Category: Uncategorized

Unmatched Access to New Products & Technology, Hands-on Demonstrations and Fun

On the show floor, attendees will find more than 60 companies that didn’t exhibit at HNA last year – all ready to showcase their latest innovations. Natural stone providers will be well represented with 15 companies in the new Natural Stone Pavilion and another 15+ throughout the show. Outdoors, attendees can get hands-on with a wide variety of products from installation equipment and sealers to fire pits and pools.

The West Wing expansion brings space not only for more exhibitors, but exciting features to enhance the HNA experience:

• The inaugural HNA Cornhole Tournament promises friendly competition Wednesday and Thursday with daily winners taking home cash prizes. Teams of two can sign up when registering for the show or by visiting their registration dashboard.
• Free made-to-order HNA t-shirts will be available at the Halstead Media booth in the West Wing (one per person, while supplies last).
• Daily West Wing Giveaways will offer prizes ranging from drones and RTIC coolers to gift cards.
• Also in the West Wing, attendees will find the popular Drone Zone, golf simulators, New Product Showcase and more.

 “If you’re a hardscaper, landscaper or dealer who has ever thought about attending HNA, this is the year,” said Bob Thomas, President & CEO of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), which produces HNA. “The energy is high as a record number of exhibitors prepare to showcase their new products. Many have also stepped up to sponsor new and returning features that will make the trip to Louisville a worthwhile and memorable experience.”

HNA Registration

Registration to attend HNA is available for $50* (fees increase October 16) and includes access to the co-located Equip Exposition, adding landscape tools and power equipment to the mix – both indoors and in the 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard. For more details about all that’s included or to register, visit HardscapeNA.com.

HNA Sponsors
HNA’s 2023 Platinum Sponsors are Belgard Hardscapes, Colmet, Halstead Media and Keystone Hardscapes. Gold Sponsors are Nicolock Paving Stones & Retaining Walls and Unilock. HNA is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and the Natural Stone Institute (NSI).
 
*Registration for manufacturers, manufacturer sales reps, suppliers, ad agencies and media sales: $450 

###

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 also to provide networking opportunities. HNA features indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state-of-the-art tools and products and tradeshow floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors. To learn more about HNA, visit HardscapeNA.com or call (888) 580-9960.

About CMHA

ICPI-NCMA is now the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA). 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.

The HNA Awards has multiple categories for residential and commercial projects to select from including:

• Clay Brick (including Permeable)
• Concrete Paver (including Permeable)
• Segmental Retaining Walls
• Combination of Hardscape Products
• Porcelain
• Natural Stone
• Outdoor Living Features
• Vintage Installation

Whether your project(s) best fits into one category or multiple, you’re not limited to only one submission. As long as the projects meet the HNA Awards submission requirements, we encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity to enter your best projects with us! Do you have colleagues with fantastic projects under their belts? Be sure to share this message and have them make a submission, as well. YOUR project could be the next awarded winner!

Learn more about how to get your project(s) to stand out to the HNA Awards judges and be sure to get your entries in by September 1!

As you work on your application(s) for the 2023 HNA Awards, we want to help your project(s) stand out to the judges who will be reviewing submissions. There are TWO things that you can do to help ensure your application pops:

1. Provide a detailed description of your project
2. Share 6 high-resolution photos that highlight the specifics of your project

Descriptions matter. Verbally illustrate the details that went into the project from start to finish including the goals of your client, what went into the design aspect and selection process of materials used, color choices, inspiration, and reactions of the completed design. All of these aspects, and more, are valuable to the judges reviewing your application.

Photos that capture detailed elements and the thoughtfulness that went into the build can magnify attention to your project. You’ve prepared an elaborate description, now align the details you shared with a visual representation for the judges to see.

Don’t delay and get your project(s) in by September 1!

Did you know that if you’re a member of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, the Brick Industry Association, and/or the Natural Stone Institute, you get a discount submission fee to the HNA Awards?

That’s right! If you have one or more projects that you would like to submit to the HNA Awards, we want you to know your valued membership with any of these organizations provides you with a discounted rate when making your submission.

Entry Fees

• Members (CMHA, BIA, and NSI): $200
• Non-members: $240

Be sure to check your membership status with these organizations to apply discounted rates!

Don’t delay and get your project(s) in by September 1!

Here are 3 things to know to help you prepare for your application:

1. Project details

Details matter. A lot goes into your project from conceptualizing the design, selection of materials, inspiration, and overall construction. We want to hear all the in-depth details that went into it including the team that helped make it all happen.

What we need:

• Square footage
• Project location
• Main product manufacturer
• Project designer
• A detailed project description

2. Six Photos

There’s nothing better than documented imagery showcasing all the elements of your project. We know you and your clients are proud of the completed work and we want you to share every angle and detail with us!

What we need:

• A combination of 6 photos that meet judging criteria
• Overall design
• Construction and craftsmanship
• Construction innovation
• Materials and systems
• Overall excellence
• Any additional aspect of the project to feature

All images must be in high resolution with a minimum of 300 dpi and no larger than 10GB to upload successfully.

3. Good to go!

Preparing in advance leads to a quick and easy submission process and will take less than 10 minutes from start to finish. It’s that simple!

Get your project(s) in by September 1!

Award winners will be recognized during the Hardscape North America trade show, October 18-20 in Louisville, KY. The HNA Awards Ceremony will take place at the Kentucky Exposition Center on October 19. Winners and honorable mention recipients will be featured on the HNA website and in several industry publications. Eligible projects include residential and commercial projects in the following categories:

• Clay Brick
• Clay Brick – Permeable
• Concrete Paver
• Concrete Paver – Permeable
• Segmental Retaining Walls
• Combination of Hardscape Products
• Porcelain Paver
• Natural Stone
• Outdoor Living Features
• Vintage Installation

“The HNA Awards program is not merely a recognition of excellence in hardscape design; it is the transformative catalyst that propels winners to new heights,” said Robert Thomas, president and CEO of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association. “Annually, the program showcases the ‘best of the best’ in our industry, including creativity, innovation and expertise. I can’t wait to see all the exceptional projects submitted this year!”

All entries, except the Vintage Installation category, must have been completed between November 1, 2019, and June 30, 2023. Vintage installation entries must have been installed before 2013. Projects are juried by industry experts for their excellence in design, craftsmanship, construction, and compatibility. The entry deadline is September 1, 2023.

The HNA Awards are produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and the Natural Stone Institute (NSI). Sponsors for the HNA Awards include iQ Power Tools, Keystone Hardscapes, and Regions Enerbank.

Learn more about the 2022 HNA Awards Winners and Honorable Mention Recipients.

VIP Pass Gives Open Access to Education

New additions to the lineup this year include two natural stone education panel sessions: Ask the Natural Stone Experts and Tips for Sourcing Natural Stone & How to Make More Money. Also new, the Concrete Paver Installer Course will be only one day, Tuesday, October 17, and it will be offered in both Spanish and English.

An all-inclusive VIP Pass includes 10 education sessions, six hardscape demos and two hardscape workshops for a more than 50% discount compared to purchasing individual sessions. The cost for the VIP Pass is $249 or $209 for CMHA/BIA/NSI members.

Attendees find great value in the VIP Pass. “It was definitely a great learning and networking opportunity. I found the VIP package super beneficial. The classroom style learning was great and super interesting. I took a deeper look into my own budget and pricing program,” said Jenni Selby of Selby’s Landscaping LLC in Columbus, OH after HNA 2022.

Education Sessions

The 10 Education Sessions on Wednesday and Thursday cover hot industry topics that are applicable for all hardscape and landscape professionals, including:

• Financial Master Class for Landscape & Hardscape Businesses, Frank Bourque
• Why Walls Fail: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Bill Gardocki 
• Tips for Sourcing Natural Stone & How to Make More Money, Panelists: Reid Kubesh, Patrick Wells, JP Acosta, and Greg Osterhout
• The Economy is Changing, Are You Ready? Frank Bourque
• Concrete Paver Installation Efficiencies, Bill Gardocki
• Ask the Natural Stone Experts, Panelists: Greg Osterhout, Jim Hieb, Eric Chaloux, and Daniel Wood
• Selling with an Echo. How Steady is Your Marketing Drumbeat? Gary Ross
• 8 Essential Elements of Sales Effectiveness, Randy Anderson
• Transform Your Hardscape Business into an Outdoor Living Business, Joe Raboine
• Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in a Struggling Labor Force, Sam Gembel

A la carte tickets for the Education Sessions are $85 per session.

Hardscape Demos

Patrick Murray and Kenneth Deemer, along with their team from Local Roots Landscaping, will return to lead six demos on the newest installation techniques and best practices for companies that want to be on the leading edge. The demos, held Wednesday, Thursday and Friday outside in the Hardscape House, will highlight:

• Segmental Retaining Walls
• Paver Installations
• Hardscape Toolbox – What’s in Your Trailer?
• New Products and Ideas – The Movers & Shakers
• Water and Fire Features
• Outdoor Kitchens and Other Enhancements

An $85 registration upgrade includes all six sessions.

Hardscape Workshops

Two hardscape workshops on Thursday, October 19, offer the opportunity to learn insider tips and tricks from respected industry veterans:

• Estimating Hardscape Projects with Confidence, Donny Duke
• Secrets of Production Management and Crew Motivation for the Hardscape Jobsite, Frank Gandora

A la carte tickets for the workshops are $85 per session.

HNA 2023

Early-bird registration for the tradeshow is available for $25* (fees increase after Thursday, September 7). Registration provides access to both HNA and Equip Exposition tradeshows including their indoor exhibits, newly expanded West Wing, access to the Hardscape House and 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard.  It also includes the Wednesday keynote, the opportunity to watch the HNA Installer Championship competition in the Hardscape House and the HNA Hardscape Project Awards Recognition & Ceremony, as well as two nights of free concerts, a welcome party and free parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

For complete education schedules or to register, visit HardscapeNA.com.

HNA Sponsors

The 2023 Platinum Sponsors are Belgard Hardscapes and Keystone Hardscapes. Gold Sponsors are Nicolock Paving Stones & Retaining Walls and Unilock. HNA is produced by the Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and the Natural Stone Institute.

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

###

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 also to provide networking opportunities. HNA features indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state-of-the-art tools and products and tradeshow floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors. Hardscape North America is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscape Association and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and Natural Stone Institute. To learn more about HNA, visit HardscapeNA.com or call (888) 580-9960.

About CMHA

ICPI-NCMA is now the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA). 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. 

A Jam-Packed Exhibit Hall and Enhanced Attendee Experiences Make This a Can’t-Miss Year

Hardscape contractors and dealers, landscape professionals, design professionals and industry students and professors can register at HardscapeNA.com for the $25 early bird rate through Sept. 7.

“HNA is THE place to see products related to every part of this phenomenal trend called ‘outdoor living.’  Where else can you see so many products in one place? The networking is a draw as well. Our industry is filled with amazing people, and this is the best place to meet up with them,” said 2022 attendee Jeremy Martin of Willow Gates Landscaping in Mohnton, PA.

New and returning features at HNA:

• Hardscape House and Outdoor Demonstration Yard allow attendees to learn from live demos, watch the Installer Championships and get behind the controls of equipment.
• By popular demand, the annual HNA Installer Championship will increase the number of teams from 12 to 18.
• The opening keynote will feature Arctic explorer Ben Saunders.
• A Tuesday evening welcome reception at the downtown KICC, will provide free food, drinks and music by the Crashers.
• Education sessions and installer courses offer certification, business skills and marketing tools. New on the lineup this year are two natural stone education sessions: Ask the Natural Stone Experts and Tips for Sourcing Natural Stone & How to Make More Money.
• In the Drone Zone, attendees can test their ability on a flight simulator, and then fly a drone with an expert trainer in the new West Wing exhibit area.
• The Unilock Coffee Stop offers free coffee for attendees.

New this year, attendees are invited to a free arena concert featuring Third Eye Blind and opener Dylan Scott at the KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville on Thursday evening.

Access to the co-located Equip Exposition is included with HNA registration. For information, call (888) 580-9960 or visit HardscapeNA.com. 

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

###

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 also to provide networking opportunities. HNA features indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state-of-the-art tools and products and tradeshow floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors. Hardscape North America is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscape Association and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and Natural Stone Institute. To learn more about HNA, visit HardscapeNA.com or call (888) 580-9960.

About CMHA

ICPI-NCMA is now the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA). 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.

Waitlisted Companies Can Reserve Space in the West Wing for 2023

“With every inch of space sold six months ahead of the show, we have companies waiting in line to exhibit,” said Robert Thomas, President & CEO of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), which produces HNA. “As our industry and the show continue to grow, our goal is to offer all companies an opportunity to have a presence. If you have products for hardscapers and landscapers, we want you to be here – where your buyers are – at the hardscape industry’s largest event.”

The West Wing is directly connected to the HNA exhibits by Freedom Hall, which is the location of popular features such as the co-located Equip Expo’s Mutt Madness and in-tree arborist demos. Equip will also be expanding its exhibit space into the West Wing, along with other features, including the Drone Zone and lounge areas.

To learn more about exhibiting at HNA, call Cheryl Kessler at (888) 580-9960 or visit www.hardscapena.com/home-exhibitors.

###

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 also to provide networking opportunities. HNA features indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state-of-the-art tools and products and tradeshow floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors. Hardscape North America is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscape Association and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and Natural Stone Institute. To learn more about HNA, visit HardscapeNA.com or call (888) 580-9960.

About CMHA

ICPI-NCMA is now the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA). 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.

HNA, Combined with Equip Expo, Draws Record Numbers to Louisville, KY

Together, HNA and Equip offered nearly 1,000 exhibits, indoors and out. Both show floors were sold out with 186 HNA exhibitors accounting for 51,100 net square feet in the North Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center. In addition, many exhibitors offered hands-on opportunities in the Hardscape House, a 42,000-sq.-ft. pavilion adjacent to the 30-acre Outdoor Demonstration Yard.

The tradeshow floor buzzed as attendees explored new products, tested equipment and made connections with exhibitors.

“We have been very happy and honestly had so many leads after the first day, that we could have left then and called it a success,” said Tyler Sinclair, Redwood Plastics and Rubber, which showcased the company’s Dynamex™ Rise-It Paver Pedestal System.

John Michael Stewart of Stewart Land Designs brought his team from Texas. “The level of technology changes every year, so we enjoy coming to this show to see what’s new in the industry,” he said. “We also come for the networking and to attend some of the education classes, both of which help us do our jobs better.”

“The success of HNA is a testament to our industry’s continued growth as well as ICPI-NCMA’s commitment to bringing the industry together to see the latest in tools, equipment, and products,” said Bob Thomas, ICPI-NCMA president and CEO. “No other event this year showcased so many solutions devoted to the hardscape industry.”

Education at HNA

With education opportunities spanning Tuesday, Oct. 18 – Friday, Oct. 21, attendees were ready to learn about the latest technology, installation techniques and business-building strategies. Many of the sessions were approved for continuing education hours.

• Former professional golfer and broadcaster David Feherty packed the room for Wednesday’s HNA Keynote. This session was included with HNA tradeshow registration.
• 110 attendees participated in the Pre-Show ICPI-NCMA Installer Courses, which were held Tuesday and Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown.
• Contractors and dealers were able to choose from 10 education sessions that focused on marketing and sales, recruiting top talent, increasing efficiency and more.
• First-time presenters from Local Roots Landscaping, led six Hardscape Demos on the latest installation techniques.
• 361 contractors and dealers purchased a VIP Pass, which gave them access to all 10 of the education sessions, the six Hardscape Demos and two hardscape workshops for up to a 50% discount.

HNA Competitions

The HNA Installer Championship attracted much attention in the Hardscape House, and the stakes were high with the total prize value exceeding $33,500. Twelve teams competed in the preliminary rounds on Thursday, with the top 4 teams advancing to the final competition on Friday. New this year, each team was sponsored by a hardscape industry organization.

First Place: Shovel & Thumb, sponsored by Belgard – Central Premix
Second Place: Green Ridge Landscaping, sponsored by Fortress Edge Restraints
Third Place: Epic Pavers, sponsored by TX Regional Championship
Fourth Place: Clearwater Summit Group, sponsored by Mutual Materials

The HNA Awards highlight outstanding hardscape projects in the U.S. and Canada and drew a record number of 204 entries. During the awards ceremony on Oct. 20, winners and honorable mention recipients were recognized in 18 categories. The list of winning entries is available at https://www.hardscapena.com/news/2022-hna-awards-winners-and-honorable-mention-recipients-announced.

HNA Sponsors

The 2022 Platinum Sponsors are Belgard Hardscapes, Colmet LLC and Keystone Hardscapes. Gold Sponsors are FORTRESS Engineered Edge Restraints, Nicolock Paving Stones & Retaining Walls, POLYCOR, Probst Inc. and Unilock. The Silver Sponsor is RUBI GROUP. HNA is produced by the ICPI-NCMA and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and the Natural Stone Institute.

HNA 2023 will be held Oct. 18-20 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Details will be available online at www.HardscapeNA.com. For information: (888) 580-9960 or info@hardscapena.com.