Propane industry pushes forward despite unknowns

The National Propane Gas Association held the 2008 Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo as scheduled on March 29-31 in Atlanta. But it didn’t happen without some last-minute changes by industry members and city officials following a March 14 tornado that damaged the Georgia World Congress Center. Several thousand participants still attended the show, which was relocated to an undamaged section of the convention center. The core program was transitioned with minimal disruption.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicks off the 58th Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo, which was held March 29-31 in Atlanta. (PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ATLANTA EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY)

Products of all shapes and sizes are on display at the show. From bobtails to propane tanks, attendees can choose from an assortment of items.

Jennifer Tomb, right, director of conventions and meetings for NPGA, played a big part in reorganizing the show after storm damage to the Congress Center.

While Atlanta temperatures were comfortable at times outside, attendees were learning about hot winter items, such as this propane fireplace.

The Bergquist booth bustles with activity during the show. The company has been a distributor of propane equipment for more than 44 years.

Gary Kunath, CEO of The Summit Group, educated, inspired and made his audience laugh. The keynote speaker focused on business value through people.

Show attendees walk past the TouchStar booth. The company provides enterprise field automation solutions for the propane industry.

The show allows attendees to meet face to face with industry suppliers. Here, Blackmer representatives explain product offerings at its booth.

The exhibit hall continues to be the main feature of the show. Attendees can preview the newest product innovations that companies have on display.

The propane industry is already looking ahead to next year. The Southeastern show is scheduled for April 4-6, 2009, in Atlanta.