Propane Expo, LP Gas Hall of Fame canceled

March 19, 2020 By    

Amid concerns across the United States about the COVID-19 coronavirus, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) canceled its Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo, which was set for April 6-8 at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. LP Gas followed suit and canceled its Hall of Fame induction dinner.

NPGA made its initial announcement on March 13, one day after it said the annual trade show, the industry’s largest, was a “cautious go.” But with President Donald Trump declaring a national emergency to help combat the virus, the NPGA, including first-year President and CEO Steve Kaminski, NPGA officers and Conventions Committee Chairman Dave Barrett of Barrett Propane, made an official decision to cancel its flagship event.

NPGA leadership left open the possibility of rescheduling the show for later in the year. However, Kaminski said March 19 that the show would not take place in 2020.

“Given all of the facts and circumstances, it is simply not possible,” he writes in the NPGA Reports newsletter. “NPGA’s leadership has also unanimously made the decision to ‘do the right thing’ and NPGA will refund registration, sponsorship and exhibition fees. If you wish to forgo a refund and contribute your fee to NPGA instead, NPGA would gratefully accept. Please stay tuned for forthcoming information once we develop the necessary processes.”

LP Gas was preparing to induct its ninth class into the Hall of Fame but, with the cancellation of the Propane Expo, also canceled its annual induction event, which was set for April 5 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The class of 2020 will be honored next year.

“With a heavy heart, LP Gas’ annual Hall of Fame will coincide with the NPGA’s decision to cancel this year’s event,” says LP Gas Publisher Brian Kanaba. “We stand behind the NPGA and their decision to not reschedule. The health and safety of our propane industry comes first. We recognize the trust you put into LP Gas. We promise to continue to bring you the most updated news regarding how the coronavirus is affecting our industry and continued information on everything propane related. We wish you all great health and to be safe. There is nothing we can’t overcome as an industry, and as a nation.”

For informational purposes, NPGA offers guidance for propane marketers related to COVID-19. The association also offers a full COVID-19 toolkit on its password-protected NPGA member dashboard.

*Featured photo by LP Gas Staff

About the Author:

Brian Richesson is the editor in chief of LP Gas Magazine. Contact him at brichesson@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3748.

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