The National Hardware Show, from May 5-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is less than one week away. There are plenty of events, appearances and awards programs to see.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming a variety of attendees, exhibitors and speakers to the National Hardware Show,” said Rich Russo, vice president, National Hardware Show. “This year’s Show is set to provide a number of great opportunities for everyone in the home improvement industry to network, attend educational seminars, find new products & trends and learn more about the home improvement industry and where it’s headed.”
70th Anniversary
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Show, which started in 1945 in New York City by Abe Rosenburg and Charlie Snitow of General Hardware Manufacturing Co. (Now General Tools & Instruments). Reed Exhibitions acquired Snitow’s tradeshow business in the early 1960s, and in 1975, the Show moved to Chicago. It was held there each year until 2004, when it moved to the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Past attendees and exhibitors at the Show have contributed photos, stories and other memories from past years. To see the collage of these memories follow the National Hardware Show on Facebook (facebook.com/nationalhardwareshow), Twitter (@NHS_Show) or Instagram (@nationalhardwareshow).
Speakers
The North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) will host its All-Industry Conference at the Show. It will be held on the NRHA Village Stage, now located on the Show floor in the Central Hall.
“NRHA is excited and proud to be able to bring this group of presenters to the Show this year,” said Bill Lee, president and CEO, NRHA’. “We know how great a role the generational differences is playing, and will continue to play, throughout the home improvement marketplace, and we wanted to address these topics head-on.”
The theme for the conference is “Generations,” and the speakers who will be presenting on the NRHA Village Stage can offer some ideas on how to best relate to employees and customers of these different generations.
See below for a schedule of the speakers. All sessions are complimentary for National Hardware Show attendees, media, guests and exhibitors. For more information about each, visit nrhaconference.com.
| Tuesday, May 5: 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. KEYNOTE: When Generations Connect Scott Zimmer, generational expert + keynote speaker, Bridgeworks 11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m. 1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 6: 10:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
Celebrity Appearances
The National Hardware Show isn’t without its share of celebrities. Take some time to visit with a few of them as you walk the Show floor.
Sports fans will most likely know two of the celebrities: former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Greene.
Mike Holmes, professional contractor and host and creator of the TV series “Holmes on Homes,” “Holmes Inspection” and “Holmes Make It Right,” will also make a special appearances at the 3M and Group BBH, Inc. booths.
“On the House” co-hosts James and Morris Carey will be broadcasting live from the Danco booth, while “The Money Pit” hosts Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete will interview Chris Filardi, vice president of marketing with Werner Co., among others.
Meet Andy & Candis Meredith of the HGTV show “Old Home Love” and Irwin “The General” Raymer from The Discovery Channel’s “Tanked,” both at The Bottom Feeder. And meet Maria Curcio & Veronica Perlongo, who made history on Shark Tank with BuggyBeds Peace of Minds products, at the VCM Products/Buggy Beds booth.
Awards Programs
In addition to networking and educational seminars, the National Hardware Show is a time to honor retailers, manufacturers and others for their contributions to the industry. There are plenty of awards programs taking place throughout the show. See below for a full list of these programs.
| Tuesday, May 5: 2:00 p.m.–2:45 p.m. Packaging and Merchandising Awards Presented by NRHA NRHA Village Stage 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6: 3:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m. 3:45 p.m.–4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.–4:15 p.m. 4:00 p.m.– 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7: 11:15 a.m.–11:30 a.m. |
Tailgate/NASCAR sponsorship + sponsors
The Outdoor, Tailgate & Recreation area of the Show will host a new event this year: an all-new NASCAR Racing Experience.
With the NASCAR Racing Experience, which is sponsored by Swift Green Filters, Scott’s Miracle Gro and Plastic Displays & Fixtures Co., attendees will have the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a real NASCAR driver. Tickets and Pitstop Passes will be handed out at the NASCAR Racing Experience booth (#TG362), at the registration desk and at the sponsors’ booths.
Visit the booths of the different Pitstop Pass sponsors to learn more about those companies and their products and to get your passes stamped. Once all sponsors have stamped the pass, bring it to the NASCAR Racing Experience booth for your chance to win NASCAR tickets. Racers with the fastest simulator times each day will win two tickets to NASCAR events of your choice.
To register for the Show, visit nationalhardwareshow.com.
