HEAT Show Schedule

Three days (plus) of networking, education, outreach, and fun at the Encore Boston Harbor Hotel, August 20-22, 2025

Keynotes and Networking Events

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

4:00PM-10:00PM  –  Red Sox Game, Fenway Park

Join NEFI for a Backyard BBQ at Fenway Park. Watch the Red Sox vs. the Orioles, enjoy a private open bar and buffet.

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

11:00AM-12:15PM  –  Keynote Presentation and
Summit Spotlight

Keynote: U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney  (R, NY24)

Panel Discussion: “Energy Choice and Affordability”

With representatives from NEFI, AGA, APGA, NPGA, PHCC, and Bradford White

12:30PM-1:30PM  –  Summit Spotlight Lunch Presentation

Featuring State Clean Heat Standard Update with Michael Ferrante, Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association and
Joe Uglietto, Diversified Energy Specialists

4:00PM-6:00PM  –  Trade Show Reception

Thursday, August 21, 2025

8:30AM-10:00AM  –  Summit Spotlight: The Bioheat^® Fuel Movement

Presented by Paul Nazzaro, Advanced Fuel Solutions and Clean Fuels Alliance of America

11:00AM-4:00PM  –  Trade Show Open

6:00PM-10:00PM  –  Legends Formal Dinner

Friday, August 22, 2025

8:00AM-10:30AM  –  Industry Summit

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Technician Sessions

1:30-2:30: Mitigate Microbial Contamination in Your Fuel System Using These Simple Tools

Source of microorganisms, conditions needed for microorganisms to grow and move through the fuel system, detections systems and remediation strategies.

Presented by Ed English - Fuel Quality Services

1:30-2:30: Making Combustion Great Again

With the increasing mandated use of biofuels, it’s important to understand the different combustion characteristics you may encounter with different fuels. With updated burner designs and control technology we’ll take you through the best practices to help you optimize combustion at any blend level.

Presented by John Dunleavey and Lance Marino – Carlin Combustion

1:30-2:30: Fuel Tanks – Proactive or Reactive?

Fuel tanks have been a topic for discussion lately and not always for good reasons. This presentation will deal with the critical need for tank inspections, what to look for and what to do about it. As well as the proper methods and codes for tank replacement and installations. Failure to plan is planning to fail.

Presented by Bob O’Brien - NORA

2:45-3:45: Safe House Training and Certification

We will explain what Safe House Training is and why it is so important. We will discuss how professionals in the heating oil industry are uniquely positioned to make a difference, given their regular access inside homes. During the session, we’ll watch all ten comprehensive training videos together, and at the end, attendees will have the opportunity to take a quiz. Completing the quiz successfully will earn them a Safe House Training Certificate, validating their understanding and commitment to this critical cause.

Presented by Pam Giordano & Barrett Conway – Cetane Associates

2:45-3:45: Troubleshooting – Art or Science?

Accurate troubleshooting is a key skill for technicians and probably the hardest to develop. This presentation will cover the basics of approaching diagnosis in a logical and methodical manner that will reduce callbacks, increase customer satisfaction and make life easier for everyone in the customer service world.

Presented by Bob O’Brien - NORA

2:45-3:45: Advanced Tankless Coil Boiler Technology and Chimneyless Venting

This track explores the highly successful non-condensing Ascent^™ Combi oil boiler, which delivers much higher output hot water and efficiency and quieter operation than tankless coil boilers. This session will also review chimney venting challenges facing our industry and explain how dilution air venting delivers a simple and cost effective solution that can effectively compete with high-efficiency gas-fired equipment. Energy Kinetics has long term proven performance with dilution air since 2011, and with polypropylene (plastic) venting since 2014, achieving over 90 AFUE in non-condensing oil-fired boilers.

Presented by Brian Kiernan – Energy Kinetics

Management Sessions

1:45-2:45: Attracting Customers and Keeping Them: Leverage Powerful Marketing, Communication and Financing Strategies to Grow Your Business

Join industry experts Ashley Campbell, Sales Manager at Warm Thoughts Communications, and Greg Burns from Watercress Financial for a lively panel discussion. Ashley will share practical tips for maximizing marketing ROI, strengthening your brand, and driving growth. Greg will explain how offering monthly financing during the quoting process can boost sales and secure lasting customer loyalty.

Presented by Ashley Campbell – Warm Thoughts Communications and Greg Burns – Watercress Financial

1:45-2:45: Data-Driven Decisions: What did the Winter of 2025 teach us in Preparation for Winter 2026?

The winter of 2025 gave us valuable insights into operational efficiency, customer profitability, best practices in customer retention and the power of data. In this session, industry leaders will demonstrate how businesses can leverage customer data to improve delivery efficiency, service profitability, and cash flow.

Presented by: Moderator: Andrew Maderia – Maderia Group. Panel: Phil Baratz – Angus Energy; Mike Procopio – PDI Technologies formerly Blue Cow Software; & Bill Woods – Bonani Oil Services, Inc.

1:45-2:45: Diversification Profits, Pain, and Experience: How Owners Added Additional Services and What They Learned

Owners of residential service companies who have successfully expanded their operations to include other significantly different services will provide practical advice on how to get started, including tips on overcoming common obstacles and identifying resources for those considering a similar expansion. This discussion is designed to help owners explore the potential of adding different services to their business and how to navigate the process with knowledge of the lessons these individuals have learned.

Presented by Bob Williamson and Barrett Conway – Cetane

3:00-4:00: Oil Price Volatility Strikes Back

After a relatively calm 2024 in the oil markets, the potential for renewed volatility is looming large. Tariffs, tweets, and geopolitical tensions could quickly reignite unpredictability in petroleum prices. Elaine Levin, President of Powerhouse, will explore the factors that could impact diesel and gasoline prices. Elaine will discuss the outlook for heating oil and propane prices. She will present actionable ideas to protect profit margins and build your business. Join us as we discuss the risks and opportunities presented by new uncertainties. 

Presented by Elaine Levin - Powerhouse

3:00-4:00: It’s Go-Time – Getting Your Company Ready for Market-Based Decarbonization Programs in 2026

Clean Heat Standards are just a few months from being implemented in certain New England states. Other market-based decarbonization programs are on the horizon elsewhere. Fuel companies are at a critical juncture as they face perhaps the most transformative and onerous requirements they’ve ever had to grapple with. And while there are significant opportunities within these programs, there is little margin for error. The businesses that don’t prepare properly will be left behind.

Presented by Joe Uglietto – Diversified Energy Specialist

3:00-4:00: Taming the Administrative State: the Trump Administration’s Battle to Rein in Agency Overreach

NEFI Regulatory Counsel Rick Schweitzer will discuss efforts by the White House and Congress to withdraw regulations from EPA, DOE, and other agencies that stifle business opportunities and consumer choice, and the role of the courts in resolving the disputes.

Presented by Rick Schweitzer - NEFI

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Technician Sessions

8:30-9:30: Optimizing Liquid Fuels Service: Tools, Tips and Technologies for Today’s Technicians

Proper tool, techniques and setups for with today’s fuels.

Presented by Alan Wornham - RW Beckett

8:30-9:30: Bioheat Tech Tips

While renewable fuels are very similar to the fossil fuels they are replacing, there are some differences technicians need to be aware of as we move to higher blends of renewable fuels. This presentation will encompass those differences, these include, combustion, flame proving, viscosity, storage and more.

Presented by Bob O’Brien - NORA

9:45-10:45: Residential Fuel Gas Detectors Are Coming

With publication of the NFPA 715, the installation of fuel gas detectors in every new building with fuel gas service may be required in a jurisdiction near you. States and cities now
have the necessary “tools” to write new code, ordinances or regulations mandating the use of these devices in both new and existing buildings. The presentation will summarize the current state-of-the-art of sensor technologies, how and where detectors need to be installed, current efforts to update codes and standards, and where the fuel supplier’s responsibility starts and ends.

Presented by Bob Torbin - OmegaFlex

9:45-10:45: Troubleshooting - Art or Science?

Accurate troubleshooting is a key skill for technicians and probably the hardest to develop. This presentation will cover the basics of approaching diagnosis in a logical and methodical manner that will reduce callbacks, increase customer satisfaction and make life easier for everyone in the customer service world.

Management Sessions

10:15-11:15: Built to Last, Ready for Tomorrow: Unlocking Performance Through Culture and Team Engagement

High performing organizations thrive on strong culture, clear vision, and empowered teams. This session explores real-world strategies and tools any organization can use to boost engagement, align teams, and drive results—fostering transparency, accountability, and a meaningful voice for team members in the decisions that shape daily operations and future success.

Presented by Eileen O’Brien - Gault Energy & James Berner - Ask Meridian

10:15-11:15: Unveiling the Future of Human and Artificial Intelligence

With all the buzz around AI, experts are failing to consider one crucial wrench in the “tech takeover”—human intelligence. This session breaks down the importance of human and artificial intelligence in the future of fuel delivery and business, celebrating some triumphs of human intelligence and addressing some of the fears and realities around AI. Then, with the help of a panel of expert guest speakers, we will learn how they can be used together.

During this session, you will:

• Learn how AI fits with customer-centric values

• Understand AI trends and applications across all critical areas of your business, including finance, sales & marketing, HR, and customer service

• Address common AI fears, and gain a realistic understanding of how customer-centric organizations can—and will—use AI

Presented by David Heiser - PriMedia, Inc., Dennis DiSabatino - Cargas, Marty Kirshner - Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP., and Lisa M. Koblin - Saul Ewing LLP

10:15-11:15: Are You Ready? Set. Go! You only have one chance of exiting your business, do it right?

Most owners choose between two options when exiting their business: either selling to a third party or transitioning to family members. This presentation will talk about steps that should be put in place and decision that should be made prior to exiting your business to ensure the transaction goes smoothly as well as how to get the most after-tax income.

Presented by Pam Giordano & Fred Lord - Cetane Associates

10:15-11:15: Building Your Legacy As You Manage Ownership and Management Succession

• Tools for managing transitions in ownership, management, and wealth

• Strategies for Co-creating your legacy

• Building the strategies and structures necessary for long-term family and enterprise success

• Becoming an Enterprising Family - a change in mindset for shareholders

This interactive workshop will provide practical tools for managing transitions while building relationship health in your family.

Presented by Michael McGrann - Brown Brothers Harriman

11:30-12:30: Optimizing Your Fleet: Because You
Have One

As fuel quality and delivery efficiency remain critical to operational success, this session will provide actionable insights into mitigating common issues faced by fuel delivery and service trucks. Attendees will gain a better understanding of: reducing exhaust system regenerations to improve truck uptime, addressing diesel particulate filter (DPF) blockages that lead to costly maintenance, preventing injector fouling and maintaining fuel systems integrity, and extending fuel filter life to minimize unplanned downtime.

Presented by Leo Verruso - Advanced Fuel Solutions

11:30-12:30: Federal Incentives and Grants

Anne Steckel, NEFI’s Senior Policy Advisor, will provide an overview of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and key federal tax credits, including where they currently stand, the legislative and regulatory process, and what to expect moving forward.

Presented by Anne Steckel - NEFI

11:30-12:30: Oversight: The Weakest Link in Your Company Defense Against Lawsuits

Propane marketers are named as Defendants in lawsuits all the time. If you are an owner, executive or manager, OVERSIGHT is often the only thing protecting you and your company from a devastating verdict and award or a substantial settlement as a means to get the suit behind you. Many gas and petroleum product lawsuits end up in nuclear verdicts.

What can you do to shield your company from settlements or “nuclear verdicts” commonly in the tens of millions of dollars?

Presented by Michael Digiorgio - Propane Advisory Group

11:30-12:30: Fulfilling the Strategic Planning Imperative

A one-hour moderated panel discussion on creating a vision and defining a pathway toward sustained growth and resiliency for propane and heating oil marketers. The objective is to provide clear and manageable steps for developing a multi-year plan of action that will build an organization with capability of continuing growth and profitability, with the flexibility to adapt to rapidly shifting market conditions. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for creating or refining their strategic plans, tailored to the unique challenges of the fuel delivery industry.

Presented by Marty Kirshner - Gray, Gray & Gray, Bryan Pearce - Gray, Gray & Gray, Robert Levene - Gray, Gray & Gray

Presented by Bob O’Brien - NORA

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