Schedule of Events NPGA Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo

The NPGA Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo is the industry’s largest event – bringing together marketers and suppliers from across the United States and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with more than 3,000 members of the propane industry and hundreds of exhibitors! Don’t miss beneficial educational sessions, presentations, New Product Showcase & Autogas Pavilion. Friday, April 12 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Propane Cargo Tank & Inspection Workshop* 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Registration Saturday, April 13 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration 9:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Concurrent Education Sessions — Groups A—C 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. WIP Leadership Forum at the Expo* 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. PERC Update Live! 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Opening Keynote Speaker –…

Feature Articles Pat Thornton
NPGA Southeastern Propane Convention Logo 2019

The NPGA Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo is the industry’s largest event – bringing together marketers and suppliers from across the United States and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with more than 3,000 members of the propane industry and hundreds of exhibitors! Don’t miss beneficial educational sessions, presentations, New Product Showcase & Autogas Pavilion.



Friday, April 12 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Propane Cargo Tank & Inspection Workshop* 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Registration Saturday, April 13 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration 9:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Concurrent Education Sessions — Groups A—C 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. WIP Leadership Forum at the Expo* 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. PERC Update Live! 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Opening Keynote Speaker – “J.R.” Martinez 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Expo Hall Welcome Reception Sunday, April 14 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Prayer Breakfast* 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Concurrent Education Sessions — Group D 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Expo Hall Open 10:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Technical Workshops 10:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Fast Track Sessions in the Expo Hall 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Women in Propane Roundtable 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Women in Propane Networking Reception 7:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Young Gassers Reception

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Monday, April 15 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Expo Hall Open 9:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Fast Track Sessions in the Expo Hall

(*Additional registration required)

SPECIAL EVENTS Saturday, April 13
Tucker Perkins CEO of Propane Education & Research Council speaks at 2019 NPGA Propane Expo

PERC Update Live!

Presenter: Tucker Perkins, president and CEO, Propane Education & Research Council 2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Tucker Perkins will update industry members on how PERC is changing to help marketers take on the real challenges of natural gas expansion, driver shortages, dwindling weather demand, customer and employee retention, and public pressure to eliminate the use of fossil fuels. Learn how PERC’s new focus will help grow the industry and proudly serve its customers in 2019 and beyond. Perkins will share strategies for your company to leverage opportunities to make propane—and your business—the smarter choice for today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Opening Keynote Speaker:

JR Martinez, author, actor is Keynote speaker at 2019 NPGA Southeastern Propane Expo

Jose Rene “J.R.” Martinez

3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. J.R. Martinez is an American actor, author, motivational speaker, and retired U.S. Army solider. In March 2003, Martinez was deployed to Iraq. The following month, he sustained severe burns to over 34% of his body when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb. Since his recovery, Martinez has become a highly sought after motivational speaker, traveling nationwide to speak about his experiences to veterans groups, corporations, schools, and other organizations. In addition, he began his acting career on the Emmy Award-winning daytime drama “All My Children,” and has since appeared on numerous television shows, including “Dancing with the Stars,” where he was season 13 champion. Martinez is the author of “Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit,” a New York Times bestseller. He also serves as a spokesperson for Operation Finally Home, as well as for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and Glasswing International. Expo Hall Welcome Reception
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
 Check out the 2019 exhibitors and begin networking at the Saturday evening opening of the Expo Hall. Take this opportunity to see what is new and to meet with fellow propane industry members on the tradeshow floor. (All attendees with a Full Access or Saturday/Sunday conference and expo pass are invited.) SUNDAY, APRIL 14
Rev Doc William Fullilove Keynote Speaker at NPGA Propane Expo 2019

Prayer Breakfast

Presenter: Rev. Dr. William Fullilove, Ministries Pastor, McLean Presbyterian Church

7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

Running to Win: Our Hope for the Future and our Help for Today Too many people start off well in the Christian life, but don’t finish the race. Why? Because they don’t even know what the end of the race looks like. A challenge for Christians today is not knowing where they’re going, leaving a lack of direction and purpose in this life. By reclaiming a doctrine of heaven—an understanding of where God is taking us—it is possible to find greater purpose in this life as well. Dr. Fulllilove offers a look at the Bible’s picture of heaven in Revelation 19:6-10, one that will encourage those who believe and invite those who don’t.
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Women in Propane (WIP) Roundtable: Operations and Sales on the Same Page

Speaker: Paige O’Dell, vice president of operations, AmeriGas

3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Strong leaders, who ask great questions, are those who will rise in the ranks of their organizations. At AmeriGas, operations executive management requires the most effective leaders in the company. Industry leader Paige O’Dell shares insights and personal stories from her impressive career. She relates her experiences in successful business operations and explains how a close relationship with sales teams makes a difference. Audience members will engage in roundtable discussions following her presentation.

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 Roundtable session. All registrants are invited.

Young Gassers Reception
7:30 p.m.–Midnight
 College Football Hall of Fame, 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta Join the Young Gassers for its 60th Anniversary Celebration. The annual Members Reception is open to everyone in the propane industry. Join the group’s champagne toast to the industry. No charge for current members; all others will be charged $25 admission

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CONCURRENT EDUCATION SESSIONS
 SATURDAY, April 13
 GROUP A — 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. 2019 Propane Market Outlook: Markets in Flux

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Presenter: Mike Sloan, managing director, ICF Sponsored by Global Gas Delivery Efficiency Case Studies Presenter: David Lowe, vice president of sales, Pro Image Communications Driving Revenue With Service Operations: Turn Your Appliance and Install Business into a Money-Maker Presenter: Saul Cohen, product specialist, Cargas Systems Growing Your Gallons with Propane School Buses Presenters: Chad Bojarski, owner, Energys USA Inc. and Tri State Testing; Andy Ernst, propane marketing manager, CHS; Paul Fiereck, sales representative, North Central Bus & Equipment; and John Thomas, transportation manager, Eastern Carver County Schools Propane.com Can Do That Presenter: Gregg Walker, director of external communications, PERC Success Stories of Retail Propane Marketers Presenters: Chris Caywood, Caywood Propane Gas Inc.; Scott Prewitt, regional vice president, Blossman Gas; Dan Richardson, president and CEO, Conger LP Gas; Pat Thornton, editor, and Andrea Young, marketing director, Butane-Propane News Sponsored by: Warm Thoughts Communications GROUP B — 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
 Benchmarking Panel Discussion JD Buss, trading manager, Twin Feathers; Chad Caron, general manager, Dead River Co.; Chad Kroening, fleet/projects manager, Boehlke Bottled Gas; and Joe Rose, Lin’s Propane Trucks The Changing World of Customer Portals Presenter: Robert Kulawiec, COO, Destwin Energy Systems Demystifying Digital Marketing

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Presenters: Gary Corbett, regional sales representative, Warm Thoughts Communications; and Jeff Stein, marketing consultant, Reach Local Drowning in Data? How to Make Critical Decisions Using Key Metrics and Significantly Reduce Paperwork Presenter: Mike Shilts, vice president of marketing, K&K Management Solutions/Energy-Force Engaging Residential Decision Makers in New Construction and Factory-Built Housing Presenters: Rich Buchholz, president, Waypoint Construction Services LLC; and Jesse Marcus, director of residential and commercial business development, Propane Education & Research Council Real Accidents: How They Happen and Steps to Prevent the Incident or Protect the Company Presenters: John Hansen, partner, McCoy Leavitt Laskey LLC; and Eric Leskinen, executive vice president, P3 Propane Safety It’s Time for a Financial Physical! Presenter: Steven Abbate, president, Cetane Associates GROUP C — 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
 Building Partnerships with Community Colleges and Vocational Technical Schools Moderator: Randy Doyle, PERC Councilor Panelists: Jay Carraway, vice president of continuing education, Lenoir Community College; Mike Davis, president, Davis Propane; Bridget Kidd, senior vice president, industry relations, Propane Education & Research Council; and Armistead Mauck, vice president/co-owner, Cherry Energy Culture & Education to Autogas Gallon Capture Presenter: Representative, United Propane Autogas Solutions (UPAS) Group From Prospect to Raving Fan: Understanding the Customer Journey Presenters: Ben Gutkin, vice president marketing services, Warm Thoughts Communications; and Olivia Mastromonaco, social media manager, Warm Thoughts Communications Sponsored by: Cetane How to Scale Your Deployment for Maximum Return Presenter: Eric Duckworth, vice president of sales, Americas, WESROC Past Due Blues Presenter: Milissa Lord, vice president of business development, A.R.M. Solutions Risk Management Tools to Support Creative Customer Offers

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Presenter: Angela John, director of structured products, BP A Strategic Shift in Developing and Deploying Workforce Training Presenters: Courtney Gendron, senior programs manager, CETP, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC); and Eric Kuster, director of safety and certification, National Propane Gas Association SUNDAY, April 14
 GROUP D — 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
 Autogas Dispensing Equipment — Myth vs. Fact Presenters: John Barnett, propane programs manager, U-Haul; James Bunsey, director of operations, Superior Energy Systems; Mark Denton, vice president of business development, Blossman Gas; and David Kennedy, director of autogas design, Alliance AutoGas Benefits and Rewards of Hiring Veterans

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Presenter: Jesse Lord, account executive, Vets 2 Techs Customer Service Representatives — True Partners in Safety Presenters: John Hansen, partner, McCoy Leavitt Laskey LLC; Bridget Kidd, senior vice president, industry relations, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC); and Paula Laney, safety director, Oklahoma LP Gas Board Low-Cost Residential Load Growth Strategies Presenter: Bob Torbin, director of codes and standards, OmegaFlex LPG Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Systems: Supporting Business Continuity in Critical Infrastructures Presenter: Ramon Gonzalez, vice president, Empire Gas Co. Inc. Stand Out from the Crowd with Google My Business Presenters: Mike Blumenthal, faculty and cofounder, Local U; and Paula Wilson, director of industry engagement, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) How Well Do K-Factors Predict Individual Deliveries?

Presenter: Danny Silverman, vice president, Angus Energy

PROPANE TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS

Propane Technical Workshops target the service technician/installer, propane gas system designer, equipment purchaser, sales personnel, and anyone else involved in the sales, installation, and servicing of propane systems and related applications.

SUNDAY, April 14

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Venting Direct Vent Hearth Products

Presenter: Rich Dahl, national service trainer, Empire Comfort Systems

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Hearth and Patio Gas Technician’s Tools of the Trade

Presenter: Keith Szczepanski, Ray Murray Inc.

12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Emerging Water Heater Technology

Presenter: Raymond VanAssche, vice president of innovation, Rinnai

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FAST-TRACK SESSIONS
 SUNDAY, April 14 Short on time? These 45-minute, information-packed sessions will be held in the expo hall during exhibit hall hours on both Sunday and Monday. 10:15 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Earn More from Every Truck, Every Tank, Every Day

Presenters: Maria-Teresa Palbow, IMR product manager, Aiut; and Andy Slaven, Aiut

Integration of remote sensor technology can greatly reduce operating costs associated with the storage and delivery of propane. This presentation explains how by using smart gas metering, remote tank monitors, and predictive usage algorithms, most distributors can increase efficiency by more than 50%.

11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m. LP-Gas Regulator Applications: Three Stage Systems
Presenter: Bill Hanes, distribution sales representative, Maxitrol Co.Designed for building inspectors, HVAC contractors, mechanical contractors, plumbing installers, propane equipment wholesalers, and utilities, this session will increase understanding of third-stage regulator applications on two- and five-pound systems, including sizing, venting, codes, and standards. 12:15 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Meter Creep Test Presenter: Milt Swenson, sales manager, Westmor Industries A cargo tank operator must check the internal self-closing stop valve in the liquid discharge opening for leakage at least once per calendar month that the cargo is in service, in accordance with CFR49. This session will review procedures that can be used to perform an effective meter creep test, requirements to be met, and documentation for reporting

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1:15 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
NFPA 58 Update Presenter: Alex Ing, engineer, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) This session provides a broad overview of the NFPA Standards process focusing on the NFPA 58, 2020 edition, and its associated revision cycle. Updates of the NFPA 58 Second Draft meeting and changes between the first and second drafts will be discussed

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2:15 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
DOT Update Presenter: James Landrum, federal propane specialist, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Georgia division. Learn about the updates on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations that pertain to the transportation of propane.

3:15 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Preventive Maintenance for Bobtails
Presenter: Jason Soulon, regional sales manager, Westmor Industries
Bobtails are lasting longer and working harder than ever before. Preventive maintenance takes on greater importance with longer service intervals for some components, extended hydro testing periods on select bobtails, as well as greater exposure to corrosive road treatments with the added miles. This session looks at how to manage preventive maintenance to protect this investment.


MONDAY, April 15 9:15 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Maximizing the Efficiency and Safety of LPG Terminals Presenters: Jim Bunsey, director of operations, Superior Energy Systems; Derek Rimko, operations manager, Superior Energy Systems; and Liz Woods, rail terminals manager, CHS Inc. What options do propane marketers have to fill in the gaps in their supply chain? Industry experts in terminal operations offer ways to increase storage efficiencies by taking advantage of new equipment and technology, while upholding all safety standards. 10:15 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Relief Valve Sizing and Operations Presenter: Erick Barrios, Emerson-Fisher The different types of relief valves and the operation and function of each will be featured in this presentation that looks at both commercial and residential systems. Learn how to properly size relief valves and gain an understanding of how they operate and the way they protect a system. EXPO PARTNERS Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) World LPG Association (WLPGA) EXPO SPONSORS Aegis General Insurance Agency Alliance AutoGas Base Engineering Inc. Bergquist Inc. Blossman Gas & Appliance Cetane Energy Distribution Partners Global Gas LP Cylinder Service Inc. MEC/Marshall Excelsior Corp. Mississippi Tank Co. MTankCo. NGL Supply Wholesale LLC Quality Steel Ray Murray Inc. (RMI) Rinnai Rochester Gauges Inc. Stellar Industries Superior Plus Energy Services Thompson Gas UPAS (United Propane AutoGas Solutions) Group Warm Thoughts Communications Westmor

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