The hardscape and landscape industry came together in Louisville, Kentucky October 22-24 for a record-breaking Hardscape North America (HNA). Nearly 30,000 people from all 50 states and 52 countries filled the Kentucky Exposition Center to see what’s new and next for products, equipment, and technology at HNA and the co-located Equip Exposition.
Together, the two shows featured more than 1,000 exhibits spread across indoor and outdoor spaces. HNA alone included 3,699 attendees (a 10% increase) and 226 exhibitors covering 61,100 sq. ft. in the North and West Wings of the expo center. With 47 companies that had not exhibited in HNA previously, attendees saw a wider variety of products, including more software solutions and swimming pool equipment and products. Just outside, the 42,000-sq.-ft. Hardscape House and the 30-acre Outdoor Demonstration Yard provided attendees a chance to learn new installation techniques and test-drive equipment.
A team from Back To Nature Landscaping traveled from Blacksburg, Virginia. “I had an excellent time at the show this year,” said Mickey Quesenberry. “I spent most of my time researching a new system to help our company grow in the future while my guys that I brought were able to test and learn about new equipment and tools. Back To Nature Landscaping tries to go to this event every year and every year we are not disappointed.”
Matthew Deffer of Sierra Summit Landscaping LLC brought his crew from Reno, Nevada. “We had a great time at HNA 2025! It was easy to find the products we were interested in. The opportunity to meet and discuss the industry with other professionals and get a glimpse of the future of landscape and hardscape is unparalleled. Anyone looking to learn and grow in the business should definitely attend.”
Education at HNA
Learning opportunities filled the week, from Tuesday through Friday. Attendees explored new technology, installation techniques and business strategies. Many of the sessions qualified for continuing education hours.
New this year were sessions on integrating utilities into hardscapes, CDL driver information, stewarding faith in business, and more. Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole delivered a high-energy keynote on Wednesday that drew a packed room. This session was included with HNA trade show registration.
- 64 attendees participated in the Pre-Show CMHA Installer Courses, which were held Tuesday and Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown.
- 348 attendees upgraded their registration to include six hands-on Hardscape Demos led by Local Roots Landscaping.
- 342 contractors and dealers purchased a VIP Pass, gaining access to all 15 of the education sessions, the six Hardscape Demos and two hardscape workshops for up to a 50% discount.
HNA Competitions and Prize Winners
With more than $18,000 in prizes on the line, 12 teams competed in the annual HNA Installer Championship in the Hardscape House. The top four teams from Thursday’s preliminary rounds advanced to Friday’s finals. Each team was sponsored by a hardscape industry organization.
- First Place: Pavers by Porter, sponsored by Outdoor Living Supply
This marks their third consecutive championship win. Under event rules, Pavers by Porter will retire from competition, opening the door for a new champion in 2026. - Second Place: Authentic Willow, sponsored by SHS Distributors
- Third Place: Epic Pavers, sponsored by Whiz-Q Stone and Keystone Hardscapes
- Fourth Place: 9 Trees Landscape Construction, sponsored by Keystone Hardscapes
Ready to compete in 2026? Fill out the interest form to let us know.
The HNA Awards celebrated excellence across the U.S. and Canada, drawing 192 project entries. Winners and honorable mentions were recognized in 18 hardscape categories during the awards ceremony on October 23. The list of winning entries, along with a link to photos, is available at https://bit.ly/43U1P8n.
The always-popular HNA Cornhole Tournament brought together 32 teams, with daily cash prizes for the top performers. On Wednesday, two teams from Vincent Lawn Care and the team from Lovell took top honors. On Thursday, Vincent Lawn Care, Lovell, and TVA were the winners.
In the West Wing Giveaway area, six lucky attendees walked away with HNA-branded RTIC coolers or StoneBench Systems seat backs. The RTIC Cooler winners were Devin Keiper, Kick Mowing and Landscaping LLC; Peter Scoville, McGuire Seasonal Services, Inc.; and Logan Moore, Lil Pros Mow and Snow. StoneBench Systems seat back winners included Andrew Jager, Sollos Landscaping & Lighting; Noah Seymour, The Standard Lawn & Landscaping; and Sarah Van Meeteresh, Jeff’s Lawncare.
HNA Sponsors
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.
HNA 2026
HNA 2026 will be held October 21-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Registration is already open – only $12.50 for a limited time.Visit HardscapeNA.com for information or to register. Details about education will be available in March and can be added to your registration at that time. For information: (888) 580-9960 or info@hardscapena.com.
