Category: Uncategorized

Hardscape North America (HNA) is already seeing strong interest for its 2026 show, with registration opening earlier than ever and attendees signing up at a steady pace. The early response signals growing excitement for what’s ahead as the hardscape industry looks toward another October gathering in Louisville.

After a record-breaking HNA attendance at the 2025 event, professionals from across the industry are wasting no time securing their plans for 2026. Hardscape and landscape contractors, dealers, and designers are responding to the opportunity to reconnect, learn, and see what’s new – all in one place.

“HNA is THE event every year that I make time for,” said Michael Pletz of How to Hardscape. “Whether it is seeing new products, brands, or networking with my favorite people, I will not miss this event.”

That enthusiasm is also reflected on the show floor. Exhibit space is filling quickly as companies commit early to showcasing their products. Attendees can expect a packed exhibit hall featuring new tools, technology and resources to help grow their businesses.

Another highlight returning in 2026 is the HNA Installer Championship. Held in the Hardscape House during the show, the competition brings top crews together for a fast-paced, hands-on challenge. The top four teams take home cash and equipment prizes. Twelve team spots are available, and both competitors and sponsors can sign up now at hardscapena.com/installer-championship.

Education is another key draw, and a full slate of learning opportunities, including classroom sessions, roundtables, installer certification courses, and live demonstrations, will be announced soon. These programs are designed to offer practical takeaways and real-world insight, whether attendees are new to the industry or seasoned professionals.

Why Attend?

For many attendees, the value of HNA lies in the combination of new products, learning, and connection.

“HNA 2025 was my first time to attend the event,” said James Schnepel of Quiet Village Landscaping. “The ability to attend discussions, view demos and then network and gain exposure to every vendor in the industry was a great experience. We will be back!”

“Year after year HNA does not disappoint,” said Robert Dart, The Paver Company. “It is the place to be in October if you are in the hardscape industry. Building new relationships and seeing in person new tools, technology and trends is why we go every year! See you in 2026.”

With registration already underway and strong momentum building, HNA 2026 is shaping up to be another can’t-miss event.

Register to Attend HNA

Registration fees are only $25 through May 31, 2026. Registration at the show is $120.* HNA’s co-location with Equip Exposition offers attendees access to both shows with one badge and more than 1,000 total exhibits, extensive outdoor demo areas, and unmatched networking opportunities. Register today at HardscapeNA.com.

HNA is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and is endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and Natural Stone Institute (NSI).

*Registration for non-exhibiting vendors, manufacturers, suppliers, ad agencies, consultants and media sales is $450.

A total of 12 teams will compete October 23-24 at Hardscape North America (HNA) in Louisville, Kentucky – only one competition spot remains available. In addition, sponsorship opportunities are available for companies eager to support top talent and showcase their brand in front of thousands of hardscape professionals.

The Installer Championship is where the industry’s best crews prove their skill under pressure. Teams of three have just 60 minutes to transform raw materials into intricate paver designs. Every move is judged for precision, creativity, safety, and adherence to industry best practices. With cash and equipment prizes totaling nearly $18,000, the top four teams will take home amazing prize packages.

This year’s lineup includes defending champions Pavers by Porter from Reno, Nevada, as well as the top two teams from the National Collegiate Landscape Competition. The competition begins with preliminary rounds on Thursday, October 23, and the top four teams will advance to the finals on Friday, October 24, where one crew will be crowned the 2025 HNA Installer Champion and have their name added to the distinguished list of contractors engraved on the Taylor Cup.

“This event is an exciting way to showcase the craftsmanship, speed, and strategy of the hardscape industry,” said Robert Bowers, Vice President of Engineering, Hardscapes for the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, which produces HNA. “It’s a must-see competition for attendees and a unique opportunity for sponsors to be part of the action.”

All HNA attendees have access to the Hardscape House where the competition will take place. Spectators gather to cheer on their favorite teams, witness dramatic transformations, and take home fresh inspiration for their own projects.

Ready to compete or sponsor a future team? Visit hardscapena.com/installer-awards for details and sponsorship opportunities.

 Register to Attend HNA
HNA registration fees are only $60 through October 19, 2025. Registration at the show is $120.* HNA’s co-location with Equip Exposition offers attendees access to both shows with one badge and more than 1,100 total exhibits, extensive outdoor demo areas, and unmatched networking opportunities.

Register today at HardscapeNA.com.

HNA is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and is endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and Natural Stone Institute (NSI). Platinum Sponsors: Belgard and Colmet; Gold Sponsors: iQ Power Tools and Nicolock Paving Stones & Retaining Walls; Silver Sponsor: Keystone Hardscapes.

Installer Championship event sponsors include Belgard, How to Hardscape, iQ Power Tools, Pave Tool Innovators, Regency Wire, and Weber MT. Team sponsors include Belgard, iQ Power Tools, Keystone Hardscapes, Lake Landscape & Mason Supplies, Outdoor Living Supply, Permaloc, Scott’s Power Equipment, SHS Distributors, and Whiz-Q Stone.

*Registration for non-exhibiting vendors, manufacturers, suppliers, ad agencies and media sales is $450.

###

Editors’ Note: Click here for downloadable HNA photos and logos.

About Hardscape North America

Hardscape North America (HNA) is THE hardscape show for contractors and dealers/distributors. Its focus is to bring top-notch education including certification courses, products and technology to contractors and installers who build segmental pavements and retaining walls and to provide networking opportunities. HNA features indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state-of-the-art tools and products and trade show floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors. To learn more about HNA, visit HardscapeNA.com or call (888) 580-9960. The show is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association and co-located with Equip Exposition.

About CMHA
The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) is the authority for segmental concrete products and systems, which are the best value and preferred choice for resilient pavement, structures, and living spaces. CMHA promotes the acceptance and use of segmental concrete products and systems in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit MasonryAndHardscapes.org.

Press Contact: Amy Perkins, amy@apcommunicationsllc.com

This year, 192 projects were submitted by more than 80 companies, each one representing countless hours of design, problem-solving, and craftsmanship.

These entries came from across the map, with projects submitted from 32 U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, and two U.S. Territories and Minor Outlying Islands. It’s clear that hardscaping continues to thrive in every corner of North America.

When it comes to categories, the Combination of Hardscape Products – Residential (less than 3,000 sq. ft.) proved to be the most competitive, drawing an impressive 33 entries.

In total, the submitted projects covered more than 2 million square feet of hardscape work—from the largest project at 334,000 square feet to the smallest at just 48 square feet. These numbers show the wide spectrum of hardscaping impact, from intimate backyard spaces that transform a single household to massive commercial installations that reshape entire communities.

To evaluate this diverse group, we’ve assembled a panel of 37 judges who are now reviewing each submission. Their task is not easy. The competition is fierce, and the quality is higher than ever!

All of this leads to the HNA Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 24 during the 2025 Hardscape North America in Louisville, KY.

It’s where these numbers become names, faces, and projects and where the industry gathers to celebrate what’s possible in hardscaping.

Register for HNA today and join us to celebrate!

This marks the 5th consecutive year HNA has sold out, with the show expanding its footprint every year to meet demand. For 2025, indoor exhibit space in both the North Wing and West Wing is fully booked, along with the outdoor Hardscape House – home to live demos, hands-on displays, and the HNA Installer Championship. The sold-out floor will feature more natural stone companies than ever before and 43 new exhibitors showcasing their products for the first time at HNA.

“Selling out for the fifth year in a row is a strong sign of the industry’s momentum and the value in face-to-face connections,” said Bob Thomas, President & CEO of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), which produces HNA. “It also means attendees can expect to see an incredible range of new equipment, cutting-edge technology, and innovative products. On top of that, we’re offering our most robust education lineup yet.”

New and Expanded Education in 2025
HNA 2025 will offer an expanded lineup of educational sessions, covering a wide range of practical topics. The program features a full schedule of timely topics—from hiring and pricing to innovative strategies like utility-integrated hardscapes—designed to help contractors, dealers, and design professionals tackle current challenges and seize new opportunities.

Register Now and Save
Standard registration fees are only $60 through October 19, 2025. HNA’s co-location with Equip Exposition offers attendees access to both shows with one badge and more than 1,100 total exhibits, extensive outdoor demo areas, and unmatched networking opportunities.

Register today at HardscapeNA.com.

HNA is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and is endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and Natural Stone Institute (NSI). Platinum Sponsor: Belgard and Colmet; Gold Sponsors: iQ Power Tools and Nicolock; Silver Sponsor: Keystone Hardscapes.

 *Registration for non-exhibiting vendors, manufacturers, suppliers, ad agencies and media sales is $450.

###

Editors’ Note: Click here for downloadable HNA photos and logos.

About Hardscape North America

Hardscape North America (HNA) is THE hardscape show for contractors and dealers/distributors. Its focus is to bring top-notch education including certification courses, products and technology to contractors and installers who build segmental pavements and retaining walls and to provide networking opportunities. HNA features indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state-of-the-art tools and products and trade show floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors. To learn more about HNA, visit HardscapeNA.com or call (888) 580-9960. The show is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association and co-located with Equip Exposition.

About CMHA
The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) is the authority for segmental concrete products and systems, which are the best value and preferred choice for resilient pavement, structures, and living spaces. CMHA promotes the acceptance and use of segmental concrete products and systems in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit MasonryAndHardscapes.org.

Picture it: teams of three, sleeves rolled up, working with laser focus to execute precise measurements, level the ground, and place pavers into intricate patterns.They have just sixty minutes to create a design that would normally take a day and a half – and judges are watching their every move. 

This isn’t just about laying pavers. It’s an exciting display of skill, strategy, and sync. Every cut, every curve, every corner has to be spot-on. And at the end? It’s not just a design – it’s a declaration of excellence where the top teams take home not only bragging rights but cash and equipment packages totaling nearly $30,000! 

This October 23, 12 elite crews – including the reigning champs from Sparks, Nevada, Pavers by Porter as well as the top three teams from the National Collegiate Landscape Competition  – will hit the gravel for the prelims. Only four will survive to face off in the finals on Friday, where one team will walk away as the 2025 HNA Installer Champion.

Whether you’re in it to win it or just want to witness the action, make your way to the Hardscape House. You’ll leave with fresh ideas, renewed respect for the craft – and maybe even the itch to enter next year.

Spectators come not only to be amazed by the rapid transformation of raw materials into beautiful designs, but also to learn, get inspired, and root for their favorite teams.
Think your team has what it takes? Find the details, schedule, and entry info at hardscapena.com/installer-awards.

They had their best project materials gathered in one place. They gained clarity on how to tell the story behind the build. And they had powerful content they could repurpose for marketing, sales, and team recognition.

Whether you’re submitting for the first time or the fifth, here’s how to turn your entry into something much bigger than an award application:

1. Build Your Portfolio

Your HNA Awards submission is a carefully curated showcase of your work. You’ve gathered high-quality images, written out the project story, and captured what made it special. Why not use that same content for:

·       A new case study on your website

·       A feature in your next client proposal

·       An updated portfolio or pitch deck

You already did the hard work. Now it’s time to let that story sell for you.

2. Fuel Your Social Media Strategy

Posting a project you submitted to the HNA Awards is a great way to show followers, clients, and potential hires what you’re capable of.

Try these content ideas:

·       Project spotlight: Share a before-and-after carousel post

·       Behind-the-scenes: Give a peek into the challenges and craftsmanship that made it special

·       Team shoutout: Celebrate your crew and their work

·       Client testimonial: Use the testimonial you used in your submission to show your impact

·       “Why we submitted”: Talk about what made this project submission-worthy

Feel free to tag the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) or Hardscape North America to show your project off to our network of hardscape pros!

3. Improve Your Messaging

Writing a compelling description for your entry forces you to zoom out and think about your project strategically: What were the client’s goals? What problems did we solve? What made this build different?

That kind of reflection helps you talk about your work with more clarity and confidence in sales conversations. You’ll be more prepared to answer, “Why should we go with you?”—because you’ve already written it out.

4. Recognize and Motivate Your Team

Submitting to the HNA Awards sends a clear message: What we build matters. Even if you don’t win, your team deserves major recognition for getting a project across the finish line and into the national spotlight:

·       Host a team lunch or small celebration

·       Share behind-the-scenes stories on social media or in internal communications and give credit where it’s due

Recognition builds morale and morale builds momentum.

5. Use It to Recruit and Retain Talent

In a competitive labor market, showing that your company invests in quality, innovation, and industry recognition can be a major differentiator.

·       Include HNA nomination news in your job listings or recruitment materials

·       Talk about it in interviews to give candidates a sense of your culture and values

·       Show new hires that excellence is part of your DNA

It sends a clear message: you take pride in what you build and who builds it with you.

6. Gain Valuable Feedback and Start Planning for Next Year

A strong submission—even if it didn’t win—lays the groundwork for future entries. Review judges’ feedback if available, evaluate how your project stacked up, and keep an eye out for standout jobs that could be next year’s winner.

Many companies build on past submissions to return stronger the next year—and walk away with the trophy.

Every time you enter the HNA Awards, you’re investing in your business. You’re building your brand. You’re improving how you present your work. You’re connecting to a national network of professionals who are raising the bar in hardscaping.

Remember that the recognition, visibility, and value of your work doesn’t start—or stop—with an HNA Award.

It starts with the pride you take in your craft. And that’s always worth sharing!

Submit your project today!

When you think about entering the HNA Awards, it’s easy to focus on the obvious perk of recognition. But while bragging rights are great (and well deserved for our winners!), many past participants say the real value of submitting goes far deeper.

Here are five benefits of entering the 2025 HNA Awards that make it worth your time even before the winners are announced:

1. You Build Your Brand—Just by Entering

Even if you don’t walk away with the top prize, submitting your project signals to clients, peers, and industry leaders that you take pride in your work and hold it to the highest standards. Participating in a respected industry competition builds industry awareness, sets your company apart and shows that you’re serious about craftsmanship and professionalism.

Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate name recognition. The more consistently your name appears in these circles, the more likely people will remember it when opportunity knocks.

2. You Create a Portfolio Piece That Works Hard for You

The HNA Awards submission process encourages you to gather great photos, reflect on the project’s design and installation details, and tell a compelling story. That means you walk away with an impressive case study or marketing asset you can use well beyond the awards.

Pro Tip: Your completed entry can easily be adapted for your website, social media channels, client presentations, or even press pitches.

3. You Gain Clarity on What Sets You Apart

Taking time to prepare a thoughtful submission often reveals more than just the steps of a project—it helps clarify your team’s strengths, unique approach, and problem-solving capabilities. That’s valuable intel for growing your business and refining your messaging!

Pro Tip: Use this awards submission process to get a clearer sense of the kinds of work you want to pursue more of in the future.

4. You Inspire (and Get Inspired by) Your Peers

Hardscaping is an ever-evolving industry filled with innovation and unique ideas underscored by technical expertise and best practices. By showcasing your work, you contribute to the larger conversation in the industry. And when the winners are announced, you’ll get to see what’s pushing the field forward in terms of design, materials, and innovation.

Pro Tip: This is a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself.

5. You Strengthen Your Team’s Morale and Pride

Few things feel better than seeing your team’s work recognized on a national stage. But just submitting a project can energize your crew, validate their effort, and give everyone a renewed sense of purpose and pride in what they do every day.

Pro Tip: Involve your team in the submission process. Having them select photos or write about their role in the project can help you tell the most complete story for the judges. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate your shared success!

The 2025 HNA Awards are open for submissions through August 13.

Submit your project (or projects!) today.

Winning isn’t about how many awards you’ve won before. It’s about the quality of your work, your attention to detail, and how well you tell the story behind your specific project.

Here’s how to put your best foot forward even if this is your very first time entering.

1. Choose the Right Category

Before uploading anything, carefully read through the category descriptions. Placing your project in the most appropriate category ensures it’s judged fairly and on the right criteria.

2. Tell a Story

The most compelling entries go beyond the surface. Talk about the client’s goals, the challenges you overcame, the decisions you made, and what the final outcome achieved. Judges want to understand not just what you did, but why it mattered.

3. Diversify Your Images

If you can, show the full arc of your work—before, during, and after construction. It helps judges see the transformation and appreciate your craftsmanship in context.

4. Include a Client Testimonial

There’s nothing more powerful than hearing how your work made an impact. A quote or two from your client adds authenticity and credibility to your entry.

5. Use the Platform to Your Advantage

We’ve made the submission process easy thanks to our user-friendly OpenWater platform. You can start an entry, save your progress, and return later when you’re ready. No need to complete everything in one sitting.

Note: Each project you submit is its own entry (with its own entry fee) and there are no limits to the number of submissions. If you’ve completed more than one standout project this year, give each one the spotlight it deserves!

Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the field for years, the HNA Awards are designed to celebrate excellence across the board.

Don’t underestimate your project and don’t count yourself out. Your work could be exactly what inspires someone else to push the industry forward!

Submit your first entry today.