Innovation on tap in Las Vegas

For the first time, this year's National Hardware Show will feature more than 1,000 new products and inventions in a special Innovation Station display area located off the main show floors.

"We know that retail and wholesale buyers are very interested in the latest products and line introductions, so we wanted to make it as easy as possible for buyers to see these products in one easy-to-shop location," said Sonya Ruff Jarvis, VP attendee programs with the National Hardware Show, slated for Las Vegas May 1 to 3.

The Innovation Station area will house:

• The New Product World display, which spotlights hundreds of new products from the industry's leading manufacturers.

• The Inventor's Spotlight, where attendees can get an inside look at what may be the next big product or service in the industry. This year, the Inventor's Spotlight section at the National Hardware Show will also be co-located with Pitch Tank, which will give inventors the opportunity to pitch their breakthrough business concepts and products to Kevin Harrington, Investor Shark on ABC's "Shark Tank" and chairman of TVGoods, and Steve Rogai, CEO and co-founder of TVGoods.

• Green Product World, which allows retailers to keep up with the growing demand for environmentally friendly products and gather information on the latest in green, eco-friendly and sustainable products that today's consumers are looking for. Along with these exciting highlighted areas within the Innovation Station, the National Hardware Show will feature its New Product Launch Spotlight area in the central concourse adjacent to the NRHA Village and Stage.

• The New Product Launch Spotlight area features a host of items that are truly brand new to the industry, have not yet hit the market and have no pre-negotiations, pre-sales and no distribution exclusivity.

"By providing areas that are designated to spotlight new products, we hope it will make it even easier for show attendees to see the latest and greatest innovations that manufacturers have brought to the show and provide exhibitors with an even more productive way to launch and showcase their newest offerings," Jarvis said.