One of Hardscape North America’s most unique attractions, the Hardscape House, is the hub of HNA’s outdoor exhibits. In addition to hands-on testing, this outdoor pavilion is the location of two popular show features – the Hardscape Demos where attendees can watch and learn the latest techniques from expert installers, and the Installer Championship where teams from across North America race against the clock as they compete for valuable cash and prizes.
Just steps away from the huge indoor exhibit hall, Hardscape House is open all three days of the tradeshow, October 16-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
Test before you invest
The Hardscape House exhibits, combined with Equip Exposition’s Outdoor Demo Yard, provide 30 acres of outdoor space where attendees can get behind the controls, test equipment and compare brands before making purchasing decisions.
Hardscape DemosPatrick Murray and Kenneth Deemer, along with their team from Pittsburgh-based Local Roots Landscaping, will lead six demos on the newest installation techniques and best practices for companies that want to be on the leading edge.
An $85 registration upgrade includes all six sessions, or attendees can purchase a VIP Pass to attend the six demos as well as 15 education sessions, two workshops and a free industry session on lighting. Details are available at HardscapeNA.com/education-demos
Wednesday, October 16th from 1:30 - 2:30 PM: Segmental Retaining Walls
Learn essential techniques including proper excavation, base preparation, block installation, and coping in this hands-on session.
3:30 - 4:30 PM: Paver Installations – Featured Product Sponsor: Natural Paving USA
Participate in immersive demonstrations where you will actively engage in prepping base, laying pavers, cutting and fitting, as well as joint sanding.
Thursday, October 17th from 9:30 - 10:30 AM: Modern Tools of the Trade
Get hands-on experience with the latest hardscape construction tools, equipment and technology.
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lighting and Software– Featured Product Sponsor: BOLD (Best Outdoor Living Design)
Participate in interactive sessions focused on integrating simple lighting solutions and software applications into hardscape design.
2:30 - 3:30 PM Water & Fire Features – Featured Product Sponsor: EasyPro Pond Products
Immerse yourself in the design and installation of water and fire features with hands-on demonstrations.
Friday, October 18 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM: Outdoor Kitchens and Other Enhancements
This fan-favorite will feature the Local Roots team building and installing outdoor kitchens and other enhancements in an interactive session.
HNA Installer Championship
With cash and equipment prizes totaling nearly $30,000, the competition is tough in the HNA Installer Championship. Teams move swiftly and precisely to level the surface, measure and cut pavers, then piece them together to create intricate designs while judges watch and assess their understanding of industry best practices and guidelines.
Defending champions – Pavers by Porter from Reno, Nevada – along with 11 other sponsored teams, are expected to compete in the preliminary rounds on Thursday, October 17. The slate will be narrowed to four teams for Friday’s championship round before the 2024 HNA Installer Champion is crowned.
All attendees have access to the Hardscape House to watch the competition – and crowds gather to watch in awe, pick up ideas and cheer on their favorite team.
HNA 2024
"Attending the show for the first time re-lit the fire to take my company to the next level,” said Mike Schellhaas, Schellhaas Landscape Construction in Oakdale, Pennsylvania. “It was great to talk to vendors we have used for years and see new designs on fire features, landscape lighting, and tools. The equipment demos were awesome too.”
Standard registration for the tradeshow is available for $30* at HardscapeNA.com. (Fees increase after Thursday, September 5).
*Registration for non-exhibiting vendors is $450.
