Hardscape North America 2020 Opens Registration
New Features and VIP Education Passes Add Value to the Largest Hardscape Industry Event
Registration for the hardscape industry's largest trade show, Hardscape North America (HNA), is now open, and organizers have announced a new Hands-on Drone Zone, a UTV Test Track, Hardscape House, expanded VIP Passes and more. Set for October 21-23, HNA 2020 will be at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
Hands-on Drone Zone
The new Drone Zone will offer hands-on training right on the exhibit floor. Attendees can test their ability on a flight simulator, then step into The Zone and fly a drone with an expert trainer. Open all three-days in the North Wing, The Zone will offer hourly sessions on using drones for marketing, thermal imaging, multi-spectral analytics, GIS mapping and more. In addition, a Drone 101 session will teach beginners about FAA Airspace and Basic Regulations while more experienced users can share tips and ideas with other contractors. Attendees who visit The Zone will be entered to win a daily drone giveaway.
UTV Test Track
For the first time, HNA attendees will have the opportunity to drive and compare the latest UTVs. A test track in the Outdoor Demonstration Area will be set up to put vehicles through their paces on curves, hills, rocks, bumps and maybe even a little water and mud. Attendees 21 or older with a valid driver’s license will be able to drive alongside a representative of the manufacturer who can answer product questions – load capacity, features, price and more.
Hardscape House
Back after a successful first year, Hardscape House is HNA’s outdoor area. The 42,000-sq.-ft. pavilion – under roof – adjacent to the 20-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area, will include:
Hardscape Now – Six one-hour sessions led by award-winning hardscape consultant Frank Bourque and his team
HNA 2020 National Installer Championship
Exhibitor displays for hands-on testing
VIP Passes for Contractors and Dealers
Attendees interested in the education at HNA can save money by purchasing VIP Passes. Available to both contractors and dealers, this admission upgrade gives the attendee a discount of up to 50% off purchasing sessions individually. All passes include open access to eight conference sessions, six Hardscape Now sessions, four dealer sessions, two hardscape workshops and the dealer networking breakfast. The cost of the passes is $229 and $189 for ICPI/NCMA/BIA members in addition to trade show admission.
Additional highlights of HNA 2020 include:
The Opening Keynote will feature James Stavridis, Retired United States Navy 4-star Admiral and USEUCOM, 16thSupreme Allied Commander, NATO. A distinguished leader and longest-serving global combatant commander in recent American military history, Stavridis provides answers and strategies to address the most pressing global affairs challenges.
Eight conference sessions featuring industry hot topics and expert presenters. These include sessions on improving efficiency, impactful marketing, building your company culture and growing your sales with landscape lighting.
HNA’s Dealer Education will kick off with a dealer networking breakfast on Wednesday and includes four dealer-specific sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Topics include how to be an “Undercover Boss,” selling on value rather than price and how to boost your marketing with the help of contractors and manufacturers.
Top hardscape contractors will compete in the Hardscape North America Installer Championships.Twenty-four teams, including the winners from the regional championships, will have the opportunity to compete over the course of two days. The 2020 champion will receive a prize package valued at approximately $10,000. Download the registration form at www.HardscapeNA.com.
The HNA Hardscape Awards Presentation, set for Thursday, October 22, is open to all attendees. Awards will be presented to outstanding hardscape projects by contractors in commercial and residential applications in 18 categories.
ICPI and NCMA Pre-Show Installer Courses will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 20 and 21 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and are approved for CE Hours for ICPI Certified Concrete Paver Installers.
Three nights of free concerts will rock the Mercedes-Benz Vans stage at Fourth Street Live!
Resurrection – A Journey Tribute, Tuesday, October 20
Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles Jr., Wednesday, October 21
The Crashers, Thursday, October 22
Early-bird registration is only $20* and includes access to over 900 indoor exhibits, the 20-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area including admission to HNA and the Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO), the largest trade show for the lawn and landscape industry. It also includes the keynote, the opportunity to watch the HNA Installer Championship competition in the Hardscape House and attend the HNA Hardscape Project Awards Presentation, as well as free parking at the exposition center. The early-bird deadline is September 10, 2020 and all registrations can be completed at www.HardscapeNA.com. Attendees can register after the deadline or at the show for additional fees.
Hardscape North America will be held in Louisville, Kentucky. More major cities are now offering direct flights to Louisville, so in turn HNA 2020 attendees can receive discounts on airline flights on Delta, United, American and Southwest Airlines. For more information, visit http://www.hardscapena.com/travel/transportation.
To see a complete schedule of events, register online, book your hotel accommodations or view available travel discounts for HNA 2020, visit HardscapeNA.com. Get HNA updates on Facebook at facebook.com/HardscapeNorthAmerica, Twitter @HardscapeNA or Instagram @hardscapena.
*Registration for non-exhibiting manufacturers, suppliers, ad agencies and media sales: Through Sept. 10: $350
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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 trade show floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors. Hardscape North America is produced by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and National Concrete Masonry Association. To learn more about HNA, visit www.HardscapeNA.com or call (888) 580-9960.