Hearth, Patio & Barbecue EXPO 2005

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) returns to Atlanta February 23-26, 2005 to celebrate its silver anniversary in the city where it was first staged in 1980.

More than 400 companies exhibited at Expo 2004, with 100 of them first-time exhibitors. Carter Keithley, CEO of HPBA, expects more exhibitors and higher attendance this year at the Georgia World Congress Center.

HPBA data show a steadily increasing popularity for hearth appliances among U.S. homeowners, with more than 1.5 million units shipped in 2003 ($5 billion); barbecue grills, equipment and accessories added another $3 billion; casual outdoor furniture, lighting and umbrellas accounted for $4 more billion.

For more information on Expo 2005, visit www.hpbexpo.org.