Hardscape North America (HNA) will include the Hardscape House, an outdoor pavilion that features hands-on testing and 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 indoor exhibit hall, Hardscape House is open all three days of the tradeshow, Oct. 16-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
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.
Patrick 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.
Other events include:
Wednesday, October 16
- 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 17
- 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
- 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 and 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, Oct. 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.
