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The prelim rounds of competition wrap up with the remaining 4 elite teams going head-to-head in a high-pressure, 60-minute timed challenge—each working from the same detailed drawing. Precision, speed, and skill will be put to the ultimate test!

Come cheer on your favorite teams, experience the excitement up close, and pick up valuable installation techniques you can use yourself.

Don’t miss the action—this is where the best installers prove their craft!

The competition continues with the 5th-8th (of 12) elite teams going head-to-head in a high-pressure, 60-minute timed challenge—each working from the same detailed drawing. Precision, speed, and skill will be put to the ultimate test!

Come cheer on your favorite teams, experience the excitement up close, and pick up valuable installation techniques you can use yourself.

Don’t miss the action—this is where the best installers prove their craft!

The competition kicks off as the first 4 of 12 elite teams go head-to-head in a high-pressure, 60-minute timed challenge—each working from the same detailed drawing. Precision, speed, and skill will be put to the ultimate test!

Come cheer on your favorite teams, experience the excitement up close, and pick up valuable installation techniques you can use yourself.

Don’t miss the action—this is where the best installers prove their craft!

Who knows your yard best? Our dogs. On Thursday, attendees can adopt rescue dogs, through a partnership with the Kentucky Humane Society. From TurfMutt’s humble beginnings, the program, which showcases the value of family yards and managed green spaces, has grown into an educational juggernaut. The TurfMutt program has reached 70 million kids, teachers and families and is featured in the U.S. Green Building Council’s prestigious Global Learning Lab.

The National Installer Championship Event takes place at Hardscape North America each year. Twelve (12) team spots are available for the taking – will you be one of them in 2026? Here are some important dates and information about what to expect if you compete in the National event:

• Required team meeting on Wednesday, October 21 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
• Three to four, 60-min preliminary rounds take place on Thursday, October 22 from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.
• The top four finalists from the preliminary rounds advance to the 90-minute Championship round on Friday, October 23 at 10:30 am.
• The Awards Ceremony to announce the rankings of the 2026 event will take place at 12:45 pm on the Hardscape Demos stage in the Hardscape House.
• The top 4 finishers will take home cash, prizes and bragging rights for the next 364 days!

The HNA Awards recognize outstanding hardscape projects by teams installing residential and commercial projects. Award winners and honorable mention recipients will be recognized during the 2026 HNA Awards Recognition Presentation and featured on the HNA website and several other industry publications.

Eligible entries span multiple project categories, offering professionals the chance to showcase standout work that reflects quality, creativity, and craftsmanship. Hardscape categories include:

• Adhered Thin Veneers
• Clay Brick Pavement
• Combination of Hardscape Products
• Natural Stone Pavement
• Outdoor Living Features
• Porcelain Paver Pavement
• Retaining Walls
• Segmental Concrete Pavement
• Vintage Installation

Great businesses are built by people who refuse to cut corners. HGTV star and veteran contractor Mike Holmes brings his no-nonsense “make it right” philosophy to the Equip stage with real-world insight on raising standards, demanding quality that pushes the entire industry forward. This is the epic keynote you don’t want to miss.

Sponsored By: Kress

Connect with women leaders from across the industry at our complimentary Power Players Panel and Women’s Leadership Reception. This event offers a valuable opportunity to expand your network while engaging with influential women who are shaping and transforming the industry.

Sponsored By: Belgard, Hunter/FX Luminaire and SiteOne

Live music. Local food. Great bourbon. Even better company. Equip’s Paristown Block Party takes over Old Forester’s Paristown Hall and the surrounding block for a night of live performance, local eats, outdoor hangouts, and an exclusive tasting of the official show bourbon. Bring your team, your coworkers, and the connections you just made on the show floor.

Sponsored By: Gravely