NPGA 70th Southeastern Convention Most Successful Yet
The National Propane Gas Association’s 70th Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo, April 21-23, 2017, at Music City Center, in Nashville, was another record-setting success. Thousands of attendees from around the globe chose from more than 40 educational sessions or workshops, networking opportunities, and the largest array of propane-related products and services in the world with more than 250 exhibitors. For your convenience, a handy pull-out guide with complete 2017 Southeastern Expo event schedule, session descriptions, exhibitor summaries, and more, is featured in BPN’s March 2017 issue. The BPN March 2017 Pre-Convention issue also includes an extensive “New Product Showcase” featuring the full selection of new products on exhibit in Nashville, in the Innovation Pavilion, on the exhibt floor, and products on exhibit in the…
Friday April 21, 2017 Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) Update Live! Presenter: Roy Willis, president and CEO, Propane Education & Research Council
3:30 p.m.– 4:00 p.m, Davidson Ballroom
For 20 years, PERC has helped marketers educate a broad range of customers about the many ways that propane can meet their energy needs. Learn about the industry’s most promising technology developments, training programs, and promotional initiatives that are available to marketers to drive sales or seize business opportunities. The industry’s national consumer education campaign will be reviewed as well as the campaign initiatives for 2017.
Keynote Speaker: Keni Thomas 4:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m., Davidson Ballroom
NPGA Expo attendees and exhibitors will be entertained by Staff Sgt. Keni Thomas, a former U.S. Army Ranger, who was involved in the battle in Somalia that is recounted in the book and movie Blackhawk Down. He is also an award-winning country music recording artist and songwriter in Nashville. His band, Cornbread, was featured in the movie Sweet Home Alabama. Join Thomas as he recounts his incredible story of extraordinary individuals and how they fought to bring each other home. Sponsored by: Energy Distribution Partners.
Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Check out the 2017 exhibitors and begin networking at the Friday evening opening of the Expo Hall. Take this opportunity to see what is new and to meet and greet the propane industry’s best on the tradeshow floor.
Sponsored by: Mississippi Tank Co., MTankCo., and Stellar Industries.
Saturday April 22 Women in Propane (WIP) Roundtable: Change Management Presenter: Roy Willis, president and CEO, Propane Education & Research Council 3:30 p.m.– 5:00 p.m.“Change is the one thing you can always count on,” and life has a way of making sure we don’t get too comfortable, especially at work. To manage the people side of change, and to achieve the desired business outcome, requires specific tools and techniques. Roy Willis will talk about the unique and complex changes he has managed during his tenure at PERC. Join Women in Propane for an inside view of change management and a discussion about the fundamentals needed to adapt and thrive in an always-evolving environment.
Women in Propane Networking Reception 5:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m.Keep the conversation going and join the Women in Propane for a Networking Reception immediately following the WIP Council Roundtable session. All registrants are invited.
Young Gassers Reception Hard Rock Cafe Nashville100 Broadway
7:30 p.m.– Midnight
Open to everyone in the propane industry. No charge for current members; all others will be charged $25 admission.
Sunday April 23
More than 15 years ago, Ginny Owens made her name as a deeply spiritual singer-songwriter who also reached alternative pop audiences. She performed at Lilith Fair, Sundance Film Festival, and for club and church audiences, which helped to land her songs on Christian radio and primetime television dramas like Felicity. Over the years, Owens has received “New Artist of the Year” and three Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association. Her eighth and most recent studio album, I Know a Secret, assembles tender devotional language and spiritual imagery. Owens’ loss of sight at a very young age has profoundly affected her journey. Since 2005, she has been very active in charitable work with her nonprofit The Fingerprint Initiative. She will discuss her path and share her songs with attendees.
Sponsored by: Blossman Propane Gas, Rinnai, and Westmor.
CONCURRENT EDUCATION SESSIONSThe Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo offers breakout sessions for varying interests, experience levels, and training needs.
Friday April 21 Group AConcurrent Educational Sessions —
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Better Ways: Maximizing Marketing Investment and Customer Value
Presenters: Cooper Wilburn, financial consultant, Propane Resources; Tamera Kovacs, consultant, Propane Resources
Conquering Will Call: Better Service, Bigger Returns
Presenter: Amos Epstein, CEO, Tank Utility
Five-Step Framework: The Road to 60% Average Fill*
Presenter: Robert Battye, vice president North America, and COO North America, Silicon Controls
Getting More from Your Tank Inventory: Strategies and Tools
Presenter: Andre Leblanc, vice president of operations, Ditech Testing
Group B Concurrent Education Sessions — 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.Crash Reduction: Insight into Causes for Motor Vehicle Accidents in the Propane Industry
Presenter: Del Lisk, vice president of safety services, Lytx Inc.
The Evolution of Mobile Truck Computing: An Essential Tool for PropanePresenter: Aaron Cargas, vice president of product and marketing, Cargas Systems
It’s Not Rocket Science! Using Metrics to Make Critical DecisionsPresenter: Mike Shilts, vice president of marketing, K&K Management Solutions
Recruitment and Development: Attracting New Employees to the Propane Industry*
Presenters: Alex Gresham, director of human development, Blossman Gas; Justine Staub, director of workforce development, AmeriGas; and Jim Stein, owner/manager, LPGas Jobs
Remote Tank Monitors: How to Deploy and Maximize Your InvestmentPresenter: Boyd McGathey, VP of business development, WESROC
Route Planning and Mobile Ticketing: Getting the Most from Your FleetPresenter: Craig Balzer, vice president of sales and marketing, Vertrax Inc.
Group C Concurrent Education Sessions 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. 2017 Propane Market Outlook: Current Market Conditions and the Next Five Years Presenter: Mike Sloan, principal, ICF InternationalCo-Sponsored by: Global Gas
Alternate Exits: Minimizing Taxes When Internally Selling or Transferring Your BusinessesPresenters: Kevin Kennedy, founder and CEO, Beacon Exit Planning; and Joseph Bazzano, COO, Beacon Exit Planning
Boots on the Ground: Building a Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Strategy to Grow Gallons*Presenters: Ben Gutkin, vice president of marketing, Warm Thoughts Communications; and Tom Jaenicke, vice president of propane services, Warm
Thoughts Communications
A Look Overseas: Global Trends in Propane…Today and for the FutureModerator: Esther Assous, events director, World LPG Association (WLPGA); Presenters: Suyash Gupta, managing director, Indian Oil Corp.; Paul Ladner, Group CEO, UGI East; and Nikos Xydas, technical director, WLPGA
New Approaches and New Resources: Growing Gallons in the Autogas MarketPresenter: Mike Taylor, director of autogas business development, Propane Education & Research Council
PERC Safety & Training: Updates and New ResourcesPresenters: Stuart Flatow, vice president of safety and training, Propane Education & Research Council; and Courtney Gendron, senior certified employee training program manager, Propane Education & Research Council.
Sponsored by: National Interstate Insurance
Group D Concurrent Education Sessions — 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Best Practices: Automated Price Protection, Contracting, and Hedging for Propane MarketersPresenter: Gary Sippin, co-founder and director of sales and marketing, Destwin Energy Systems LLC
Differentiate & Dominate: Customer Service SuperiorityPresenter: Steve Coscia, president, Coscia Communications Inc.
New Approaches and New Resources: Growing Gallons in the Residential MarketPresenters: Scott Johnston, sales manager, Dead River Inc.; Bridget Kidd, director of residential and commercial business development, Propane
Education & Research Council; Paula Laney, director, safety, training, & education, Oklahoma LP Gas Research, Marketing & Safety Commission; and Dan Richardson, president and CEO, Conger LP Gas
NPGA Benchmarking Council: Valuable Lessons from Best Practices*Moderator: Tom Jaenicke, vice president of propane services, Warm Thoughts Communications
Panelists: Clayton Cook, energy division manager, United Landmark; Mark Delehanty, president, Independence Propane; Judy Taranovich, owner, Proctor Gas; and Kim Tucker, district manager, Griffith Energy
Sponsored by: NPGA
Weather or Not: Your Best Forecast for Predictable ProfitsPresenter: Danny Silverman, vice president, Angus Energy
Which Way Forward? Choosing Between Digital and Traditional MarketingPresenter: Kirk Wright, owner, Pro Image Communications
Saturday April 22Group E Concurrent Educational Sessions — 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
How to Become a Creditor and Get Paid NOW!
Presenter: Milissa Lord, vice president of business development, A.R.M. Solutions
Long Range Forecast: Weather’s Impact on Propane Retailers*Presenters: J.D. Buss, trading manager, Twin Feathers Consulting; Gary Lezak, chief meteorologist, founder, Weather 2020; and Charles Robertson, president, Twin Feathers Consulting
New Approaches and New Resources: Growing Gallons in the Agriculture MarketPresenters: Jay Canada, director of sales, Industrial-Irrigation; Mel Limon, executive director of sales, Flame Engineering Inc.; Bill Moore, alternative fuel sales manager, Conger LP Gas; and Cinch Munson, director of agriculture business development, Propane Education & Research Council
Programmatic Advertising: Targeting Your Ideal Customers OnlinePresenter: Catherine Jermolowitz, client services group, PriMedia
Propane Autogas: Driving Gallons SalesPresenter: Albert Venezio, chairman and co-founder, ICOM and UPAS Group
Proudly Propane: National Consumer Campaign Marketing Tools & ResourcesPresenters: Joe Rose, immediate past president, Propane Gas Association of New England; Dennis Vegas, chief marketing officer, Propane Education & Research Council; Gregg Walker, director of communications, Propane Education & Research Council; & Mark Zimora, vice president of U.S. operations, Energy Distribution Partners
Sponsored by: Warm Thoughts Communications
TECHNICAL SESSIONSPropane Gas System Technical Workshops target the service technician/installer, propane system installer, and others involved in the sales, installation, and servicing of propane systems and related applications. These hands-on sessions are taught by factory instructors.
Saturday April 22 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.CounterStrike CSST Installer Training
Presenter: Reece Hoben, Southeastern regional sales manager, Omega Flex
10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Vent-Free TechnologyPresenter: Rich Dahl, national service trainer, Empire Comfort Systems; and Tim Cummings, national service trainer, Empire Comfort Systems
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Innovations Remote Controls Used in Gas ProductsPresenter: John Buchanan, vice president of sales, Skytech Products Group; and Terry Brumbaugh, quality assurance and training manager, Skytech Products Group
Sunday April 23 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m. Bridging the Generator GapPresenter: Bob Cramer, technical applications manager, Generac Power Systems
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
CSST Codes, Standards, Listings, and Instructions: Differences and ImpactPresenter: Bob Torbin, director of codes and standards, Omega Flex.
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Installing Outdoor Fireplaces and FirepitsPresenter: John Buchanan, vice president of sales, Skytech Products Group; and Terry Brumbaugh, quality assurance and training manager, Skytech Products Group
FAST-TRACK SESSIONSShort on time? These information-packed 45-minute sessions will be held in the expo hall during exhibit hall hours on both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday April 22 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.NFPA 58: 2017 Edition and Beyond!
Presenter: Eric Nette, engineer, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
This session will discuss NFPA 58 changes from the 2014 edition to the 2017 edition as well as looking forward to the 2020 edition. Input for the new cycle has already started, and will close in June.
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Tennessee Clean Fuels: Lessons to Apply in Your StatePresenter: Melissa Goldberg, project manager, Tennessee Clean Fuels; and David Griffin, ICOM North America
Learn how Tennessee is reaching out to new autogas markets and fleets, and utilize its tactics in your state. Designed for mid- and upper-level managers and propane utility staff, this session will review different types of autogas fleets in Tennessee and efforts to further autogas use statewide.
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. DOT: Cylinders, Cargo Tanks, and Hazardous Materials & Safety Regulation UpdatesPresenter: David Ford, hazardous materials program manager, USDOT/FMCSA
This interactive discussion addresses propane transportation regulations specific to cylinders and cargo tanks. DOT hazardous materials and safety regulation updates will be included.
1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Telematics: How to Effectively Use Your DataPresenter: Tony Candeloro, vice president of product development, ARI
While telematic devices in vehicles can help improve fleet operations, reduce liability, and save money, it is imperative to examine and understand the data they provide. This session will explain how to turn data from these devices into useable information.
2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Propane and Technology: Embracing Cloud Computing and the Internet of ThingsPresenter: Andre Pimentel, head of sales and marketing, ISA-Intelligent Sensing Anywhere
Cloud computing, which provides connectivity, scalability, ease of updates, and reduced IT costs, is becoming ever more important to the propane industry. This session will provide information about the Internet-of-Things concept related to remote tank monitoring, gas meters, gas cylinders, and smart homes.
3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Distributor’s Role: Preventing Accidents and Defending Against Propane LossesPresenter: Sean Casey, staff attorney, Maricle & Associates —Travelers Insurance Co.
Focusing on propane distributors and their technicians, this presentation reviews the importance of establishing and following NFPA 54-compliant work procedures to prevent accidents, as well as ways to support defenses to damage claims that result from propane-fueled explosions and fires. Accurate and detailed evidence of service, deliveries, and testing performed by distributors’ technicians can help in defending claims, and will be discussed in depth during this session.
Sunday April 23 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. OSHA Requirements: Labels, Safety, Data Sheets, and Training of HCS 2012Presenter: Sara Reboli, director of regulatory affairs, National Propane Gas Association
This session will give an overview of the new requirements for labels, safety data sheets, and employee training programs under the Hazard Communication Standard 2012 (HCS 2012), which aligns these materials with the international chemical shipping Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Learn the fundamental requirements and answers to your company’s unique needs.
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Regulatory Update: The Latest Federal Proposals and Rules Affecting PropanePresenters: National Propane Gas Association Regulatory Team
NPGA staff will provide information on new federal regulations, as well as future anticipated regulations, that affect the propane industry.
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