The National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI) closed out September with its fourth annual HEAT Show, September 27-29, at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island. The Show floors were filled with liquid heating fuel professionals, industry affiliates and friends networking and mingling amidst the more than 90 exhibitors and vendors.

Over the course of three days, there were 46 educational sessions, plus a Keynote Luncheon and the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) Board Meeting. The scheduled sessions included 23 in the Management Track and 18 in the Technician Track, as well as two sessions sponsored by Women in Energy and three NORA sessions.

Those participating in the Management Track had their choice of attending sessions on "Federal & State Policy Update," "Biodiesel and Ultra-Low Sulfur Heating Oil," "DOT Compliance Issues for Drivers," "Buying and Selling an Oilheat Business" and many others. Technicians could choose from "Advanced Burner Control Programming and Troubleshooting," "Controls for the Modern Technician," "Best Practices for Optimizing Efficiencies in Your Service Department," "Best Practices: Oil Tank Inspections & Maintenance," and more. Women in Energy led a panel discussion on "Attracting & Retaining the Next Generation of Energy Professionals" and a workshop on "Plumbing and Heating Tips and Tricks," and NORA's sessions included "Getting to Zero GHG Emissions," "Update on NORA R&D: Progress and Plans," and "Bioheat Technical Guidance."

The Keynote Luncheon, featuring Captain Paul E. Mawn, US Navy (Ret.) on "Oil & War" reviewed much of the information he shared in a previous issue of Oil & Energy (February 2019), for those who had missed that important article. Sean Cota, NEFI President and CEO, added remarks to tie Captain Mawn's presentation to current issues in Ukraine and across the globe.

Mr. Cota, reflecting on our current situation and fuel availability and pricing, said, "If it's warm, we're all set. If it's not warm, we will be facing our most challenging environment ever."

New to the HEAT Show this year was a Scavenger Hunt and multiple raffle prizes. The Technician Only Raffle prize, a Testo 300 Smoke Edition Residential Kit with Printer generously donated by Testo, was won by Kris Beaton from Tasse Fuel Corp. David Cooper of Cooper Lane Heating and Cooling won a Digital Multimeter and Nick Nadorff of Stockbridge Gas Co., won a Gas Pressure Kit, both donated by Entech. The Grand Prize Raffle of a Milwaukee Tool Set & Storage Box, valued at $1,225, was won by Dan Rivetts from EDOS Manufacturing; and the Scavenger Hunt prize of a YETI Cooler and JBL Speaker ($750 value) was won by Troy Phillips Jr. from Hall Trask. Other winners included Pam Giordano of Cetane Associates (iPad and case); Scott Biggs of Bergquist (a $300 Southwest Airlines gift card); Debbie and Anthony Barbato of Romeo's Fuel (Bruins tickets) and Elizabeth Rose of Skaggs-Walsh (alcohol gift basket).

A yearly highlight of the HEAT Show is the Legends Dinner, and this year was bigger than ever. "When we started, there were fewer than 100 attendees. This year, we had 140 guests pre-register, and another 40 signed up the day of the event," recalled Cota. This year, Legends honored the men and women who lead the vital liquid fuels industry state and regional associations: Matt Cota, Executive Director, Vermont Fuel Dealers Association; Eric DeGesero, Executive Vice President, Fuel Merchants Association of New Jersey; Kris DeLair, Executive Director, Empire State Energy Association; Michael Ferrante, President, Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association; Ted Harris, Executive Vice President, Pennsylvania Petroleum Association; Chris Herb, President, Connecticut Energy Marketers Association; Rocco J. Lacertosa, Chief Executive Officer, New York State Energy Coalition; Diane Quesnelle, Executive Director, Energy Marketers Association of Rhode Island; Bob Scully, Executive Director, Energy Marketers Association of New Hampshire; Charlie Summers, President & CEO, Maine Energy Marketers Association; and Ellen Valentino, Executive Vice President, Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association.

The HEAT Show wrapped up with Industry Summit IV, featuring a forecast of the mid-term elections and how they may affect the liquid fuels industry by Jim Ellis, an update for members on the Inflation Reduction Act's impact on Main Street fuel companies, and a panel of "next generation" leaders discussing their visions and hopes for the future of the industry.

The show was underwritten by 26 sponsors, including Platinum, Summit and Legends Dinner Reception Sponsor: Bioheat+ by Clean Fuels Alliance America and Nebraska Soybean Board. Platinum Sponsors: Beckett and PriMedia. Silver Sponsors: Angus Energy, Global, Hedge Solutions, Irving, Renewable Energy Group and Warm Thoughts Communications and many other NEFI supporters.

Oil & Energy will offer more in-depth reporting on the HEAT Show in the November/December 2022 issue. The 2023 HEAT Show is already being planned - watch your email and Oil & Energy for details as they come; and visit HeatShow.com for more photos and show updates.