Registration for Hardscape North America (HNA) 2018 is now open.

The event, set for Oct. 17-19, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., will include new show hours, big name speakers, a VIP education pass and more, according to HNA.

New Wednesday format & speakers

The indoor show floor will open exclusively for dealers, retailers and the media at 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Beginning at 3 p.m., the entire industry will be invited to visit the indoor exhibits and enjoy a welcome reception on the show floor from 5 to 7 p.m. The indoor exhibits and outdoor demonstration area will be open Thursday and Friday for all industry members.

Kicking off the show on Wednesday will be keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Ballard, the oceanographer and former U.S. Navy officer who discovered the Titanic wreckage. He will deliver two keynote sessions on Wednesday: for dealers at 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and for contractors at 1:30-3 p.m.

HNA VIP Pass & new live demo format

The new HNA VIP pass gives attendees open access to seven conference sessions and six live hardscape demonstrations. The cost of the pass is $189 for ICPI/NCMA/BIA members or $229 for nonmembers, in addition to trade show admission.

The hardscape demonstrations will also have a new format and presenter this year. Award-winning hardscape consultant Frank Bourque and his team will lead six sessions, teaching contractors how to install hardscapes around pools and water features for long-lasting results. Each one-hour demonstration offers one CE hour for ICPI Certified Installers.

Additional highlights of HNA 2018 include:

• Seven conference sessions, featuring industry hot topics and expert presenters
• The HNA Dealer Network program, starting a day earlier, with a half-day afternoon session on Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency downtown, followed by a Dealer Networking Reception
• HNA Installer Championships, including 24 teams, who will compete over the course of three days. The 2018 champion will receive a prize package valued at approximately $10,000.
• The HNA Hardscape Awards presentation, taking place on Thursday, Oct. 18. Three new categories have been added: natural stone, outdoor living features and vintage installation.
• ICPI and NCMA continuing education pre-show installer courses, taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 16 and 17 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Courses are approved for CE hours for ICPI Certified Installers.
• Three free nights of concerts at the Mercedes-Benz Vans stage at Fourth Street Live: The Crashers on Tuesday, Oct. 16; Colt Ford with opening act Kelleigh Bannen on Wednesday, Oct. 17; and Jana Kramer with opening act Mackenzie Porter on Thursday, Oct. 18.

Early-bird registration is $15 and includes access to over 900 indoor exhibits, the 20-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area and admission to GIE+EXPO. The early bird deadline is Sept. 6, 2018.