HEAT Show Lived Up to Its Promise!

The HEAT Show was a whirlwind three days of education, special events, and excitement

The liquid fuels industry came together at the HEAT Show 2025 from August 20-22, at the Encore Boston Harbor Hotel. Fittingly for a show theme of “Fueling America’s Future Together,” the HEAT Show welcomed nearly 1,000 attendees, exhibitors, and speakers from the heating oil, Bioheat® fuel, propane, natural gas, and HVAC sectors.

From the kickoff at Fenway Park to the bustling trade show floor and management and technical training sessions, the energy and enthusiasm were contagious.

The Summit Spotlight Sessions included a Keynote Presentation from U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY24) on energy choice and the new political landscape in Washington D.C. and her home state of New York; a panel discussion on Energy Choice and Affordability, with Liam Dotson (NEFI) and partners from the American Gas Association, American Public Gas Association, National Propane Gas Association, Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association, and Bradford White; a State Clean Heat Standard Update from Michael Ferrante (Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association), Joe Uglietto (Diversified Energy Specialists) and Matt Cota (Vermont Fuel Dealers Association); and a presentation on “The Bioheat® Fuel Movement: A Call to Lead, Unite, and Deliver on the Promise of Clean Energy” by Paul Nazzaro (Advanced Fuel Solutions). (See “Spotlight Sessions Illuminate Opportunities and Challenges”)

To cap it all off, at the Industry Summit on Friday, participants heard presentations on the challenges of electrification from Leslie Anderson of the Propane Gas Association of New England and Roger Marran of Energy Kinetics. Stakeholders from across the region then unanimously ratified the landmark “Boston Resolution” which sets forth policy principles for pragmatic, pro-consumer building decarbonization. (See “A New Industry Resolution for a New Path Forward!”)

A Trade Show for All

The Trade Show opened Wednesday evening and ran all day on Thursday. The wide array of vendors ranged from equipment and accessory manufacturers, to fuel wholesalers and distributors, to additive and testing services, as well as software and professional services providers.

Attendees and exhibitors actively engaged with each other, offering solutions to virtually any business and technical need. Many exhibitors offered raffles and candy as well as hands-on demonstrations, handouts, and samples!

Something for Everyone

Always known for its educational sessions, the HEAT Show called on experts from the technical, regulatory, legal, marketing, financial, manufacturing, and consulting fields.

Participants registered for the Technician Education track could choose from sessions on troubleshooting, combustion systems, microbial contamination, treatments for fuel tanks, advanced boiler technology, biofuel-fired systems, gas detectors, and more.

The management sessions covered timely topics such as the new administrative state, federal incentives and grants, decarbonization, utilizing data for strategic planning, and artificial intelligence. Traditional sessions on succession and diversification, hedging, pricing, company culture and marketing were available as well.

Legends Walked Among Us

The Legends celebration, lived up to its “Gala” name. A beautiful tent was set up on the picturesque South Lawn of the Encore Hotel property. Delicious hors d’oeuvres were passed among the formally dressed guests during the cocktail hour, and then a sumptuous and elegant multi-course dinner was served. Lovely touches, including sparkling centerpieces and mini-champagne bottles filled with black-and-white M&Ms, adorned each table.

The evening was not solely about the food and decorations. The industry came together as NEFI celebrated five industry icons as Legends for their immeasurable contributions: Kevin Beckett of R.W. Beckett Corporation, Peter Aziz of Valiant Energy Solutions, Dr. Tom Butcher of NORA, Richard Goldberg of Warm Thoughts Communications, and Eric Slifka of Global Partners LP. The biographies and accomplishments of these individuals are beyond impressive. To learn more, download the Legends Journal at HEATShow.com.

As Ted Noonan, NEFI Chairperson, noted, “As pioneers in this industry, you have had both the courage and foresight to experiment with new equipment, fuels, and ideals that are reshaping the industry. Your transformational impact is not only making our industry stronger but inspiring the future of our energy businesses. If I were to add up the number of years that you have all been committed to your work in the energy space, I would be well into the triple digits. The expertise that comes from decades of commitment to this industry that you are all so passionate about is both admirable and inspiring to those working to reach the standard of excellence that you have all set. In a forever changing economic, social, and political climate, you have had the courage to face great challenges with strength and innovation, setting a clear vision for our future.

This year marked the inauguration of NEFI’s Jack Sullivan Award, named in memory of NEFI’s former CEO. Jim Collura, NEFI President & CEO, stood with Jack’s wife, Anne, and their daughters, to present the Award to Charlie Uglietto of Cubby Oil & Energy.

“Jack Sullivan was a principled man who genuinely loved and cared for his family, his friends, and the industry he served – and boy did he fight for these things he so loved,” Collura said. “Perhaps his greatest professional accomplishment – and perhaps his most enduring legacy – was the creation of the National Oilheat Research Alliance, or NORA, in 2000 … Jack also laid the groundwork for the advocacy program NEFI is now known for. Jack may not have foreseen the full scope of the ‘electrification at any cost’ movement we have faced in recent years, but with remarkable foresight, he gave us the tools to confront it.”

In presenting the award to Charlie Uglietto, Collura said, “Charlie serves or has served on more boards, committees, and task forces than I can count at NEFI, the National Oilheat Research Alliance, the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America, and countless others. I am pretty sure there’s a committee somewhere trying to form a committee to keep track of all of Charlie’s committees. But somehow, he makes time for all of them – all while running a successful business and being a role model as a husband, father, and friend to us all. Each role represents countless hours of volunteer service, always with the same dedication he brings to his own business.”

Sports – Everyone’s a Winner

The Backyard Barbecue at Fenway Park was a new addition to the NEFI event schedule, and turned out to be sold-out hit. Everyone all had a great time – even though the Sox lost in a nailbiter – and NEFI and its guests had their 15-seconds of fame on the big board!

Carrying the sports theme along, World Series Champion Jonny Gomes was on the trade show floor Thursday, signing autographs and chatting with everyone he met! It was great to have a celebrity in our midst. Also, sports-related: the NEFI Raffle prizes, which were awarded Thursday afternoon. Our congratulations to the winners:

• Stephen Vargas of Elite Heating won 4 Patriots vs Bills tickets for December 14 at Gillette Stadium
• Zack Sartori of Bob’s Oil Co won 4 Bruins vs Maple Leafs for March 24 at TD Garden

And the Sponsors

The HEAT Show was a success because of the many businesses and organizations that signed on as sponsors. They are listed at www.heatshow.com, and we thank them, and urge you to thank and support them as well. Their financial support made the event possible, and makes possible the work that NEFI does on behalf of the industry all year long.

You can view the full photo gallery at www.heatshow.com.

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