More than 1,700 hardscape industry professionals came together at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee to attend the first ever Hardscape North America Tradeshow(March 7-10, 2007).  Hardscape North America, the national hardscape show, was produced by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and endorsed by the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), Brick Industry Association (BIA) and North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association.  The tradeshow provided an excellent opportunity for contractors to network with peers, key manufacturers and suppliers of hardscaping products, construction equipment, vehicles and services.

Hardscape North America 2007 offered contractors the opportunity to not improve their ability to install top-notch residential and commercial applications but also to improve their business skills and applications.  This year’s conference offered the Hands-on Best Practices for Paver Installation, the NCMA Segmental Retaining Wall Installer Education and Certification Program and BIA Clay Paver Installation Seminar. Other courses that were offered to attendees included sale and marketing, people management and human resources and site related and site efficiency seminars. 

In addition to the educational opportunities at Hardscape North American 2007, more than 95 exhibitors displayed state-of-the-art products and equipment.  Besides the indoor exhibition, an outdoor exhibit area enabled contractors to “touch and feel” tools and allowed exhibitors to showcase their equipment in typical site conditions. One contractor attendee noted that the tradeshow was a good opportunity for small contractors to build their businesses and also to meet suppliers through networking with exhibitors.

William Schneider, Hardscape North America program chair states that if hardscape contractors are looking for ways to build profits while enhancing efficiency in their company or if contractors are looking to integrate hardscape and landscape design for greatest impact, then the Hardscape North America tradeshow is the place to be.  Next year’s program will expand in order to meet the needs of the contractors

In 2008, Hardscape North America (February 27-March 1) will move to the downtown Nashville Convention Center.  At this larger venue, Hardscape North America attendees will have the opportunity to participate in more hands on demonstrations, attend additional educational sessions and network in a larger indoor exhibit hall and outdoor exhibit area.  For more information on how to sponsor, exhibit or attend Hardscape North America 2008, visit www.hardscapeNA.com. [ return to top ]