Hardscape Trade Show

[Stoneage3000]

I've heard about a trade show that is focused on hardscapes; I thought it was called World of Hardscapes but I get nothing on this when I search. If anyone knows what I'm referring to, I'd really appreciate getting their website address. Thanks.

[Admin]

The trade show is Hardscape North America; it runs March 9-10. You'll find all the info you need at www.hardscapenorthamerica.com (http://www.hardscapenorthamerica.com)

[Stoneage3000]

Thanks - See you there.

[hlntoiz]

Stoneage3000,

I see you are from the northeast. your best bet is the New England Grows (http://www.negrows.org/) Show up in Boston. From what I hear it is really huge. I am going to try and make it this year.

[Stoneage3000]

Thanks for the advice but I doubt you really understand my business and how it relates to these trade shows. I do hardscapes; concrete and brick pavers as well as natural stone. New England Grows is "green" (not that there's anything wrong with that) but I want to learn all I can about hardscapes - especially paver installation and the best tools available to make me more efficient. Based on what I've seen so far, Hardscapes North America is exactly what I've been searching for and also what is sorely needed in this industry. I see too many landscapers doing construction that they know nothing about (no offense intended to anyone). I believe it's from a poor understanding of basic construction knowledge that is encouraged by salespeople who seem to think anyone can install hardscapes and no skill is involved. I'm tired of seeing this; there is a lot of skill and construction knowledge needed to properly install hardscapes. It's different than planting a bush!!! It's "construction." I may attend both shows, but I'm already booked for Hardscapes NA.

[hlntoiz]

I am just like you in what I do. It will be very tough to find a show exactly for just Hardscaping. The boston Show is (I believe) a complete landscaping show. From what I hear it is really huge. The largest in the Northeast.

Here is another show that is being held in Maine. http://www.nelmshow.com/

[mgandy]

Hi Everyone,

I found this site that allows you to search for landscaping shows by state. Most of the shows will have products or service that are geared towards hardscaping.

The site is http://www.giyp.com/results.asp?catID=527&biz=1

Cheers,

Mike

[BossPaver]

Hardscape North America(HNA) will be co-exhibiting with GIE-Expo in Louisville in Oct 2010 www.gie-expo.com (http://www.gie-expo.com) .This years GIE show is from Oct 29-31 2009 in Louisville. I understand the passion many purist hardscapers feel about landscape but the 2 industries are very intertwined. GIE offers all the bigger equipment and machinery companies and much of the smaller stuff too. Our company PAVE TECH will not be exhibiting at GIE this year due to many reasons tied to the economy. How long will GIE and HNA work together is a BIG ? I believe our Hardscape industry is best served by a combiined show that brings the big exhibitors like Bobcat, etc. ICPI owns and controls HNA. Future direction of the show is no longer in the hands of the HNA steering committee. My prediction of where the HNA show will be in 2011 is New Jersey, nothing quite like preaching to the choir. The deal with GIE should be extended because it is better for the contractors to have a larger show with more education and exhibits. HNA never reached critical mass for survival on it's own. You can thank many ICPI members for failure to support the HNA show and now many of those same members are pushing an agenda that is self-serving. I will be visiting the GIE show this year in preparation for our return next year. Would like to see as many of you there as possible.

Steve Jones
PAVE TECH, INC.

[HardHeaded]

Did anyone go to the GEI show in Louisville last month, and how busy was it compared to previous years? I'm wondering it things are starting to pickup yet? A friend was at an unrelated show in Vegas last weekend and said things are defiinately getting better and busier, so I hope this was the case with GEI...

:)

[BossPaver]

I visited the show this year as part of thhe HNA group announcing HNA's participation with the GIE EXPO in 2010. Excellent turnout and at least one really great day of weather for the outdoor demo area. Our company PAVE TECH did not exhibit this year due to lack of focus on Hardscapes for 2009 and the economy. This has been rectified for 2010 moving forward. This is a must attend show for all Hardscape/landscape contractors. You will not find the education programs and product exposure to this extent anywhere else.

Steve