Hotbels has a long rich history, beginning with the first seminar held in 1977, as a result of the Arab Oil Embargo.  What does Arab Oil Embargo have to do with Hotbels?  Well, the story goes something like this…

The Arab Oil Embargo of 1973 set off an upward spiral in oil prices, diverting demand to natural gas as an alternative to oil.  Natural gas supply became limited and prices skyrocketed.  Oil was still expensive but available so glass producers began to consider moving to oil firing. 

At that time Hotwork represented Laidlaw Drew who specialized in custom fitting oil firing systems to glass furnaces.  Since oil firing was a new concept to many at that time, a young engineer named Phil Ross of Federal Glass in Columbus, Ohio suggested that Hotwork sponsor a seminar on the issue, since Hotwork served much of the glass industry. 

Dick Pont, Technical Director for Laidlaw Drew at the time, agreed to present a four hour seminar on the topic.  It was decided to round out the seminar with a reception, and a visit to the Keeneland racetrack and dinner after the presentation.

That first seminar was so popular that many suggested it be offered every spring, keeping the same format which allowed attendees to mix and mingle with their peers.  And so the Hotwork Seminar concept was born and these annual seminars continued until the early 1990s. 

In 1998, after Hotwork had become a division of the Fosbel group it was decided to resurrect the Hotwork seminar, calling it Hotbels, adding the “bel”  from Fosbel, since it now was a collaborative effort between Fosbel and Hotwork.  Even though Hotwork and Fosbel are independent companies today, they continue to collaborate in the production of the seminar. 

Over the years, Hotbels has grown to a two-day schedule, expanding the agenda to also include 8-10 presentations from glass industry producers and suppliers.  Other recent enhancements include: