Fuel Oil News February 2026 | Page 9

Blossman Gas.
Veteran propane marketers share how they’ re using modern strategies to attract customers, boost equipment sales, and recruit
Scott Prewitt new talent. Moderated by Ben Gutkin of Warm Thoughts Communications, this panel offers real-world examples and practical takeaways. Learn how Kyle Price leading companies are updating their websites, digital ads, and messaging to compete more effectively and drive measurable results in today’ s challenging market.
U. S. Propane Markets – Increased Production and Exports Kristen Holmquist, Managing Director of Analytics, RBN Energy, is the speaker. The supply of propane in the U. S. continues to grow, especially in Texas, driven by production in the Permian Basin. Rig
Kristen Holmquist
counts are down year-on-year, but NGL production has continued to rise. Domestic demand for propane appears to have stagnated, so exports have grown to more than 70 % of the total markets. Will the lack of growth in rigs affect the outlook for propane supply? Are there going to be changes in propane supplied from refineries? How will exports grow in the coming years, and will there be any impact on the domestic market? We will also examine the impact of the U. S./ China tariffs on the propane market.
Driving Safety Forward: Elevating Fleet Operations as a Strategic Safety Asset Erin Gilchrist, founder, Fleet Unfiltered Consulting, will discuss safe fleet operations: It’ s no secret that the propane and gas industry is prone to many safety challenges such as aging infrastructure, transportation hazards, and improper training. Especially when it comes to fleet operations, safety is more than a compliance box: it’ s a pillar of success. This session will spotlight how integrating fleet safety into your
Erin Gilchrist
broader safety and standards program not only mitigates risk but also drives operational efficiency and long-term profitability. Drawing on her decades of experience in fleet management and safety leadership, Erin Gilchrist will explore how propane companies can transform and modernize their fleet programs into proactive safety engines.
The Residential Heating Market – What’ s Ahead for Propane? Speakers will include Alex Beecher, Director of Marketing, R. E. Michel Co / Dealers LP. Propane’ s residential heating market has been threatened by advancements in
Alex Beecher
heat pump technology, decarbonization policy, and a growing electrification narrative in the HVAC industry. What can the propane marketer do to protect the residential heating market? In this session, you will hear from a panel of experts from the HVAC industry and manufacturers of home appliances who will provide an assessment of the policy, technology, and energy preference trends that are impacting residential energy.
• Heat pump data
• Heat pump backup systems data
• Propane gas furnace data
• Heat pump technology improvements
• Electric and propane cost forecast
• Electric supply and demand balance forecast
Fueling Engagement: Creating Social Media Content That Builds Your Brand Speakers will be Alex Young, Senior Category Marketing Specialist, Propane Products, Worthington Enterprises, and Chelsea Uphaus, Director of Marketing, ROUSH CleanTech. In today’ s digital world, having a presence on social media is no
Alex Young longer optional— it’ s essential. Not sure what to post on social media— or where to even start? You’ re not alone. This session will break down how to
Chelsea Uphaus create effective, engaging content tailored for platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Learn how to turn everyday operations, safety messages, customer stories, and product updates into compelling posts that build brand awareness and foster trust. This session will also explore simple, proven ways to market your propane business offline.
• What kinds of content perform best in the propane space
• How to plan and organize a simple content calendar
• Tips for creating engaging photos, videos, and captions
• Tools and resources for small teams with limited time
• How to get started with basic advertising efforts
• Offline marketing ideas: open houses, event sponsorships, community outreach
• Best practices for creating flyers, brochures, and signage that support your brand
You Paid 100 % for Your Software – Why Are You Only Using 25 %? Your software is one of your most significant investments— but most companies are only scratching the surface of what their BOS( Back Office System) can do. This panel introduces the core principles of Enterprise Data Management( EDM) and explores how propane and fuel marketers can unlock real financial performance through the more innovative use of data, effective pricing strategies, operational efficiency, and enhanced team performance. l FON
www. fueloilnews. com | FUEL OIL NEWS | FEBRUARY 2026 9