It's all here at the National Hardware Show
Trends and innovation are only part of the story at the 2015 National Hardware Show, slated for the Las Vegas Convention Center May 5-7.
Equally important this year are the networking, education and even the history of the event, now in its 70th year.
“As we celebrate 70 years of the National Hardware Show, we continue to look ahead to the future of the home improvement industry,” says Richard Russo, VP of the National Hardware Show.
The first National Hardware Show was held in New York City in 1945, just as the post-war housing boom began. The current show will take advantage of the new Las Vegas layout that is designed to maximize the connections between buyers and sellers.
Some old favorites will be in new locations directly on the Show floor at this year’s event.
The Central Hall will include Inventors Spotlight, New Product World, the all-new 3-Day Auction, International Sourcing Area, Plumbing & Electrical, Homewares, PDRA Paint & Accessories Show, and the Lancaster Buying Show.
Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Living will be on Level 1 of the South Hall, and Hardware & Tools; Pet Products; Farm & Ranch; Made in USA; and an additional Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Living area will all be on Level 2 of the South Hall.
Outdoors, Tailgate & Recreation has moved to the outdoor area between the Central and South Halls with access points from both halls. The NRHA Village & Stage has also moved to the Show floor in the Central Hall, near the tailgate area.
Also in a new location this year is the traditional Golden Hammer Awards ceremony, which will kick off May 5 at 4 p.m. at the Channel Leaders Club Lounge on the show floor at Booth #3055.
“We hope that by moving some key categories to new spots on the Show floor, it’ll be easier for buyers to visit both new and returning exhibitors within their target product categories, along with stopping into some of our popular Show features,” said Russo.
New products are one highlight. The Inventors Spotlight area features in one place products that aren’t yet on the market, making it easier to find products for sale or license.
Over 70 years, the Show has developed a fan base. “I attend each year to see the hottest new products about to hit the market,” said Adam Busscher, owner of Picton (Ontario) Home Hardware. “It is the one place where vendors from all over the world attend, and independent retailers like me can access all of their product offerings.”