LP Gas, May 2017

IN THE KNOW 2017 PROPANE EXPO A partnership with Propane Resources Q A The sights and sounds of the propane industry were on full display in Nashville for the 2017 NPGA Southeastern Convention International Propane Expo The colossal event marked the 70th anniversary of the convention and left quite the impression on new faces and professionals in the propane industry One thing is for certain You leave the convention with more knowledge about the industry than before you went This years Propane Expo marked my first experience with the convention The importance of attending such an eye opening event with many educational experiences was not lost on me It allowed me to meet network and learn from experts in every field of the industry The opportunity to foster relationships Ditech Testing gave away this Martin Co guitar at its booth with some of the sharpest and most successful minds in the industry truly exists around every corner and turn at the convention The industrys newest products and technologies were on full display at the show From new tank monitoring systems to new software platforms and updates retailers could fill any and all needs to increase and add value to their company at the show Along with walking the show floor and checking out the newest equipment and technological advancements in the industry attendees could attend educational sessions put on by leading industry experts While the expo had an outstanding turnout from every corner of the nation and parts of the world many retailers unfortunately had to decline the opportunity to attend because of the past few warm winters Based on additional observations many retailers mentioned their frustration with the ongoing export numbers These numbers have impacted the market tremendously including the price of propane and our ability or lack thereof to build inventory heading into the fall and winter I also received feedback that retailers have struggled to attract new business through the last few warm winters The need to diversify cannot be emphasized enough Finally the crowds at the expo expressed their desire to continue the convention at the Nashville location The show returns to Atlanta for the next two years before making a return to Music City in 2020 All things considered I walked away from the Propane Expo with a true admiration of the propane industry I truly encourage every propane professional new or veteran to attend the convention at least once My calendar is already marked in anticipation for next years event Hope to see you all in Atlanta LPG Tony Botts is a supply expert at Propane Resources He can be reached at 913 262 0628 or tony@ propaneresources com Can you tell us about Propane Resources firsthand experiences at this years Propane Expo in Nashville Tennessee Tony Botts Start training for next season Customer Service Accounts Receivable Inventory Forecasting Routing and more Serious Solutions for the Fuel Oil and Propane Industry 888 499 2583 www bluecowsoftware com 26 LPGas May 2017 www LPGasmagazine com PHOTO BY BRIAN RICHESSON