Here comes the 71st National Hardware Show

Organizers are gearing up, and gadgeting up, for the 2016 National Hardware Show, coming to Las Vegas May 4-6.

“We’re looking forward to providing all our attendees and exhibitors with a productive, memorable few days at the Show,” says Rich Russo, VP of the National Hardware Show. 

Organizers describe the event as the place to see new products, network with other attendees and exhibitors, attend educational seminars, and meet with big brands (everyone from 3M to Channellock to Louisville Ladder, and more). It’s also one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the industry. 

“I attend the National Hardware Show to network with other retailers and vendors, and to see the new items,” says Megan Menzer of Newton’s True Value in Cherryvale, Kansas. “I love to see the up-and-coming products. It’s exciting to bring them in our store and have them before anyone else. We are starting to be known as a destination for new products.”

New this year, in addition to the calendar shift that puts the show on a Wednesday to Friday schedule (as opposed to Tuesday through Thursday), will be a Tailgate, Backyard and BBQ area that will be in the Silver Parking Lot in front of the convention center. The entire show will return to the layout of two years ago, with exhibits in the North and Central halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Also new this year, the Show is providing attendees with personalized exhibitor and product recommendations. Upon registration, attendees will be asked to provide information about product categories of interest.

Specialty areas will also showcase new products. The Made in USA and Energy Efficient areas focus on those two trends, which are currently very popular among consumers, and Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Recovery will highlight products from a quickly growing category. Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Living is a perennial attraction.