NHS has more for the industry
The 2025 National Hardware Show will welcome the industry to Las Vegas, March 18-20. It's not just any show, either. And if you think you've seen it all, think again. This year's industry event will be fueled by new products and a reimagined format to bring more value and more innovation to the business.
Lauren Csire, the evet's marketing director, shares tips and insights in the Q&A below:
Q: New, improved and innovative products have always been the backbone of the National Hardware Show. Will there be any themes or trends that stand out in 2025?
Trends show that people want to continue to expand their outdoor living spaces to enjoy time at home, and increase property value; find more efficient ways to get jobs done well but quickly and safely; prepare for natural disaster/emergency preparedness; have items and ways to live more sustainably and independently.
A small sample of products on the show floor that represent these trends, for example are living independently with backup power with industry leaders such as Jackery, Eco Flow, Lion Energy, Generac, Champion and more. Outdoor living trends with everything from cooking, to pool cleaning, to landscape and care with brands such as Blackstone, Cuisinart Outdoors, Aiper, East Oak, Lifetime Products, Monument Grills, Nexgrill, Senix, Westfield Outdoor, Westinghouse OPE, Yard Force OPE, Rescue Pest Control, Shelter Logic, Westfield Outdoors, Orbit and many more. To items that get the job done more efficiently from Metaltech, Caterpillar, Rustoleum, Dewalt, Veto Pro Pac, Work IQ and so many more.
Q: Tell us about the mix of big brands and up-and-comers who are exhibiting, and how will they be displayed and organized?
We are thrilled to host products in categories that represent the home improvement industry as a whole including BBQ & Grill, Outdoor & Garden, Hardware & Tools, Building, Lighting & Electric, Homewares, Paint, Plumbing & HVAC, Gift, Hobby & Craft, Sporting Goods, Holiday along with Services & Solutions, Global Sourcing, New Technologies and more. The floor will be broken down by sections listed above, with NEXT New Products on one side, and Made in USA on the other. NHS Backyard will be bustling as usual with food samples, outdoor living displays and the buzzing end of the day happy hour each day providing an opportunity to network and connect while reminiscing on an awe inspiring day.
Our New Inventors Area called NEXT is on the show floor this year, and will deliver new innovation in everything from tools, to garden, to hardware and more. This is often the fan favorite part of the show. One item for example, is spray on concrete from Like Nu Concrete Restoration, something never before seen in the industry. NEXT is specifically for inventors, it’s the place to see and be seen for innovative inventions for the industry, a retailer’s paradise for discovering the NEXT big thing. Items launched last year in NEXT included Rapid Rafter, TurnX Tools, Aerobroom, Boxtown Products, and many more.
Made in America will be a special section on the floor on its own – where products will be displayed to engage with, and if interested go to the larger booth to learn more. An example of Made in the USA innovation is Midwest Innovative Products the makers of Rhino Cart, Twist & Seal, Drill Dock; Magic Carpet USA for all the Trades; Red Devil foam & fill; IMC Outdoor Living Ground Smart recycled rubber mulch and many more. Services and distribution are also on the show floor for example US Postal Service, Waste Management and more.
Q: Looking at your website (nationalhardwareshow.com) it appears a lot of thought has gone into creating programs beyond the aisles. What are the highlights?
We’re very excited about the new and returning programs for the 2025 event. A big focus for us is the revamped NHS Conference program. Our team has put together a dynamic experience that goes far beyond the traditional tradeshow format. One of the standout highlights is the How Women Rise track, which is dedicated to empowering women in the hardware and home improvement space. This track offers tailored sessions to provide valuable tools, insights, and inspiration for women looking to advance their careers and navigate the industry, as well as an educational opportunity for those looking to support their female colleagues.
In addition to the conference, we’ve added some fun and engaging activities to the event, ensuring that it’s not just about learning and networking, but also about having a great time while connecting with others. One example is the Weber Grilling Class, presented by NHS and the Kansas City BBQ Society, where attendees can learn valuable grilling techniques from the experts at Weber. It’s a perfect way to build connections in an exciting, interactive environment.
These are just a few of the programs that are part of our ongoing commitment to delivering a well-rounded experience that addresses the evolving needs of our audience while making the NHS a memorable, engaging event for everyone involved.
Q: What are the "influencers" up to?
Social Media Influencers and Content Creators are at the forefront of sharing the latest trends, tools, and innovations. NHS is a playground where creators can fully immerse themselves in the coolest products, demo new innovations, and share behind-the-scenes footage with their audiences! It is a great opportunity for them to connect with brands, network with fellow creators, and inspire their communities with what’s next in the hardware and DIY space.
For dealers and retailers, this is an exciting opportunity to see how influencers are driving consumer interest and engagement. As influencers showcase and review new products, they’re helping to amplify brand visibility and provide real-time feedback that can inform purchasing decisions. Influencers’ content has a direct impact on consumer behavior, and their ability to highlight product benefits and trends offers invaluable insights into what’s resonating with the market. By tapping into influencer-driven content, retailers and dealers can better align their inventory with trending products, boost their marketing efforts, and engage customers in authentic ways.
Q: How is the audience for the National Hardware Show evolving? And who do you expect to attend?
The NHS audience is evolving in exciting ways as the event continues to unite the entire hardware and home improvement industry under one roof. NHS draws a broad range of professionals from manufacturers and suppliers to influencers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and more. What makes NHS truly unique is the way it fosters cross-networking beyond traditional industry boundaries. Attendees have the chance to connect with professionals outside their usual sectors, sparking collaborations and conversations that drive forward-thinking solutions. The show is becoming more than just a trade event—it’s a dynamic hub where every corner of the industry comes together to explore new innovations and opportunities.
Q: The economy is always a hot topic whenever business leaders get together. In what ways will the show provide inflation-busting, labor-saving ideas?
NHS offers a wealth of valuable resources aimed at helping business leaders tackle today’s challenges. Our new and improved NHS Conference program features sessions packed with forward-thinking strategies and practical insights to drive efficiency and growth.
For example, topics like “The Evolution of Home Style” and “Top Trends, Threats, and Opportunities in the US and Internationally” will help attendees understand evolving market dynamics and emerging opportunities. This insight allows businesses to better navigate inflationary pressures by focusing on areas of high demand and sustainable growth.
Sessions like “Merchandising for Impact” and “50 Great Marketing and Ops Ideas in 50 Minutes” provide strategies for boosting sales while maximizing limited resources, offering actionable techniques through improved processes and smarter product positioning.
Emerging technologies are also at the forefront with sessions like “AI Unlocked”, where attendees can learn how artificial intelligence is streamlining operations and improving productivity, helping businesses reduce overhead costs and minimize reliance on manual labor.
Further, “Marketing to Different Age Groups” and “The Power of Storytelling” are great opportunities for businesses to better connect with consumers across generations, improving engagement and reducing customer churn—key factors in maintaining steady revenue streams even in times of economic uncertainty.
Lastly, “Strategies to Reduce Returns” addresses an often-overlooked cost center, offering ways to minimize returns and increase asset recovery, ultimately enhancing the bottom line with an additional focus on avoiding waste.
These conference sessions, among others, will give attendees the tools they need to optimize operations and drive growth even in challenging times.
Q: What are the ways attendees can network with each other?
Attendees at the National Hardware Show will have plenty of opportunities to network, connect, and build relationships throughout the event. NHS is designed to foster collaboration, whether you’re mingling on the show floor or attending special networking events.
One exciting way to kick off the week is at the NHS Welcome Reception on Day 1 (March 18) at the Backyard Beer Garden. This laid-back setting offers a perfect atmosphere for attendees to enjoy drinks, live music, and great conversations. It’s a fantastic way to meet fellow industry professionals, creators, and influencers in a fun, relaxed environment before diving into the busy days ahead.
On Day 2 (March 19), the Awards Ceremony provides another great opportunity to connect, as we highlight the top companies and products shaping the industry in 2025. Celebrating achievements and innovations brings a natural sense of camaraderie to the event, giving attendees a chance to network with industry leaders and discover the latest award-winning products.
For our VIP attendees, we’ve also planned a special gathering at Allegiant Stadium on March 18. This exclusive event will feature networking opportunities, food, and drinks, providing a more intimate setting for deeper connections and engaging conversations with fellow VIPs and industry leaders.
These events, along with the networking opportunities on the show floor, make NHS 2025 the perfect place to meet new contacts, share ideas, and build lasting relationships that can drive success long after the event ends.
Q: Different attendees will have different interests, but what general advice do you have for them to maximize their time in Las Vegas?
While the trip to Las Vegas is worthwhile for the innovation, education, and networking on the NHS show floor alone, there's so much more to do and see beyond the convention center! Las Vegas is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and the perfect destination to mix business and leisure. Whether you're enjoying a night out, exploring the famous resorts, or just kicking back with your team or new peers, Las Vegas offers endless opportunities to have fun and make lasting memories. Visit the Bellagio Fountains, ride the High Roller, or check out a unique dining or cocktail lounge experience.
