The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association has extended the submission deadline for the 2026 Hardscape North America Awards.

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) is now accepting submissions for the Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards through Sunday, August 16 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

This extension gives contractors, designers, producers, suppliers and other hardscape professionals additional time to submit outstanding residential and commercial projects for consideration in the industry's premier awards program.

The annual HNA Awards recognize excellence in residential and commercial hardscape applications, including walkways, patios, pool decks, outdoor living spaces, driveways, commercial plazas, streetscapes and more.

Eligible projects may be submitted across the following categories:

• Segmental concrete pavement
• Clay brick pavement
• Porcelain paver pavement
• Retaining walls
• Adhered thin veneers
• Combination of hardscape products
• Natural stone pavement
• Outdoor living features
• Vintage installation

Entries are evaluated by a panel of industry experts based on design excellence, quality of construction, craftsmanship, compatibility with related materials and systems and achievement of project objectives.

Category winners will be honored during the HNA Awards Ceremony on October 22, 2026 at the Kentucky Exposition Center as part of the HNA trade show, taking place October 21–23 in Louisville, Kentucky.

The HNA Awards are produced by CMHA and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and the Natural Stone Institute (NSI).

For complete entry guidelines, submission requirements and to learn more about the 2026 HNA Awards competition, visit HardscapeNA.com/schedule/hna-awards/.

About Hardscape North America

Hardscape North America (HNA) is the hardscape show for contractors and dealers/distributors. Its focus is to bring top-notch education including certification courses, products and technology to contractors and installers who build segmental pavements and retaining walls and also to provide networking opportunities. HNA features indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state-of-the-art tools and products and tradeshow floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors. Hardscape North America is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and Natural Stone Institute. To learn more about HNA, visit HardscapeNA.com.

About CMHA

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) represents the manufacturers, suppliers and professionals behind concrete masonry, segmental concrete pavements, manufactured stone veneer, segmental retaining walls and other hardscape systems across North America. CMHA serves as a central resource for the industry, supporting its members through education, technical guidance, research, advocacy, industry expertise and collaboration. For more information, visit cmha.org.

Hardscape North America (HNA), taking place October 21-23, has released its 2026 education lineup, offering contractors and industry professionals two full days of game-changing education, complemented by hands-on demonstrations offered all three days, all designed to drive growth, efficiency and innovation.  

This year’s program features a powerful mix of returning fan-favorite speakers with all-new topics, alongside immersive, hands-on demonstrations led by some of the industry’s most respected professionals.  

Must-attend sessions from expert industry leaders

This year’s returning speakers are bringing fresh insights and practical strategies tailored to today’s biggest business challenges:

• Andrew Letersky: Business Coach & Founder of Ultimate Landscape Academy, will present Develop Your Growth Plan: Scale Your Hardscape Business Without More Hours or Overhead. Letersky will break down why working harder often stalls growth and share proven strategies for building a profitable, scalable business without burnout.
• Sam Gembel: Owner/Founder of Atlas Outdoor, will lead Working IN or Working ON My Business. This session focuses on helping contractors step out of daily chaos, develop leadership capacity and build systems that allow their businesses to run more efficiently and independently.
• Weston Zimmerman: CEO of SynkedUP, will deliver Using A.I. From the Jobsite, Not the Office. Zimmerman offers a practical, no-nonsense look at how contractors can use AI tools in real time – along with where those tools fall short.
• Frank Bourque: Business Coach at Frank Bourque Consulting, will present The AI-Ready Contractor: A Step-by-Step Framework to Assess, Implement & Scale AI in Your Business. Bourque provides a clear roadmap to help contractors adopt AI strategically and integrate it into their operations without disruption.
• Renee Redding: Owner of Logan’s Landscaping, will present The ‘Invisible’ Foundation: Precision Sub-grade and Aggregate Prep for High-End Boutique Projects. Redding will dive into the critical, but often overlooked, technical details of sub-grade compaction and base preparation for high-end residential work. 

“Attending Hardscape North America as a contractor for many years was one of the most impactful decisions I made for my business,” said Frank Bourque, business coach and speaker. “It helped me grow, innovate, and take my company to new levels. Now, as a consultant, I help others do the same – and HNA remains at the very top of the list of events I recommend. It’s the ultimate destination for anyone serious about staying ahead, learning the latest techniques, and connecting with the best in the industry.” 

Hands-on hardscape demonstrations return

Back by popular demand, Patrick Murray, Kenneth Deemer and the team from Local Roots Landscaping will once again lead HNA’s signature hands-on Hardscape Demos. These interactive sessions deliver real-world installation techniques and business insights contractors can apply immediately. This year’s demo topics include:

• Segmental Retaining Walls: From Base to Cap
• Stairs, Returns & Columns: Structural Details That Elevate Hardscapes
• Paver Installations: Speed, Precision and Long-Term Performance
• Illuminating Hardscapes: Integrating Water, Fire & Lighting Features
• Hardscape Toolbox: Digital Systems That Drive Profit and Scale
• Outdoor Kitchens & Veneering: Building High-End Features Without Masonry Experience

Build your experience

Education sessions take place Wednesday and Thursday at HNA, with demos taking place all three days, giving attendees the flexibility to customize their experience and focus on what matters most to their business. Attendees can add education sessions or the demo bundle during registration or, if already registered, simply return to their registration dashboard to enhance their schedule. For more information and to explore the full education lineup, visit HardcapeNA.com/education.  

Register to attend HNA

The HNA registration fee is only $25 through May 31, 2026. Registration at the show is $120.* HNA’s co-location with Equip Exposition offers attendees access to both shows with one badge and more than 1,000 total exhibits, extensive outdoor demo areas and unmatched networking opportunities. Register today at HardscapeNA.com.  

HNA is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and is endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and Natural Stone Institute (NSI).  

*Registration for non-exhibiting vendors, manufacturers, suppliers, ad agencies, consultants and media sales is $450.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Gerry Garcia helps contractors document and submit award-worthy work for national recognition through the HNA Awards. 

Every year, hardscape contractors transform landscapes, solve complex design challenges and invest countless hours creating exceptional projects. Yet much of that work receives little recognition beyond the communities where it was completed. Gerry Garcia, business consultant for project and construction strategy at Rosetta Hardscapes, helps change that by submitting projects to the Hardscape North American (HNA) Awards on behalf of his clients. 

“Contractors are constantly focused on the next project,” Gerry said. “Once an installation is complete, it can be difficult to revisit the site months later when the landscaping has matured, plantings have filled in and the project truly shows its full impact.” 

Preparing an award entry requires time, photography and detailed documentation; resources that busy contractors may not have readily available. By collecting project information, photographs and other details, Gerry helps ensure deserving work can reach a national audience. 

He has also found that many contractors underestimate the caliber of their projects. Supporting projects across several regions allows him to see the craftsmanship, creativity and problem-solving taking place throughout the hardscape industry, including work by smaller installation companies that rivals some of the country’s best projects. 

For Gerry, recognition extends beyond a single company or contractor. “The recognition doesn’t belong solely to Rosetta,” he said. “It belongs to the producers, dealers and distributors, sales representatives, designers and contractors who supported the project locally and ultimately brought it to life.” 

That collaborative effort was recognized at the 2025 HNA Awards, when his client’s Amphitheater at Camp Lutherlyn project received the top prize in the Combination of Hardscape Products — Commercial category. 

For Gerry, the most meaningful part of the awards process comes when contractors see their work recognized on a national stage. He shared, “Seeing the contractor’s reaction to winning is probably my favorite part of the entire process.” Beyond celebrating a completed project, Gerry believes that recognition can inspire teams to keep advancing their creativity and craftsmanship while affirming the value of the work being done in local markets. 

Learn more about the 2026 HNA Awards and submit a project you or your client is proud of by August 16th!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Contractors should take a fresh look at their portfolios before the August 5 deadline to see where their projects can stand out. 

Every year, hundreds of exceptional projects are submitted to the Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards. This award contest has over a dozen categories for entry, creating ample opportunity for outstanding hardscape work across residential and commercial projects.  

To get ready for this year’s awards, we wanted to highlight some of the unique categories included in the awards that are a great opportunity to showcase your team’s unique craftsmanship and eye for detail. 

Categories to consider 

One opportunity is Segmental Concrete Pavement – Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP) category. As permeable pavement continues to grow in popularity for sustainable stormwater management, projects that incorporate PICP can highlight both craftsmanship and environmental design. 

Another category to consider is Retaining Walls – Commercial and Segmental Concrete Pavement – Commercial. This category is a great way to showcase your team’s ability to handle many moving parts as commercial retaining wall projects often involve engineering challenges, difficult grades, site stabilization and integration into larger developments. Do you have a plaza, streetscape, campus and/or public gathering project that showcases precision, durability and thoughtful design at scale? Enter it to this HNA category!  

Porcelain Paver Pavement – Residential and Commercial and Adhered Thin Veneers – Residential and Commercial are also categories that historically draw smaller crowds. But that doesn’t mean that eligible projects aren’t great examples of craftsmanship. From patios and rooftop terraces to outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, seat walls and columns, these applications can demonstrate how hardscape materials transform outdoor spaces.  

And one of the most distinctive of the smaller categories is Vintage Installation, which recognizes projects completed more than 10 years ago that continue to perform beautifully today.  

Getting it submitted 

As we mentioned earlier, submissions for the 2026 contest close on August 5, 2026. Make sure you enter your project before that to get a chance to win recognition and acclaim at this year’s HNA Awards!  

Not sure which category is the best fit for your project? Consider entering it into multiple! Jeremy R. Martin, owner of Willow Gates Home and Landscape LLC and a 2025 HNA Award Winner, explained, “If a project can be entered into multiple categories, why not? If it’s a permeable paver patio next to a pool with some retaining walls, it could easily be eligible for three different categories!” 

Another important note is that “projects for consideration must have been completed between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2026. The only exception is projects for consideration in the Vintage Installation category which must have been completed before 2017.” 

Learn more about finding the best fit for your 2026 HNA Awards project by reviewing the full category descriptions.

New Paristown Point Block Party, Equip Academy, Dealer Boot Camp, inspiring keynote speakers, dealer breakfast and more to wow attendees.

Equip Exposition, the award-winning international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition trade show, unveils several new events this year, including, a new education offering called Equip Academy, the resurrection of the Wednesday morning Dealer Breakfast sponsored by STIHL Inc., a new Dealer Boot Camp, and a closing block party at Old Forester's Paristown Hall for all attendees. Equip, being held October 20-23, 2026, drew nearly 30,000 people to last year’s show – a new attendance record.

“The business is rapidly changing and Equip is changing with it,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association which owns and manages the award-winning trade show. “So many things can make or break the success of any business. But Equip’s offerings evolve every year to help our attendees keep up and even get ahead of industry trends.” 

New experiences offered this year

• Equip Academy: Every education session at the blockbuster trade show is now available to attendees thanks to Equip Academy, a new in-person and online training package. For just $170, attendees can access dozens of education sessions. Price increases after September 10.
• Dealer Breakfast: Sponsored by STIHL Inc., this dealer-focused event on Wednesday morning from 7:30 to 9:00 am will feature wisdom from industry leaders before the show opens later that day for Dealer Day.
• Dealer Boot Camp: Presented by the team at Bob Clements International this one-day, hands-on workshop on Tuesday, October 20 covers every corner of dealership: service, parts, sales, marketing and leadership. The goal is for every participant to leave with the tools and tactics to make an immediate impact on sales and growth.
• Expanded hands-on tree care arena: Trainers from The Davey Institute and Academy Trained will host daily training, interactive hands-on stations, business discussions and equipment demonstrations.
• Celebrity keynote speaker: Famed speaker Mike Holmes, one of North America’s most trusted contractors and star of the HGTV show, Holmes Family Rescue, will deliver Equip’s Wednesday morning opening keynote address, sponsored by Kress.
• Women’s leadership reception speaker: Susan Packard - a media entrepreneur who helped create popular TV channels like HGTV, CNBC and Food Network, Packard will keynote the Women’s Leadership Reception on Thursday afternoon, which is sponsored by Belgard, SiteOne and Hunter/FX Luminaire. Admittance included with Equip registration.
• New closing party: On Thursday evening of the show, October 22, attendees will take over Old Forester's Paristown Hall and the surrounding block for a new Equip event: the Paristown Block Party, sponsored by Gravely. There will be great music from Kentuckiana’s popular all-genre cover band, the Juicebox Heroes and attendees can network while enjoying local fare and an exclusive tasting of the official show bourbon. 

Admittance to Tree Care arena, the keynote address, Dealer Boot Camp, the Women’s Leadership Reception and closing party included with Equip registration. Equip Academy and the Dealer Breakfast require separate registration fees.

Attendees can register for Equip at the early bird price of only $30 through September 10, 2026. Ticket prices go to $60 on September 11, 2026, and to $120 on October 20, 2026.

Visit www.equipexposition.com to register and book hotel rooms. 

Each year, award-winning Equip draws thousands of landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers to see the latest equipment, connect with each other and learn from the most innovative and successful leaders in their industry.

The show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, biannually moving between Louisville and Orlando. Equip will be held in Orlando in 2029 and 2031 and will be held in Louisville in 2030 and every other year thereafter. 

About Equip Exposition

Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition, is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky and is one of the top three largest trade shows in the United States. The show is a Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Grand Award Winner, including “Greatest Trade Show of 2024,” and is co-located with Hardscape North America. Equip publishes “equip" magazine and is owned and managed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, an international trade association representing manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, parts, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles and golf cars, and their suppliers. For more information visit www.equipexposition.com.  

Attendees can add education when registering for HNA or return to their registration dashboard to add sessions at any time.

Success in today’s hardscape industry requires more than installation expertise. Business growth depends on strong leadership, effective marketing, sound financial decisions and strategic planning. To help contractors strengthen those skills, Hardscape North America (HNA) will offer a series of business-focused education sessions October 21-22, featuring industry leaders who understand the challenges contractors face every day.

“These sessions are designed to give contractors practical ideas they can take home and put to work immediately,” said Bob Thomas, president & CEO of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), which produces HNA. “Whether the goal is increasing profitability, improving operations, strengthening leadership or finding new ways to market a business, attendees will gain real-world strategies from professionals who have built successful companies and helped others do the same.”

This year's business-focused education lineup includes:

• Profitability & operations: Anthony Bango’s Improving Hardscape Margins By Utilizing Technology – How Prefabricated GFRC Is Changing Everything explores how prefabricated Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete products can reduce labor demands, shorten installation times and improve project margins. Bryan Horr, P.E., will lead the popular Contractor Roundtable, giving attendees the opportunity to discuss real-world challenges and solutions with fellow contractors.
• Design & sales: George Urvari will present Design for Profit: Make Beautiful Spaces Profitable and Estimating Mastery: Have Your Estimate Sell Itself, sharing strategies for creating profitable designs, improving buildability and developing proposals that communicate value and help close more sales.
• Marketing & AI: Oliver Bridgeman will help contractors make smarter marketing decisions through Stop Guessing Your Marketing Budget: A Data-Driven Workshop and Everyday AI for Marketing: A Practical Workshop for Hardscape Industry Professionals. These sessions focus on building realistic marketing budgets, understanding performance metrics and using AI tools to improve efficiency and results.
• Leadership & growth: Doug Buma’s Vision in Motion: Strategic Planning for a Constantly Evolving Industry provides a framework for aligning daily activities with long-term business goals, while Joseph Raboine’s workshop, The New Outdoor Living Economy: How to Prosper in Fluctuating Market Conditions, explores emerging trends and opportunities shaping the future of outdoor living.

Together, these sessions provide practical tools to help contractors improve profitability, strengthen leadership, make smarter business decisions and position their companies for future growth.

For attendees looking to maximize their learning experience, the VIP Pass offers exceptional value, providing access to 17 education sessions, six hardscape demos, two hardscape workshops and one free industry session. The VIP Pass saves attendees more than 50% compared to purchasing individual education sessions.

Attendees can add education when registering for HNA or return to their registration dashboard to add sessions at any time. For more information and to explore the full education lineup, visit HardcapeNA.com/education.

Pre-show installer courses

In addition to the education sessions during the show, CMHA Installer Courses will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday prior to HNA, offering training and certification opportunities for Concrete Paver Installer, Segmental Retaining Wall Installer, Permeable Interlocking Concrete Paver (PICP) Specialist and Advanced SRW Installer programs.

Register to attend HNA

Trade show registration is only $30 through September 3, 2026. Registration at the show is $120*. HNA’s co-location with Equip Expo offers attendees access to both shows with one badge and more than 1,000 total exhibits, extensive outdoor demo areas and unmatched networking opportunities. Register today at HardscapeNA.com. 

HNA is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and is endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and Natural Stone Institute (NSI). Gold sponsor: Landmark Ceramics. Silver sponsor: Keystone Hardscapes.

*Registration for non-exhibiting vendors, manufacturers, suppliers, ad agencies, consultants and media sales is $450.

About Hardscape North America

Hardscape North America (HNA) is THE hardscape show for contractors and dealers/distributors. Its focus is to bring top-notch education including certification courses, products and technology to contractors and installers who build segmental pavements and retaining walls and to provide networking opportunities. HNA features indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state-of-the-art tools and products and trade show floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors and dealers. To learn more about HNA, visit HardscapeNA.com or call (888) 580-9960. The show is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association and co-located with Equip Exposition.

About CMHA

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) is the authority for segmental concrete products and systems, which are the best value and preferred choice for resilient pavement, structures and living spaces. CMHA promotes the acceptance and use of segmental concrete products and systems in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit CMHA.org.

Entries to the 2026 HNA Awards will be accepted through August 5, 2026. 

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) is excited to announce that entries are now open for the 2026 Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards, the industry’s premier program recognizing outstanding hardscape design, craftsmanship and innovation.

The annual HNA Awards continues CMHA’s tradition of celebrating excellence in residential and commercial hardscape applications, including walkways, patios, pool decks, outdoor living spaces, driveways, commercial plazas, streetscapes and more. From creative design solutions to exceptional installation techniques, the program highlights the projects that are shaping the future of hardscapes across North America.

Entries to the 2026 HNA Awards will be accepted through August 5, 2026. 

Award winners will be honored during the HNA Awards Ceremony on October 22, 2026 at the Kentucky Exposition Center as part of the HNA trade show, taking place October 21–23 in Louisville, Kentucky.

"The HNA Awards showcase the very best our industry has to offer," said CMHA president Robert Thomas. "Every year, we’re inspired by the creativity, precision and innovation demonstrated in these projects. From bold outdoor living spaces to complex commercial installations, the entries reflect how hardscape professionals are transforming outdoor environments and raising the bar for excellence. We’re excited to see the remarkable work submitted this year."

Eligible submissions for the 2026 HNA Awards include projects across nine categories that highlight the range of the hardscape industry:

2026 HNA Awards categories:

• Segmental Concrete Pavement
• Clay Brick Pavement
• Porcelain Paver Pavement
• Retaining Walls
• Adhered Thin Veneers
• Combination of Hardscape Products
• Natural Stone Pavement
• Outdoor Living Features
• Vintage Installation

Each entry will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts based on design excellence, quality of construction, craftsmanship, compatibility with related materials and systems, and achievement of project objectives.

The HNA Awards are produced by CMHA and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and the Natural Stone Institute (NSI).

For complete entry guidelines, submission requirements and to learn more about the 2025 HNA Awards competition, visit HardscapeNA.com/schedule/hna-awards/

About Hardscape North America

Hardscape North America (HNA) is THE hardscape show for contractors and dealers/distributors. Its focus is to bring top-notch education including certification courses, products and technology to contractors and installers who build segmental pavements and retaining walls and also to provide networking opportunities. HNA features indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state-of-the-art tools and products and tradeshow floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors. Hardscape North America is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and Natural Stone Institute. To learn more about HNA, visit HardscapeNA.com.

About CMHA

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association is a trade association representing U.S. and Canadian producers and suppliers in the concrete masonry and hardscape industry, as well as contractors of interlocking concrete pavement and segmental retaining walls. CMHA represents a unification of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), uniting the concrete masonry and hardscapes industry for a better tomorrow. For more information, visit cmha.org.

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) is excited to announce that entries are now open for the 2026 Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards, the industry’s premier program recognizing outstanding hardscape design, craftsmanship, and innovation.

The annual HNA Awards continues CMHA’s tradition of celebrating excellence in residential and commercial hardscape applications, including walkways, patios, pool decks, outdoor living spaces, driveways, commercial plazas, streetscapes, and more. From creative design solutions to exceptional installation techniques, the program highlights the projects that are shaping the future of hardscapes across North America.

Entries to the 2026 HNA Awards will be accepted through August 5, 2026.  

Award winners will be honored during the HNA Awards Ceremony on October 22, 2026 at the Kentucky Exposition Center as part of the HNA trade show, taking place October 21–23 in Louisville, Kentucky.

"The HNA Awards showcase the very best our industry has to offer," said CMHA President Robert Thomas. "Every year, we’re inspired by the creativity, precision, and innovation demonstrated in these projects. From bold outdoor living spaces to complex commercial installations, the entries reflect how hardscape professionals are transforming outdoor environments and raising the bar for excellence. We’re excited to see the remarkable work submitted this year."

Eligible submissions for the 2026 HNA Awards include projects across nine categories that highlight the range of the hardscape industry:

2026 HNA Awards Categories:

• Segmental Concrete Pavement
• Clay Brick Pavement
• Porcelain Paver Pavement
• Retaining Walls
• Adhered Thin Veneers
• Combination of Hardscape Products
• Natural Stone Pavement
• Outdoor Living Features
• Vintage Installation

Each entry will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts based on design excellence, quality of construction, craftsmanship, compatibility with related materials and systems, and achievement of project objectives.
 
The HNA Awards are produced by CMHA and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and the Natural Stone Institute (NSI).
 
For complete entry guidelines, submission requirements, and to learn more about the 2025 HNA Awards competition, visit HardscapeNA.com/schedule/hna-awards/

About Hardscape North America

Hardscape North America (HNA) is THE hardscape show for contractors and dealers/distributors. Its focus is to bring top-notch education including certification courses, products and technology to contractors and installers who build segmental pavements and retaining walls and also to provide networking opportunities. HNA features indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state-of-the-art tools and products and tradeshow floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors. Hardscape North America is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and Natural Stone Institute. To learn more about HNA, visit HardscapeNA.com.

About CMHA

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association is a trade association representing U.S. and Canadian producers and suppliers in the concrete masonry and hardscape industry, as well as contractors of interlocking concrete pavement and segmental retaining walls. CMHA represents a unification of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), uniting the concrete masonry and hardscapes industry for a better tomorrow. For more information, visit cmha.org. 

Register for Hardscape North America for just $25 through May 31 and save 20% on CMHA Edge online training.

Hardscape North America (HNA) will once again offer the opportunity for contractors and crews to strengthen their skills and earn industry-recognized credentials. The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) Installer Courses return October 20-21 and will be led by expert instructors with years of industry experience.

Designed with real-world application in mind, these courses support those entering the hardscaping field as well as seasoned professionals looking to refine their expertise. Each course includes official CMHA materials and concludes with a certification exam — all covered in the registration fee.

“The installer certification courses are well worth the time and money. My entire crew participated in the courses this year so they can be the best hardscape installers in our area,” said 2025 attendee Daniel Bradshaw, owner of Riverside Custom Outdoors in Goochland, Virginia.

Course schedule

Tuesday, October 20 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Concrete Paver Installer (CPI) Course & Exam; Instructor: Dan Hughes
• Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Installer Course & Exam; Instructor: James Motarex

Wednesday, October 21 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Permeable Interlocking Concrete Paver (PICP) Specialist Course & Exam; Instructor: Renee Redding
• Advanced Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Installer Course & Exam; Instructor: John Linder

A smart investment

Courses are priced at $400 for CMHA members and $500 for non-members. For many contractors, that cost pays for itself quickly through better installs, fewer callbacks and stronger credibility with clients.

Get started now with CMHA Edge

With the in-person courses taking place in October, professionals don’t have to wait to begin building their skills. Through CMHA Edge, CMHA offers on-demand courses that make it easy to start training now and continue learning at HNA this fall.

During the month of May, participants can save 20% on CMHA on-demand courses using the promo code MAYSAVE26.

All of CMHA’s training programs are designed to build technical expertise, strengthen field performance and support long-term career growth. From foundational knowledge to advanced techniques, these courses help professionals stay aligned with evolving industry standards and deliver high-quality results.

To learn more or register for in-person CMHA Installer Courses at HNA, visit hardscapena.com/installer-courses. Details and registration for on-demand courses are available at pathlms.com/cmha/courses. 

Register to attend HNA

Trade show registration is only $25 through May 31, 2026. Registration at the show is $120.* HNA’s co-location with Equip Expo offers attendees access to both shows with one badge and more than 1,000 total exhibits, extensive outdoor demo areas and unmatched networking opportunities. Register today at HardscapeNA.com. 

HNA is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and is endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and Natural Stone Institute (NSI).

*Registration for non-exhibiting vendors, manufacturers, suppliers, ad agencies, consultants and media sales is $450.

About Hardscape North America

Hardscape North America (HNA) is THE hardscape show for contractors and dealers/distributors. Its focus is to bring top-notch education including certification courses, products and technology to contractors and installers who build segmental pavements and retaining walls and to provide networking opportunities. HNA features indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state-of-the-art tools and products and trade show floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors and dealers. To learn more about HNA, visit HardscapeNA.com or call (888) 580-9960. The show is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association and co-located with Equip Exposition.

About CMHA

The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) is the authority for segmental concrete products and systems, which are the best value and preferred choice for resilient pavement, structures and living spaces. CMHA promotes the acceptance and use of segmental concrete products and systems in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit CMHA.org.

Attending HNA’s annual show takes your hardscaping career to the next level. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome Hardscape North America (HNA) into their community. 

HNA is a premier national trade show produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and endorsed by top industry bodies like the Brick Industry Association and Natural Stone Institute. Co-located with Equip Exposition, the combined events draw more than 29,500 hardscape and landscape industry leaders, including contractors, designers, dealers and suppliers, together in Louisville, Kentucky every year!  

The show features a 42,000 square foot Hardscape House with access to more than 30 acres of outdoor demo space across the co-located events. Over three power-packed days, attendees can gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools from more than 1,000 exhibits and learn from 30+ expert-led education sessions and demos. And these incredible opportunities to enhance their skills are just the start of everything that HNA has to offer!  

HNA offers multiple opportunities for attendees to connect with peers and industry leaders, including the high-energy Installer Championship and the HNA Awards Ceremony, which honors outstanding residential and commercial hardscaping projects from the past year. Attendees can also take part in additional networking and entertainment events held in conjunction with the co-located show, such as a welcome reception, keynote address, concert and block party – all open to HNA participants. 

Whether you’re looking to discover new products, sharpen your skills or network with the best in the business, HNA is a must-attend event.   

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome Hardscape North America (HNA)!

About Hardscape North America (HNA) 

Hardscape North America (HNA) is the premier national trade show and education event for industry leaders, contractors, designers and suppliers. Co-located with Equip Exposition, HNA was built specifically for hardscape and landscape professionals. The show, which is hosted every October in Louisville, Kentucky, boasts three power-packed days full of expert-led education sessions, hands-on workshops, unsurpassed networking events, certification opportunities and more. Learn more at www.hardscapena.com.