HPBExpo Cowboys up in 2012

Nicole Crews -- Casual Living, 4/1/2012 2:00:00 AM

ATLANTA - the hearth, patio & barbecue expo, North America's largest indoor outdoor living showcase, was held last month at the Georgia World Congress Center, with outdoor burn exhibits adjacent to Building C.
     The HPBExpo Tailgate & Big Green Egg Celebrity Chef Cook-Off was held on day one of the three day event and featured Atlanta team mascots, a drum band, cheerleaders and a cooking contest pitting five of Atlanta's finest chefs against one another. Executive Chef Todd Annis of Fifth Group Restaurants/Bold American Events, Chef Robert Bergomosco of Publik Draft House, Executive Chef Ron Eyester of Rosebud, Executive Chef Evan Johnson of Ruth's Chris Steak House and Executive Chef Scott Serpas of Serpas took to the Egg to compete with Serpas emerging as the champion.
     The inaugural Donna H. Myers Leadership Award - sponsored by the Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association and Casual Living - was awarded alongside the chef winner. This year's winner was awarded posthumously to Myers and honored her lifelong dedication to the barbecue and food industries. Accepting on her behalf was her sister Barbara Goodall.
     On day two, the boots-and dancing-required Honky Tonkin' Industry Party featured the LoCash Cowboys, who rocked the night away - Nashville style. The party was sponsored by DuraVent, Kozy Heat, Lennox Hearth Products, Napoleon Fireplace & Grills, SBI - Stove Builder International, Travis Industries and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau. The mile-long bar was sponsored by Weber-Stephen Products LLC.
     The show attracts more than 6,000 specialty and mass market retailers and professionals interested in getting a first look at the indoor-outdoor living innovations that consumers will ask for in the seasons ahead. Nearly 400 exhibitors were on hand to showcase their latest home heating solutions; grills, grilling accessories and fully-equipped outdoor kitchens; casual patio furniture and outdoor accents; water and landscape features; all-weather entertainment products and more.

Barbara Goodall, sister of Donna H. Myers, accepted the Leadership Award named in Myers’ honor on her behalf. Casual Living Publisher Norman Hamilton presented the inaugural trophy.
	John and Heidi Tarquinio enjoy the festivities and the music of the LoCash Cowboys.
AuthenTeak’s Eric Brenner, Cindy Turner and Damon Fogel atop the Glenn Hotel’s SkyLounge. The bar was voted one of the top 23 roof-top bars in the world by ABC.com and served as party venue and showcase for Dale Seiden’s Alfresco Open Air Culinary Solutions.
	The Alfresco party and offsite showroom atop the Glenn Hotel drew a bumper-tobumper crowd of retailers and exhibitors in town for the show.
Saber Grills Rob Schwing shows Tyler Luckino of American Backyard how it’s done.
	Charles Stark and Stephanie Spallino of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau fl ank Weber-Stephen Senior VP of Sales Tom Wenke and Casual Living Publisher Norman Hamilton.
If you forgot your costume, no worries– the HPBA provided props.
	Barbecue bandits of all stripes were on hand for the event’s hoedown-themed throw down.
Lead singer of the LoCash Cowboys Preston Brust serenaded more than a few cowgirls during the Honky Tonkin’ Industry Party.
	The dance fl oor got its share of boot scuffs when the band covered country favorites.