Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association

What Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association does

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) is a 501(c)-style non-profit trade association founded in 1980 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. to facilitate federal advocacy. It represents all segments of the North American hearth, patio, and barbecue industry, including manufacturers, retailers, distributors, service technicians, sales representatives, and allied associates. The association operates through 12 regional affiliate organizations covering the US and HPBA Canada.

HPBA's core service platform comprises five interlocking offerings: (1) the annual HPBExpo trade show, a manufacturer-to-retailer/distributor marketplace featuring 300+ brands; (2) National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certification courses for industry professionals, offered to HPBA members at 30% discount through regional affiliates; (3) government affairs advocacy including direct engagement with Congress, state legislatures, and standards bodies (UL, ICC, NFPA, ASHRAE, ASTM, CSA, AGA, EPA); (4) market research built on annual manufacturer shipment data and consumer surveys, accessible only to members; and (5) member affinity programs (UPS shipping, Lenovo hardware, PayTech payment processing, hotel booking, business coaching). Sub-brands include the Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA) 12-month cohort and the Women's Industry Network (WIN). A consumer-facing AI chatbot called Fireplace Fred handles text-based hearth product inquiries.

The revenue model is predominantly membership-subscription. Manufacturers pay national dues scaled to annual North American shipment volumes, ranging from $3,050 per year (up to $500K in shipments) to $136,125 per year (over $400M in shipments), plus optional section assessments proportional to market share. Non-manufacturers join through regional affiliates, which set their own dues. Secondary revenue streams include HPBExpo exhibit fees, NFI certification tuition, newsletter advertising ($200–$1,200/month), and affiliate revenue from affinity partners. The leadership team consists of approximately 11 staff including a President & CEO, Vice President of Operations, Senior Director of Government Affairs, and Directors overseeing events, membership, codes & standards, and digital communications.

Name

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association

Legal name

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association

Website

https://hpba.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

HPBA is a non-profit trade association founded in 1980 that represents manufacturers, retailers, distributors, service technicians, and sales representatives in the North American hearth, patio, and barbecue industry through advocacy, certification, market research, and the annual HPBExpo trade show.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Arlington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Manufacturer National Membership Dues: Manufacturers pay annual dues based on their shipments of industry products from the previous year. Dues classes range from M1a to M10 for hearth/patio products and B1a to B9 for barbecue products, with rates scaling by annual shipment volume (e.g., up to $500K shipments = $3,050/year; over $400M = $136,125/year). Memberships are for the calendar year.
2. Regional Affiliate Membership Dues: Non-manufacturer members (retailers, distributors, chimney sweeps, service technicians, sales reps) join HPBA through 11 regional affiliate organizations across the US and 1 in Canada. Each affiliate sets its own dues structure while providing national HPBA benefits.
3. HPBExpo Exhibit Fees and Badges: HPBExpo is the annual trade-only event where manufacturers exhibit products. Members receive discounts on exhibit space and may be eligible for complimentary or discounted exhibitor badges. HPBExpo26 will be held in New Orleans from March 18–21, 2026, featuring over 300 brands.
4. NFI Certification Courses: HPBA provides hundreds of courses for retailers through the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). HPBA members receive a 30% discount on most NFI products and training resources through participating HPBA affiliates.
5. Advertising — Hot Headlines Newsletter: HPBA sells advertising placements in its weekly Hot Headlines newsletter (reaching 7,200+ subscribers) and its bi-monthly Hot News newsletter (reaching 3,900+ members). Ad products include leaderboard banners, sponsored product promotions, and rectangle ads. Members receive a 20% discount.
6. Member Affinity Discounts and Partner Programs: HPBA members access affinity discounts from third-party providers including UPS shipping (up to 34% savings), Lenovo technology products, PayTech Trust payment processing, BookingCommunity.com hotel rates, CVC Base Camp Learning, FutureNow Marketing services, and JRM Sales & Management coaching.
7. Section Assessments: Manufacturer members join product sections (Barbecue, Electric Hearth Products, Gas Hearth Appliance, Solid Fuel Hearth Appliance) and may pay additional assessments proportional to their market share to fund section-specific legislative, regulatory, and consumer initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

HPBA is a North American non-profit trade association representing manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales representatives, and service companies in the hearth, patio, and barbecue industry. Its core offerings include government affairs advocacy in Washington D.C. and across 12 regional affiliate territories, annual HPBExpo trade events connecting manufacturers with retailers and distributors, NFI professional certification courses, proprietary market research and consumer survey data, and member affinity programs including shipping and insurance discounts.

Product overview

HPBA is a trade association offering a platform of interconnected member services rather than a single product. The core offerings include: annual HPBExpo trade events connecting manufacturers with retailers/distributors; NFI certification courses for industry professionals; government affairs advocacy and regulatory monitoring; market research data and consumer surveys; and regional affiliate networks. Additional programs include the Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA) for professional development, the Women's Industry Network (WIN) for peer networking, and various member affinity benefits including insurance, shipping, and payment processing discounts. The association represents manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms, and allied associates across fireplace, stove, heater, barbecue, and outdoor living appliance categories.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HPBA Women's Industry Network (WIN): A networking program for women in the hearth, patio, and barbecue industry focused on authentic connection, peer-to-peer learning, and programming shaped by members' ideas and real-world experience.
• Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA)

Products and services

• HPBExpo Annual Trade Show
• National Fireplace Institute (NFI) Certification Courses
• Government Affairs Advocacy Services
• Market Research and Industry Data
• Government Affairs Leadership Academy (GALA)
• HPBA Women's Industry Network (WIN)
• Regional Affiliate Memberships
• Wood Stove Changeout Program Support
• HPBA Member Affinity Discount Program
• Hot Headlines Newsletter Advertising
• Hot News Newsletter Advertising

Quantifiable outcome

• Members report saving $5,000 per year through member programs, with membership paying for itself 10 times over every year.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Fireplace Institute (NFI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNFI is the independent certification agency of the hearth industry. HPBA provides hundreds of courses for retailers through NFI, and HPBA members of participating affiliates receive a 30% discount on most NFI products and training resources. This partnership enables professional certification and technical training for service technicians and retailers in the hearth industry.
• HPBA Regional Affiliates (12 organizations)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHPBA has 12 regional affiliate groups across the US and HPBA Canada covering all Canadian provinces and territories. These affiliates support and promote the hearth and outdoor living industries at the local, state, and regional levels. Non-manufacturer members (retailers, distributors, service technicians, sales reps) join HPBA through these affiliates, which provide national HPBA benefits to their members automatically.
• BookingCommunity.comminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel partner offering HPBA members exclusive access to unpublished hotel rates up to 70% less than other travel or hotel direct websites. Offers over 800,000 hotels with an easy-to-use search and booking process as a member affinity benefit.
• UPSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHPBA member affinity program offering up to 34% savings on UPS shipping services, plus a special bonus of 50% off select services for up to four weeks after enrollment.
• LenovominorGTM or Marketing PartnerAffinity discount program covering Lenovo's entire product line including ThinkPad notebooks. Members are entitled to receive discounts above and beyond lenovo.com prices, plus special promotional offers.
• PayTech TrustminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPayment and payroll company offering HPBA members pre-negotiated best rates for accepting payments in their business. Covers website, in-store, and innovative payment methods, including programs that can help eliminate the costs of accepting payments.
• CVC Success GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOffers HPBA members a 10% discount on subscriptions to CVC Base Camp Learning platform, an education program providing virtual training presentations available 24/7.
• FutureNow MarketingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarketing and advertising agency specializing in the hearth industry. Offers HPBA members up to 20% off marketing, advertising, and web design services to help members maintain fresh, consistent, and professional advertising.
• JRM Sales & ManagementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness coaching and sales consulting firm that has helped independent business owners across America and internationally for over 20 years. Provides services to HPBA members as a member benefit.
• SunbeltminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLargest business broker network in the world. Offers HPBA members professional, confidential succession planning and business transition services through a systematic process creating smooth ownership transitions.
• PFS-TECO Heating Appliance ServicesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance provider designated for HPBA member insurance needs. Deep awareness of the specific needs of the hearth industry with over 23 years serving the industry, reaching appropriate carriers for proper coverage.
• ASTM InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHPBA works with ASTM International as part of its standards development activities, contributing to the development and revision of codes and standards that impact the hearth, patio, and barbecue industry.
• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHPBA works with ASHRAE on standards development activities affecting the hearth and barbecue industry. HPBA monitors and advocates on ASHRAE activities including efforts related to vented and unvented appliances.
• American Gas Association (AGA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHPBA collaborates with AGA on gas hearth appliance standards and regulations. Both organizations have shared interests in natural gas appliance safety and regulatory frameworks.
• CSA GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHPBA works with CSA Group (CSA America) on gas appliance standards including ANSI Z21.50 and Z21.88, and has advanced revisions to phase out continuous pilot lights in vented gas fireplaces, stoves, and inserts.
• International Code Council (ICC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHPBA works with ICC on building codes including the International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC). The association advocates for hearth industry interests in code development processes.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHPBA collaborates with NFPA on fire safety standards affecting the hearth industry. Both organizations work on codes and standards related to fireplace and chimney safety.
• Underwriters Laboratory (UL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHPBA works with UL on product safety standards including UL 1390 and UL 1391. HPBA monitors and provides input on UL standards activities affecting hearth and barbecue products.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHPBA works in partnership with the EPA on wood stove changeout programs, EPA-certified product databases, and regulatory compliance. HPBA supports EPA programs for appliance changeouts and has influenced EPA wood heater regulations.
• Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHPBA works with PFI on standards and industry initiatives related to pellet heating appliances and fuels, coordinating on regulatory and advocacy matters affecting the solid fuel hearth segment.
• U.S. Green Building Council (LEED)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHPBA works with USGBC on green building standards and sustainability certifications that affect the hearth and barbecue industry, advocating for appropriate treatment of hearth products in LEED-certified buildings.
• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHPBA collaborates with NAHB on building codes and standards that affect the installation and use of hearth products in residential construction, advocating for builder and consumer interests.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI): AHRI is the national trade association representing manufacturers of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. Like HPBA, it provides government affairs advocacy, codes and standards engagement, and member data programs for an adjacent HVAC industry segment with overlapping regulatory concerns (energy efficiency, fuel choice).
• Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM): AHAM represents manufacturers of major and portable home appliances. It mirrors HPBA's advocacy-first model with a focus on energy efficiency regulations, codes and standards, and market data — directly comparable in structure, funding model, and Washington, D.C.-based advocacy posture.
• Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC): PHCC is a national trade association for plumbing and HVAC contractors with local/regional chapter structure similar to HPBA's 12 regional affiliates. Its combination of contractor education, certification, and legislative advocacy mirrors HPBA's certification (NFI) and government affairs model for service-side industry members.
• Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI): PFI is a US trade association focused on pellet fuel and pellet appliance manufacturers, with which HPBA has a formal partnership on solid fuel hearth standards. PFI represents a narrower product category but mirrors HPBA's advocacy-and-standards model for a related heating segment.
• Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA): ACCA represents HVAC contracting professionals with a structure combining national advocacy and local chapter activity — directly analogous to HPBA's national-regional model. Its mix of contractor certification, codes and standards work, and government affairs compares closely to HPBA's service-side member offerings.

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): NAHB is the largest US trade association for residential construction, with which HPBA has a formal strategic partnership. NAHB represents builder interests on the same building codes (IRC, IMC, IFGC) where HPBA advocates for hearth products, providing a comparable but much larger-scale association benchmark.
• National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED): NAED represents electrical distributors through regional chapter structure analogous to HPBA's regional affiliate model. It serves a comparable mid-market distributor member base and runs educational/certification programs, making it a structural analog for HPBA's distribution-channel member services.

Others

• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): ASHRAE is a core HPBA standards partner focused on HVAC energy standards and indoor air quality. While ASHRAE is a professional engineering society rather than a trade association, its role setting standards that HPBA members must comply with makes it a closely adjacent ecosystem peer.
• National Fireplace Institute (NFI): NFI is the independent certification agency of the hearth industry and HPBA's core strategic partner for delivering certification courses. As the certification arm of the HPBA ecosystem, NFI is a closely adjacent peer in the same industry vertical with overlapping member audiences.

Regional players

• Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBA Canada): HPBA Canada is an affiliated regional market entity covering all Canadian provinces and territories, operating under the HPBA umbrella. It represents the Canadian segment of HPBA's industry footprint and is directly comparable in mission and member profile, restricted to a single national geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/hpba_
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@hearthpatiobarbecueassociation
• Facebookfacebook.com/HPBAPage
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hearth-patio-and-barbecue-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/hpba_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Subsidiaries12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association