The Hardscape North America (HNA) trade show on Oct. 18-20, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., was the largest hardscape trade show ever.
Fifty-seven new exhibitors and more than 2,400 attendees—hardscape contractors, dealers and retailers—led to a 16 percent increase on the exhibit floor.
The co-location with GIE+EXPO added up to a total of 1,005 outdoor and indoor exhibits, providing HNA exhibitors exposure to over 11,000 landscape and hardscape professionals.
Platinum sponsors were Belgard, Natural Paving USA and Pavestone Company; gold sponsors were Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply and Nicolock and Techniseal; and the silver sponsor was Pathfinder Systems.
HNA is produced by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and is endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and the National Concrete Masonry Association.
Dealer Day
According to HNA, this year’s Dealer Program was designed to accomplish two objectives: overcome the challenges in a dealer’s market in order to grow his company and identify what works and doesn’t work in a dealer’s unique market area.
The program featured economist Alan Beaulieu as the keynote speaker. Following the keynote, participants were invited onto the show floor for Dealer Day, during which, exhibitors and dealers had one-on-one networking time to view and discuss new products.
Pro Education
Hardscape contractors, as well as landscape contractors, were able to choose from eight conference sessions and six live hardscape demonstrations that were approved for ICPI Installer continuing education hours. In addition, seven 20-minute contractor briefings gave attendees the opportunity for quick education breaks throughout Thursday and Friday.
Competition
The HNA Installer Championship attracted much attention in the 20-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area, according to HNA. New this year, five Regional Installer Championships took place in cities throughout the U.S., with the winners advancing to the final competition. In all, 22 teams competed on Thursday and Friday during HNA, and the four highest-scoring teams moved on to Friday’s championship round. Ultimately, CG Paving from Ft. Worth, Texas, emerged as this year’s champion.
Awards
The HNA awards, presented on Oct. 19, drew a record of 149 entries for 16 categories. There were 16 awards presented and 19 honorable mentions.
HNA 2018 will be held Oct. 17-19, at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
