After a record-breaking 2023, Hardscape North America (HNA) and the Equip Exposition return to Louisville, Ky., from Oct. 15-18, with even more education and networking opportunities for contractors.
“We’re building on the energy from last year to bring an even more incredible experience for attendees in 2024,” says Bob Thomas, president and CEO of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association. “There’s no other place where you can come together with so many of your hardscape and landscape peers to discuss business and have a blast while doing it.”
Registration for HNA is included with registration to Equip Expo — and vice versa. To register, visit bit.ly/3Tyqjiw.
Hands-on education
Alongside Equip Expo’s expansive outdoor demo space, HNA will feature live equipment and installation demos.
Exclusive to HNA, the Hardscape House is an outdoor pavilion that features hands-on testing and the Installer Championship, where teams from across North America race against the clock for cash and prizes. Defending champions Pavers by Porter from Reno, Nev., and 11 other teams will compete in the preliminary rounds on Oct. 17.
Like Equip Expo, which provides education classes and discussions alongside Landscape Management, HNA will offer several new educational opportunities for hardscape contractors at the 2024 show.
In addition to sessions on estimating, marketing and other business strategies, attendees can get hands-on experience with Patrick Murray and Kenneth Deemer of Local Roots Landscaping in Pittsburgh, Pa., who will lead six demos on installation techniques and best practices for attendees, including:
Wednesday, October 16
- Segmental Retaining Walls: In this hands-on session, attendees will learn essential techniques, including proper excavation, base preparation, block installation and coping.
- Paver Installations: Attendees will learn how to prep base, lay pavers, cut and fit and sand joints.
Thursday, October 17
- Modern Tools of the Trade: Attendees will get hands-on experience with the latest hardscape construction tools, equipment and technology.
- Lighting and Software: Attendees will participate in interactive sessions focused on integrating simple lighting solutions and software applications into hardscape design.
- Water and Fire Features: Attendees will learn the basics of design and installation of water and fire features with hands-on demonstrations.
Friday, October 18
- Outdoor Kitchens and Other Enhancements: The Local Roots team will build and install outdoor kitchens and other enhancements in an interactive session.
To access all six sessions from Local Roots, attendees can upgrade their registration for $85, which includes all six sessions, or purchase a VIP Pass to attend the six demos, 15 education sessions, two workshops and a free industry session on lighting.
More to see
Along with educational offerings, HNA will feature a keynote from Kevin O’Connor, host of This Old House, a free concert from Trace Adkins, a welcome reception at Churchill Downs and more networking opportunities.
Other new features at HNA include:
- Expanded hours for the West Wing exhibits, including the Drone Zone and Cornhole Tournament. This area will open on Wednesday at 9 a.m.
- A new happy hour event at the expo center with music by The Crashers after the show floor closes on Wednesday.
- A Thursday evening Women’s Leadership Reception
