The roundup of attendee activities and events at Hardscape North America (HNA) is now complete. Networking, continuing education, competitions, awards and entertainment – it’s a formula for a high return on investment!
HNA’s Dealer Program – with a Keynote by Steve McClatchy
“Ideas for Dealers Big and Small” is set for Wednesday, Oct. 21, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at the Kentucky Exposition Center. This add-on full-day program is dedicated to dealers who sell hardscape and landscape products to consumers and contractors. The program will cover topics such as human resources, operations, marketing and sales. Dealers are invited to an exclusive preview of the trade show and welcome reception following the HNA Dealer Program. New York Times Best-Selling Author, Steve McClatchy, will kick-off the day offering a keynote session titled “Leading Change and Driving Improved 
Results.”
New Products Showcase – It’s Bigger and Better Than Ever
Exhibitors have been sending in their new products that will be launched at this year’s HNA and it’s an impressive list. Attendees report each year that one of their favorite things about coming to HNA is to see and try out these new products. Stay tuned for the Show Insider Sneak Peak edition in late September for a brief overview of some of the new products that will be on display in the New Products Showcase.
Conference Sessions – Two Additional Sessions Added for 2015
Hardscape North America has added two additional sessions to its education lineup this year. Some of the best-of-the-best industry speakers will be presenting this year including Charles Vander Kooi, Monroe Porter and Jerry Gaeta. Conference Sessions topics ranging from outdoor kitchen installation to hardscape renovation and restoration will be the highlights, along with the “Divas of the Dirt” session, led by Lisa Lackovic. The Conference Sessions take place Oct. 21 – 23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Contractors, who are also Interlocking Concrete Pavers Institute Installers, can earn continuing education credits for attending Conference Sessions.
Hardscape North America Installer Championship – More Competitors, More Competition
Top hardscape contractors will compete at the 3rd annual Hardscape North America Installer Championship. Competitors from Canada, the United States and Mexico will be tested and recognized for their skill, dedication and passion. This year, the competitors are lining up and the competition will feature great prizes and fierce competition. The Championship will be held Oct. 22 – 23 in the Outdoor Demo Area at Hardscape North America.
HNA Awards Recognition Reception – New Location
HNA will announce the winners of the 8th Annual HNA Awards at a Recognition Reception at the Kentucky Exposition Center on Thursday, October 22. Previously this event was held at the HNA conference hotel and took place in the morning, however to allow for a more casual reception, the awards were moved to the evening, immediately following the close of HNA on Thursday. The HNA Awards recognize outstanding hardscape projects by contractors building commercial plazas, driveways, parking lots, patios, residential and commercial walkways, streets and more. Winners will be featured in Interlock Design magazine, the HNA website and several other industry publications.
Three Nights of Free Concerts – Funk, Country and The Beatles
Attendees will be treated to three nights of free, top-notch concerts on the Nissan Commercial stage at Fourth Street Live! Also sponsored this year by Dixie Chopper, a wide variety of music is being presented live on stage. The showcase will feature the following artists:
Wednesday, October 21, 8 p.m.
Opening Act: From Paris
Headliner: Grand Funk Railroa
Thursday, October 22, 8 p.m.
Headliner: Kellie Pickler
After-party with the Crashers
Friday, October 23, 8 p.m.
Opening Act: Lyndsey Henken
Headliner: The Rigbys
To register online for HNA 2015, visit www.hardscapena.com. Early-bird registration is being accepted through Sept. 10 for $40. The price increases for all reservations made on Sept. 11 or after, as well as if registering on-site. For questions or to register by phone, attendees may call (888) 580-9960.
