Sunday, April 7, 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*
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
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:
Jose Rene “J.R.” Martinez3:00 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
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.
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.
CONCURRENT EDUCATION SESSIONS
SATURDAY, April 13
GROUP A — 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
2019 Propane Market Outlook: Markets in Flux*
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*
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*
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*
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
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.
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.
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
