The National Propane Gas Association’s (NPGA) 2025 Southeastern & International Propane Expo (2025 NPGA Southeastern Expo) opened April 4-6 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, with an energizing call to action and a renewed sense of purpose among propane professionals.
Drawing thousands of attendees from across the United States and abroad, the expo reaffirmed its place as the industry’s largest gathering, featuring a variety of educational sessions, exhibitor showcases and inspiring moments that brought the industry’s mission into sharp focus.
2025 NPGA Southeastern Expo Opening Ceremony
The expo’s opening ceremony delivered what many attendees later described as one of the most energizing opening addresses in years. Steve Kaminski, president and CEO of NPGA, set the tone early with a powerful reminder:
“I want to commend everyone in the room and the entire propane industry on your efforts in January and February. We finally had a cold winter, which was tremendous, and the vast majority of the country saw long, broad stretches of cold. We saw very few hiccups, and even though … conditions differed from the winter of 2013-2014, the cold was very similar, and it demonstrates just how far this industry has come in the last 11 years. Kudos to everyone and the actions you have taken over the last 11 years to prepare the industry for this kind of stretch of winter.”
NPGA Chair Thomas Van Buren of Pico Propane and Fuels was introduced after Kaminski and said, “I’ve never been more excited or proud about our future. We’re going on the offense now. Propane is the leading energy solution for cooking, home heat, water, heat, power, emergency relief and more. Propane and you improve and save lives. Propane and our people are truly beacons of hope. ... We have a proud industry and an amazing product with the responsibility to promote and protect propane as an exceptional energy solution. We need to share that message in our proud story [and] in our communities.”
Powering the Future With Innovation
Following Van Buren’s address, Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), took the stage to expand on the industry’s future-facing vision.
“We have so many reasons to celebrate. I hope you feel the mood — the mood feels so different. But let’s celebrate because we had it, right? We had the coldest January since 2010. [It’s] probably the fourth-coldest winter since 2010. And you know what? You performed. Everybody performed.
“Well done,” he continued. “Couldn’t do it any better, and I hope you realize how important that action — not easy action, that hard action that takes teamwork, diligence, commitment — how much that goes to help us to tell the story. I want to celebrate you for your winter work. Unbelievable job. Well done. Thank you.”
The address highlighted the indispensable role propane plays in crisis response, from natural disasters to infrastructure breakdowns. Perkins illustrated this with vivid examples: propane tanks airlifted to isolated islands, technicians using chainsaws to restore service after storms and ATVs hauling tanks to cut-off rural communities.
“That’s what propane people do. That’s how you respond,” he said.
The message was not only retrospective but forward-looking. Perkins shared a case study involving a luxury homebuilder who, after experiencing grid failures, turned to propane for a complete retrofit — installing tankless water heating, generators, cooking equipment, fireplaces and even a combined heat and power (CHP) unit. “They built a perfectly resilient home … One that we demand,” he said.
Perkins presented propane as a practical and scalable solution in a transitioning energy landscape. He highlighted success stories, such as a fleet contractor serving the U.S. Postal Service: “We saved over $14 million since 2015 when we went propane.” He also cited a school bus driver from South Carolina’s second-largest fleet: “I’ve driven for almost 3,000 miles of propane buses. I [haven’t] yet had any issue. The propane technology doesn’t let me down.”
Throughout his remarks, Perkins emphasized the need to seize the moment. “We’ve bought four years for sure of propane. That is like a gift of fish — it’s not going to last a long time,” he warned. He urged attendees to act now by deepening their knowledge of emerging technologies and forging new partnerships.
The ceremony concluded with three clear directives: Commit to safety. Commit to learning. Act with urgency. “We have the fuel. We have the tools. We have the innovation. We have to happen,” Perkins said.
Steve Spurrier Delivers Keynote
Legendary college football coach and 1966 Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier added to the momentum with a keynote address centered on leadership and adaptability. Drawing parallels between the gridiron and business, Spurrier emphasized preparation and execution. His personal stories and humor resonated with the audience, reinforcing the expo’s theme of resilience through clarity and action.
Educational Programming
With more than 40 sessions and workshops, the expo’s educational programming reflected the complexity and drive of today’s propane industry. Notable sessions included “Propane’s Role in Responsible and Sustainable Energy Diversification in Power Generation,” presented by Bert Warner of PERC, which highlighted propane’s expanding role in grid resilience and energy diversification.
Another session, “Reigniting Propane: Incorporating Automation, Digital Platforms and AI Into Your Strategy,” explored how companies are leveraging advanced technologies to optimize operations and improve customer engagement. Topics across the broader agenda ranged from safety standards and regulatory compliance to workforce development and environmental policy.
Networking & Special Events
The expo continued to serve as a hub for professional connections and community recognition. The Exhibit Hall Welcome Reception immediately followed the general sessions, allowing attendees to network while exploring cutting- edge products.
The Women in Propane Leadership Forum featured an interactive workshop designed to elevate leadership skills and foster inclusive dialogue. Meanwhile, the first-annual Young Professional of the Year Award reception, sponsored by BPN and Ferrellgas, celebrated emerging leaders who are shaping the future of the industry.
Barrett Conway, managing director of Cetane Associates, was the first recipient of this award. The four additional finalists were Joe Figueroa, vice president, mergers and acquisitions at Ferrellgas; Allison Platz-Velazquez, director of marketing and sales at Delta Liquid Energy; Garrett Sager, co-owner of Henley Propane; and Curtis Sobottka, customer service supervisor at Ferrellgas.
Innovations on Display
The exhibit hall offered attendees the opportunity to see the latest innovations firsthand. With over 250 exhibitors, the New Products Showcase drew particular attention. Technologies in alternative fuel vehicles, energy storage, CHP systems and smart monitoring reflected how propane continues to innovate in response to both market demands and regulatory shifts.
Demonstrations, live Q&A sessions and product unveilings gave attendees tangible insights into where the industry is heading. Across the floor, the energy was forward-looking and action-oriented.
Closing Reflections
The 2025 Southeastern Expo delivered not only on its promise of networking and innovation but also on inspiration and strategy. With clear calls to action from its leadership, the event positioned propane as a reliable, adaptable and essential energy source.
Attendees left with renewed purpose and the tools to meet the moment. As Perkins asked in closing, “Is this a place I can be fulfilled and will fulfill me for the rest of my days?” For many at the expo, the answer was a resounding yes.
With resilience, innovation and unity at its core, the propane industry made it clear: We are propane people. That means something.
