Organizers of the largest trade show serving segmental retaining wall unit and concrete or clay paver producers and their customers, Hardscape North America (HNA), have opened registration for the Kentucky Exposition Center gathering, October 16-18 in Louisville, and announced new indoor and outdoor exhibit/demonstration hours, keynote speakers and VIP education pass offerings.
The show floor will be available exclusively for dealers, distributors and retailers on Wednesday, October 16 at 11 a.m. Doors will open for all attendees beginning at 3 p.m., with welcome reception through 7 p.m.; Thursday indoor and outdoor exhibit hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; and, Friday the indoor exhibits will be open 8 a.m.–2 p.m., and outdoor exhibits 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
New this year, HNA’s outdoor area will be in Hardscape House, a 42,000-sq.-ft. pavilion under roof and adjacent to the 20-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area. The Hardscape House will include demonstrations by award-winning hardscape consultant Frank Bourque and his team; HNA 2019 National Installer Championship activities; and, exhibitor displays for hands-on operation.
Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman will present the HNA opening keynote, “Never Fly Solo,” Wednesday at 2 p.m. A highly decorated fighter pilot with over 65 combat missions, he will deliver a valuable message about building high-performance teams. At 9:30 a.m. Friday, attendees will hear from economist Brian Beaulieu. His keynote, “More Growth – More People – More Business,” will provide insights on the state of the economy and how it relates to our industry to help attendees plan their businesses for the future.
Contractor or dealer attendees interested in the education program can save by purchasing HNA VIP Passes, which offer a 50 percent discount versus individual session registration purchases. The contractor pass provides open access to seven conference sessions and six hardscape demonstrations. The dealer pass provides open access to three dealer sessions, the dealer networking breakfast and six hardscape demonstrations. The cost of the passes is $229 and $189 for ICPI/NCMA/BIA members in addition to trade show admission.
Additional highlights of HNA 2019 include seven conference sessions covering such topics as workforce development, growing your business with tech tools, and how to approach women customers and provide solution-based hardscape projects. A new, in-depth business management session by industry expert Jerry Gaeta will address the five fundamentals of owning and operating a successful hardscape business: developing a business plan, financial management, estimating, project scheduling and resource management.
The HNA Dealer Education programs will be spread throughout Wednesday and Thursday, kicking off with a networking breakfast and featuring three sessions covering how to be a successful, competitive leader; customer service touchpoints; and, expanding volume by upselling.
Top hardscape contractors will compete in the Hardscape North America Installer Championships. Twenty-four teams, including the seven winners from the regional championships, will compete over the course of two days. The 2019 champion will receive a prize package valued at over $10,000. The HNA Hardscape Awards Presentation will take place on Thursday, October 17 and is open to all attendees (note sidebar). Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute and National Concrete Masonry Association continuing education Pre-Show Installer Courses will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 15-16, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Louisville, and are approved for CE Hours for ICPI Certified Concrete Paver Installers. — www.HardscapeNA.com
ICPI ISSUES CALL FOR 2019 HARDSCAPE AWARDS PROGRAM ENTRIES
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| 2018 Concrete Paver – Commercial (more than 15,000 sq. ft.) winner: Southlands Mall, Aurora, Colo.; producer, Keystone Hardscapes; contractor, Continental Hardscape Systems LLC. |