six thousand manufacturers and retailers are gathering at the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association’s HPBExpo 2017 from March 1–4 to showcase innovative products designed to turn up the heat in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia World Congress Center. Cleaner woodburning technologies, smart apps, and barbecue accessories to customize and facilitate the grilling experience are just some of the new product finds at HPBA’s show. 

“HPBExpo showcases hundreds of products developed for every type of consumer, beginner griller to pitmaster, homebuilders, interior designers, and outdoor landscapers” said Jack Goldman, President & CEO of HPBA. “Atlanta has always been one of our strongest markets, with a number of our manufacturer members being headquartered in the metro area.”

“We are thrilled to welcome HPBA and HPBExpo back to Atlanta,” said William Pate, President and CEO, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Attendees will find a refreshed destination since their last visit in 2012. The convention and entertainment district has several new attractions and more than 300 dining options all within a one-mile radius of the Georgia World Congress Center.”

HPBA has identified these top trends for 2017:

• New Low-Emission Home Heating Technology. Since new EPA regulations on solid fuel appliances went into effect in May 2015, there have been an influx of woodburning innovations to meet more stringent emission standards. To provide a sampling of what’s displayed on the show floor, EPA-certified woodstoves, pellet stoves, warm air furnaces, and hydronic heaters will be in the outdoor burn area to showcase the newest, cleanest home heating technologies.  

• From Anywhere With Smart Technologies. As the world increasingly expects that smartphone apps will assist with everyday tasks, the technologies available are becoming more and more sophisticated in the fireplace, stove, barbecue, and outdoor living industries. In 2017, consumers will continue to depend on smart technologies to give more control at the push of a button from anywhere––to know when to heat their homes, or when the grill is hot or fuel is low. 

• Outdoor Experience Enhanced With Accessories. As consumers look for options to grill and barbecue in new ways, specialized accessories are expected to become even more popular in 2017. Consumers also expect more convenience with operating and cleaning their grills and smokers so that they can spend more time relaxing in their outdoor living space.

• Modernizing Fireplaces. Linear fireplaces continue to interest consumers in both indoors and outdoor products with their sleek, sophisticated, modern design. They come in sizes up to 12 feet wide, with high-heat tolerant glass and no-trim options for builders and homeowners, as well as electric models with multicolored with realistic flames.

Adding to the heat from the show floor, HPBExpo also hosts an annual barbecue cook-off competition to be held on Thursday, March 2. The event will feature attendee retailer teams and will be judged by three Kansas City Barbeque Society champion pitmasters: Dave Elliot, Loren Hill, and Jayna Todisco.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based just outside of Washington, DC, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms, and allied associates for all types of fireplace, stove, heater, barbecue, and outdoor living appliances and accessories. HPBA provides professional member services and industry support in government relations, events, market research, education, certifications, consumer education, and industry promotion.

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Register now for HPBExpo 2017