Show organizers for Hardscape North America released the schedule of Conference Sessions to be held during the 2018 Hardscape North America (HNA).
A new VIP PASS will give attendees access to all conference sessions, as well as the six hardscape demonstrations, for a 50 percent discount.
Each conference session lasts an hour and 15 minutes and is approved for Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) installer continuing education hours. Topics will include a wide range of profit-boosting, crew management and how-to tips from recognized industry experts.
“The Conference Sessions are where contractors can learn about hot industry topics and pick up innovative ideas to help grow their businesses,” said Charles McGrath, executive director of the ICPI. “We have a dynamic lineup of presenters.”
The cost for the VIP Pass—access to all seven sessions and the six hardscape demonstrations—is $189 for members and $229 for non-members. A la carte tickets for the conference program are $50 per session.
Conference sessions include:
Wednesday, Oct. 17
Pitfalls and reasons why most hardscape contractors are not more profitable
4 – 5:15 p.m.
Attendees will learn how to avoid the most common mistakes hardscape contractors encounter.
Presenter: Monroe Porter
Thursday, Oct. 18
Production management and crew motivation on the hardscape job site
8 – 9:15 a.m.
Learn how to create uniformity between projects, including the procedures, skills, production methods and crew motivation tips that will bring your projects to a higher standard of quality, increased efficiency and optimal customer satisfaction.
Presenter: Frank Gandora
Estimating projects with confidence and profit
10 – 11:15 a.m.
This seminar will demonstrate the importance of an estimating strategy and show how to develop and implement the strategy to become more profitable and get a better return for your effort.
Presenter: Jerry Gaeta
Using a dashboard to steer your hardscape company on the right path
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Learn how to create an executive dashboard and explore Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to help keep you on a course for profitability.
Presenter: Leslie Shiner
Friday, Oct. 19
How to design, sell & build outdoor kitchens and living spaces
8 – 9:15 a.m.
A discussion that will include design ideas and specifications to help you create the perfect kitchen surrounded by an outdoor living space.
Presenter: Jeff Rak
Super-sizing your sales through upselling
10 – 11:15 a.m.
Attendees will learn firsthand how upselling will increase profits while adding value to customers.
Presenter: Gary Ross
Smart prospecting, simplified
1 – 2:15 p.m.
Learn how to develop a message that will grab your prospect’s attention, identify your target market and the issues they’re facing, discover the amount of touches it takes to close the sale and why the proper follow up is important. Attendees will learn to identify the importance of pitching less and probing more.
Presenter: Gary Ross
HNA 2018 early-bird registration is available for $15 until Sept. 6. HNA registration includes access to both HNA and GIE+EXPO indoor exhibits, access to the 20-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area, entrance to the HNA Hardscape Project Awards Presentation on Oct. 18 and three free concerts at Fourth Street Live.
