Join us for our annual AGM & Conference!

Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre | Wednesday, June 25 to Friday, June 27, 2025!

REGISTER NOW

Why Attend?

Cutting-edge Presentations: Gain awareness and knowledge from industry experts, attend educational seminars, and participate in a full-day, hands-on pellet stove troubleshooting workshop.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals, insurers, and manufacturers shaping the future of solid fuel burning.
Exhibition Hall: Explore the latest products and services in solid-fuel-burning technology from leading suppliers and manufacturers.
Collaboration: Engage in discussions on pressing issues and challenges to determine effective solutions.

What's Included?

Access to all conference sessions of your choosing
Continental breakfast on Thursday & Friday morning
Thursday Lunch
Complimentary coffee, tea, and water during networking breaks

Optional Activities (not included)

Wednesday, June 25th - Formal WETT Pellet Heating Technology Course (PEC). Seating is limited. Registration and costs for this course are not included with the AGM & Conference. Click here for more information.
Friday, June 27th - Okanagan Winery Tour scheduled for the afternoon and early evening. Pre-registration and payment for the winery tour must be made separately.

Agenda

Schedule shown is tentative. Information will be updated as it becomes available. Please check back often for updates.

Download the PDF

**Scroll down the page to see more information on events, instructors, and guest speakers.

Opening Keynote

Session speakers

Alan Murphy (June 26)

Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) is proud to have Alan Murphy, President of Blaze King Industries and Valley Comfort Systems, deliver the keynote address at our annual AGM & Conference, discussing how to navigate changing times and maintain foundational industry practices.

For the last 14 years, he has served as President of Blaze King Industries and Valley Comfort Systems. In his 30 years within the hearth Industry, he has had a major influence on all aspects of the business from product design to fostering great relationships through progressive leadership. He has also served in various roles at the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC), including a term as a Chairman.

Bob Ferrari (June 26)

For decades, military forces, pilots, and medical surgeons have been using simulation technology with impressive results — this technology has now reached the tradesman level. Bob Ferrari, Director of Education for the National Chimney Sweep Guild, will be showing this technology to the conference attendees and give them a chance to try it for themselves. 

For 38 years, Bob owned a chimney sweep business in California with two locations, and a hearth store, which he sold in 2021. He has an extensive mountaineering background and has climbed some of the world's tallest peaks, including Mt. Denali and Mt. Ararat. These adventurous experiences helped him develop the NCSG's Competent Person Roped Roof Access and Fall Protection Courses, which supported the improvement of safety standards for chimney sweeps in the United States.

Kim Smith (June 26)

Being properly insured is crucial for individuals and businesses as it provides a financial safety net against unexpected losses and liabilities. In her session, Kim Smith, Senior Producer of Commercial Lines for HUB International, will be covering various topics, including: financial, asset and liability protection, business success, claims, and the importance of peace of mind.

Kim has 20+ years’ experience, specializing in Professional Liability and Commercial General Liability. Licensed in all provinces except Quebec, she has managed a large successful program for Home Inspectors since 2007. She also recently launched an exclusive program for our members with the goal of providing cost-effective coverages that meet their needs.

Zigi Gadomski (June 26 & 27)

Zigi is a F.I.R.E certified, trades-qualified millwright and welder with over 40 years of industry experience. He has served on the board of WETBC since 1988, as well as the WETT National board since 1994. He has also been the WETBC president for a number of years and serves on multiple WETT committees, as well as the Board of Governors of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation.

He has also held numerous roles in other organizations, including: Director of the Western Hearth Products Association (WHPA), chairperson of the CSA B365 and B366 committees, and subject matter expert (SME) with the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) and the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)

Through WETBC, Zigi has worked with government and partner agencies in providing “Burn it Smart” workshops to communities in British Columbia, Alberta, Northwest Territories, Washington and Oregon since 1998.

Interactive Learning Opportunities

WETT Pellet Course (June 25)

Join us for an in-class Pellet Heating Technology Course on Wednesday, June 25!

Participants will get instruction on the operational features & controls for pellet appliances, related code requirements, general installation applications and inspection issues. Guidance will also be offered on vent sizing & vent system configuration along with best-practice advice on when & where to use sealant with joints.

This workshop will be led by industry leader and expert George LeBlanc, who has trained countless professionals through his engaging and hands-on approach, including delivering the renowned seminar "Professional Service is Profitable" throughout Canada and the U.S. His extensive knowledge, particularly in pellet stove installations, ensures that attendees leave his sessions equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive.

This session will help ensure you have the education and confidence to succeed, develop a logical approach to working with pellet stoves, increase your value and expertise, and gain a competitive edge in the industry.

Advance registration & pre-payment is required to attend this session as seating is limited.

Click here to register: WETT - Pellet Heating Technology

George LeBlanc

For over four decades, George has been a driving force in the hearth industry, leading operations and installation training with unmatched expertise and passion. His journey began in 1982 at the ground level—as a chimney sweep and sales associate—before rising to become General Manager of Maritime Fireplaces, one of Canada’s most successful hearth retailers.

Leading a team of 27 employees, his career is marked by excellence, leadership, and a commitment to education. His dedication to education and professional development has made him a recognized resource across Canada and the United States, shaping the next generation of industry professionals.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, George is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing.

Pellet Stove Troubleshooting Workshop (June 26)

Join us for a hands-on trouble-shooting workshop on Thursday, June 26.

Those who attend will receive an overview of the firing sequence for pellet appliances, as well as the function and purpose of common safety controls. There will also be discussions on common installation pitfalls, factory-approved troubleshooting techniques, and the impact of maintenance neglect and fuel-quality concerns.

This workshop will be led by two expert instructors: Jason Cramer and Roland Patrick.

Bonus? Attendance is included with paid admission to the Conference!

Roland Patrick is the Senior Customer Service Technical Advisor at Concorde Distributing, a leading supplier of high quality hearth & barbecue products based in Abbotsford, BC.

He has extensive experience with over 35-years of experience in the hearth industry, and will be offering factory-endorsed training on Enviro pellet stoves and fireplace inserts.

Jason Cramer began installing & servicing pellet stoves at an early age. By 20, he was already conducting factory-training seminars on behalf of Harman and Quadrafire. Jason is WETT-Certified as both a Pellet Appliance Advisor & Technician.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for both WETT National and WETBC. He is also the General Manager at Mr. Fireplace in Calgary, Alberta.

Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunity

Becoming a sponsor and/or exhibitor will provide you with a platform before and during the show to showcase your company’s products and enhance your visibility to our audience of industry professionals.

Interested? Please fill out our application form and send it to conference@wettinc.ca.

Consult our 2025 Prospectus

Plan Your Travel

Accommodation

Book your stay at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre with our preferred conference rate.

Each guest must make their reservation by calling 1-800-663-9400 or emailing lakeside@rpbhotels.com and identifying themselves as members of the WETT AGM & Conference to receive the preferred guestroom rate. Bookings are not guaranteed and based on room availability at the time of reservation. All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card.

Additional rooms are available from June 25 – June 28. To book our preferred rate, please call 1-800-986-1909 or email sales@roadsidehospitality.com and mention which hotel you would like to book and specify that it is for the WETT Event.

Spanish Villa on Okanagan Beach https://spanishvillamotel.com/
Tiki Shores Inn & Suites https://www.tikishores.com/
Shoreline Condo Resort https://shorelineresort.ca/

Partner Airlines

If you are travelling with West Jet, take advantage of our conference code promo 7Z1B3AN.

Applicable Rules

The booking is to be made to the following city: Penticton, YFF (CA).

No discount will apply to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings.

If travelling with Air Canada, take advantage of our conference code promo U6JW8231

Applicable Rules

The booking is to be made to the following city: Kelowna, YLW (CA).
Please note: Kelowna is one hour north of Penticton.

Getting Around

Car rentals are available on-site at the Penticton Regional Airport with Budget Car Rental.

Taxi, shuttle and ride sharing (Uride) services can also accommodate almost any special request.

For more details on others available transportations, click here.

Things to do in Penticton

Penticton is a  iconic destination with deep roots of agriculture, craft and Indigenous culture and outdoor recreation.

From beaches and lakes and the channel float, markets and orchards, and an incredible culinary scene, to arts and culture, family fun, cycling and mountain biking, and limitless outdoor recreation opportunities. But also, craft breweries, distilleries and cideries and over 80 nearby wineries. Penticton is one of the best places to visit in BC.

Arriving early? Visit the Peach City Beach Cruise. Staying in town late? Check out the Penticton Elvis Festival, Canada’s largest and longest running Elvis Festival!

Click here to discover more things to do during your stay.