Gain access to 16 education sessions, six Hardscape Demos, two Hardscape Workshops and one complimentary industry session featuring Caleb and Brittany Auman – all while saving more than 50% compared to purchasing sessions individually.

Hardscape North America (HNA) is piloting a new live translation service this year, giving attendees the opportunity to experience select education sessions and hardscape demonstrations in their preferred language.

The service will provide live, translated audio and on-screen translation through attendees’ mobile devices for four education sessions and all six Hardscape Demos during the 2026 show, October 21-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

Using the service is simple. At the beginning of a participating session, attendees will scan a QR code with their mobile device, select their preferred language and then follow the translated content on their screen or listen to the translated audio using headphones or earbuds.

Attendees who plan to use the audio translation should bring their own headphones or earbuds to connect to their mobile device.

“We’re always looking for ways to make HNA’s education more accessible and useful to more members of the hardscape and landscape community,” said Bob Thomas, president & CEO of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), which produces HNA. “This pilot gives attendees another way to engage with the education and demonstrations happening at the show, regardless of their preferred language.”

Education sessions offering live translation

The four participating education sessions cover business leadership, installation practices, industry standards and natural stone applications:

• Working IN or Working ON My Business, Wednesday, October 21, 12-1 p.m.

Hardscape business owners often find themselves caught up in the day-to-day work of running their companies. In this session, Sam Gembel will share practical strategies for stepping out of the daily grind, developing leadership layers, creating accountability and building systems that allow a company to grow without relying on the owner for every decision.

• Understanding Mortar Technology for Compliant Installations of Adhered Manufactured Stone Veneer (MSV), Thursday, October 22, 8-9 a.m.

Attendees will learn how to select the proper mortar for adhered manufactured stone veneer and thin-brick veneer installations, with a focus on performance requirements, code compliance and best practices. In this session, Lee Tindall will cover relevant industry standards, ANSI-rated polymer-modified mortars and proper mixing and application techniques.

• Best Practices for Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Design and Construction, Thursday, October 22, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Drawing on more than 30 years of research, design knowledge and field experience, Ryan Miller will share practical guidance for designing and installing Segmental Retaining Walls. The session covers the full lifecycle of a wall, from planning and design through installation and top-of-wall finishing, with actionable examples and construction details.

• Innovations in Installation of Natural Stone Paving: Successful Projects, Thursday, October 22, 3-4 p.m.

This session led by Daniel Pfannenstein and Tom Kirk explores the factors, best practices and innovative methods that contribute to successful natural stone installations. Attendees will learn how stone characteristics, climate, project conditions, fabrication and setting materials can affect the durability and performance of natural stone paving.

Live translation for all six hardscape demos

Live translation will also be available for all six Hardscape Demos, giving attendees another way to follow these high-impact, hands-on demonstrations led by industry professionals from Local Roots Landscaping.

The demos focus on practical skills and strategies attendees can put to work in their businesses, from building high-performing teams and improving efficiency and profitability to creating outdoor spaces using real-world installation techniques.

Already eegistered? Education can still be added

Attendees who have already registered for HNA can still add education to their registration. Simply return to the registration dashboard to view available education sessions and add them to the registration.

For those looking to maximize their educational experience, the HNA VIP Pass offers exceptional value. Gain access to 16 education sessions, six Hardscape Demos, two Hardscape Workshops and one complimentary industry session featuring Caleb and Brittany Auman – all while saving more than 50% compared to purchasing sessions individually. New this year, VIP Pass holders also get added flexibility to continue their education beyond the show.

Register to attend HNA

For registration and the full education schedule, visit HardscapeNA.com. HNA takes place October 21–23, 2026, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, alongside Equip Exposition. Attendees can experience two shows for one price, with access to industry education, Hardscape Demos, exhibits, networking and more.

HNA is produced by the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) and is endorsed by the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and Natural Stone Institute (NSI). Platinum sponsor: Belgard. Gold sponsors: iQ Power Tools, Landmark Ceramics and Nicolock. Silver sponsor: Keystone Hardscapes and My Salesman. Bronze sponsor: Range Outdoor Living.

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) represents the manufacturers, suppliers and professionals behind concrete masonry, segmental concrete pavements, manufactured stone veneer, segmental retaining walls and other hardscape systems across the US and Canada. 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.

October 21, 2026 @ 8:00 am - October 23, 2026 @ 1:00 pm EST

Hardscape North America is one of the largest hardscape-focused industry events in North America, bringing together 29,500+ professionals each year alongside 220+ exhibitors and more than 30 education sessions. Co-located with Equip Exposition, it creates a powerful environment for contractors, dealers and manufacturers to connect, learn and explore what’s next in the industry.

Across three days in Louisville, Kentucky, attendees gain access to hands-on product demonstrations, live installation training, and expert-led education covering everything from installation techniques to business growth. With over 1,000 combined exhibits between HNA and Equip Exposition, the show gives professionals the opportunity to test new tools, discover emerging technology and stay ahead of evolving industry standards. All while building meaningful connections that support long-term business growth.

Learn more and register today!

By The Coffee Shops®.  

Hardscape and landscape professionals can explore new products, sharpen their expertise and connect with industry peers. 

Hardscape and landscape professionals looking to strengthen their businesses can connect, learn and explore industry innovations at Hardscape North America (HNA), held October 21-23, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky. Co-located with Equip Exposition, the event brings together more than 29,500 participants for education, networking and access to new tools, equipment and technology. 

The trade show features over 220 HNA exhibitors, while the two co-located events collectively offer more than 1,000 exhibits. An HNA badge provides access to both shows, including indoor and outdoor exhibit areas where attendees can see products and equipment demonstrated. 

Education is another major focus. More than 30 sessions are available through classroom instruction, installation demonstrations, interactive workshops and installer courses. Topics include installation techniques, material selection, design trends, leadership, team development, digital marketing, sales, pricing and business growth. 

Attendees can select individual programs or add the VIP All-Access Education Pass for unlimited access to education sessions, hands-on demonstrations, workshops and expert insights throughout the show. Certified Masonry and Hardscaping Association installer courses also provide training, official course materials and certification exams in areas such as concrete paver installation, segmental retaining walls, permeable pavement systems and manufactured stone veneer. 

The HNA Awards will recognize hardscape projects from across North America for innovation, craftsmanship and excellence in design and installation. Networking receptions, free concerts and opportunities to meet contractors, product representatives, suppliers and distributors round out the event experience. 

Whether attendees want to test equipment, build technical skills, earn credentials or develop stronger industry relationships, HNA offers practical resources for moving their careers and businesses forward. 

Learn more about Hardscape North America and register to attend the 2026 show in Louisville. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Hardscape North America’s three-day schedule includes installer courses, business education and live demonstrations. 

Mark your calendars! Hardscape North America (HNA) is taking place Tuesday, October 20-23, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky. Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Louisville Downtown and the Kentucky Exposition Center, HNA gives outdoor construction professionals the opportunity to strengthen installation skills, explore business strategies, see hardscape techniques in action and much more.  

The trade show begins Tuesday with full-day Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Installer and Concrete Paver Installer (CPI) courses and exams from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Louisville Downtown. On Wednesday, the Hyatt will host full-day advanced SRW and Permeable Interlocking Concrete Paver (PICP) specialist courses and exams. Don’t miss this industry-wide event! Register before September 3 for best pricing! 

Grow technical and installation knowledge 

Education sessions at Hardscape North America cover materials, design and construction practices. Opportunities include: 

• Tuesday: All-day retaining wall and paver courses and exam 
• Wednesday: Prefabricated glass fiber reinforced concrete, natural stone outdoor spaces, SRW design and construction and profitable design. 
• Thursday: Mortar technology for adhered manufactured stone veneer, subgrade and aggregate preparation, PICP maintenance and natural stone paving installation. 
• Daily demonstrations from Hardscape House on: Retaining walls, structural stairs and columns, paver installation, integrated water, fire and lighting features, digital systems and outdoor kitchens. 

Strengthen the business behind the work 

Contractors can also explore education focused on growth, profitability and long-term planning. Speakers include Bryan Horr, P.E. of Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA); James Motarex, hardscapes sales manager at Basalite Concrete Products; Joseph Raboine, VP of design at Oldcastle APG; and many more. 

Kick off at the welcome reception on Tuesday, and start your business education with Wednesday’s schedule, including a contractor roundtable, growth planning, working on versus working in the business and design for profit. 

Thursday expands the business track with sessions addressing changing market conditions, financial systems, marketing budgets, estimating and strategic planning. Technology is another central topic, with several talks and workshops dedicated to AI in the outdoor contracting industry.  

With installer credentials, classroom education and demonstrations scheduled across four days, attendees can build an itinerary around the technical and business topics most relevant to their work. 

Learn more about HNA and grab your early registration pricing.

Great hardscapes require the right techniques, the right materials and the knowledge to adapt as products, technologies and customer expectations evolve.

This October, Hardscape North America (HNA) will bring together industry experts to share practical installation techniques and real-world solutions that contractors can take directly to the jobsite. From fire features and natural stone to retaining walls and permeable pavements, HNA's technical education helps contractors build smarter, avoid costly mistakes and deliver exceptional outdoor spaces, while increasing their bottom line.

"One of the greatest values of HNA is learning directly from professionals who have spent years solving the same challenges contractors face every day," said Bob Thomas, President & CEO of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), which produces HNA. "These sessions go beyond theory. They're built around practical experience, proven techniques and lessons that can immediately improve the quality and profitability of projects."

HNA’s technical education highlights include:

• Fire Features That Sell: In Gas Fire Features: How to Boost Your Bottom Line Without Getting Burned, Bill Hylton provides guidance on designing, installing and selling gas fire pits, fireplaces and fire-and-water features.
• Designing with Natural Stone: Presented by the Natural Stone Institute, Reid Johnston and Dacia Woodworth will lead Create Stunning Outdoor Living Spaces Using Natural Stone, exploring how natural stone can enhance outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, water features and seating areas.
• Building Better Retaining Walls: Ryan Miller's Best Practices for Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Design and Construction draws on more than 30 years of research and field experience, providing practical guidance, from planning and design through installation and finishing details.
• Creating Recurring Revenue with PICP Maintenance: Fred Adams and Bryan Horr, P.E., will demonstrate how proper maintenance of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements can protect long-term performance while creating profitable service opportunities.
• Mortar Technology for Manufactured Stone Veneer: In Understanding Mortar Technology for Compliant Installations of Adhered Manufactured Stone Veneer (MSV), Lee Tindall explains how to select the right mortar for adhered manufactured stone and thin-brick veneer installations, covering industry standards and best practices for mixing and application to achieve durable, high-quality results.
• Building from the Ground Up: Renee Redding's The "Invisible" Foundation: Precision Sub-grade and Aggregate Prep for High-End Boutique Projects focuses on the critical groundwork behind successful hardscape installations. Attendees will learn techniques for sub-grade preparation, aggregate selection and base stabilization to prevent settlement and create long-lasting, high-end paver projects.

Learning extends beyond the classroom with six interactive Hardscape Demos presented by Local Roots Landscaping. Experienced installation professionals demonstrate proven techniques for retaining walls, paver installations, outdoor kitchens, lighting, water and fire features and digital tools that help contractors improve productivity and profitability.

Adding to the Hardscape Demo experience, Local Roots Landscaping will host a cookout following the final demo on Friday morning to celebrate the birthday of Patrick Murray, one of Local Roots’ owners. Attendees who purchase the Hardscape Demo upgrade or a VIP Pass are invited to join the celebration.

Contractors looking to expand their technical expertise can also earn industry-recognized credentials through CMHA Installer Courses, offered October 20-21 at the Hyatt Regency Louisville. Led by Certified Installers, these courses combine classroom instruction, official CMHA training materials and an optional certification exam to help participants build skills and demonstrate their expertise.

Whether refining existing skills or expanding service offerings, attendees will leave with practical knowledge they can apply immediately.

Education takes place October 21-23 during Hardscape North America in Louisville, Kentucky. Attendees can add education when registering or return to their registration dashboard at any time.

For those looking to maximize their educational experience, the HNA VIP Pass offers exceptional value. Gain access to 17 education sessions, six Hardscape Demos, two Hardscape Workshops and one complimentary industry session featuring Caleb and Brittany Auman – all while saving more than 50% compared to purchasing sessions individually.

Register to attend HNA

Trade show registration is $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, expansive 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). Platinum sponsor: Belgard. Gold sponsors: iQ Power Tools, Landmark Ceramics and Nicolock. Silver sponsor: Keystone Hardscapes. Bronze sponsor: Range Outdoor Living.

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) represents the manufacturers, suppliers and professionals behind concrete masonry, segmental concrete pavements, manufactured stone veneer, segmental retaining walls and other hardscape systems across the US and Canada. 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.

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.