Outlining a technology plan for the Propane Expo

In many ways, this year’s National Propane Gas Association Southeastern & International Propane Expo reflects the continuing evolution of our industry.

Around 40 of this year’s exhibitors – about 20 percent – feature a software or technology-enhanced solution. With so many offerings on display, it’s an easy and efficient way to explore what’s available and figure out whether it fits into your business or operational model.

I plan to pressure test our current technology ecosystem. Working with the exhibitor’s list, I’ve identified the exhibitors who offer technology or software solutions, particularly the booths that are relevant to our current operations. Time permitting, I’ll take a look at each exhibitor’s products and services and try to imagine how their tools might integrate with or replace my existing systems. For instance, if a booth offers advanced dispatching software, would its features – such as real-time tracking, route optimization or digital invoicing – streamline our current operations?

I’m also looking forward to conversations with fellow propane marketers. While exploring the booths, I want to find out what interests others most about the technology solutions they are evaluating. These conversations usually provide valuable insights into propane industry trends and help me understand the practical applications of these products from a different (and often better) perspective.

I’m especially going to make sure I visit the booths of the solutions we currently use. It’s a chance to see how my current vendors have evolved and what new functionalities they might offer. It goes without saying that I’ll visit competitor booths to make some side-by-side comparisons. I want to learn about the latest updates and integration capabilities to see if they might drive additional operational efficiencies.

By the end of the convention, I want to leave with a better understanding of the propane industry technology landscape. Pressure testing our current technology solutions against the latest innovations will highlight potential areas for improvement and enable us to make more informed decisions about future technology investments. I also want to leave the convention with a few new ideas from other propane marketers on how to use technology to improve our customer experience and drive better retention.

The Southeastern & International Propane Expo is more than just an exhibition; it’s an opportunity to learn, network, innovate and hit your 10,000 daily step goal.

So, plan your visit, and make sure you bring your walking shoes and thinking cap.

To view the full exhibitor’s list, visit the NPGA Expo’s website.

Christopher Caywood is a co-owner of Caywood Propane Gas Inc. Contact him at chris@caywoodpropane.com.