Record crowds gather in Louisville for a hands-on Hardscape North America experience

Registration for HNA 2026 is open now for $12.50 for a limited time

The hardscape and landscape industry came together in Louisville, Kentucky, in late October for a record-breaking Hardscape North America (HNA). Nearly 30,000 people from all 50 states and 52 countries filled the Kentucky Exposition Center to see what’s new and next for products, equipment, and technology at HNA and the co-located Equip Exposition.

Together, the two shows featured more than 1,000 exhibits spread across indoor and outdoor spaces. HNA alone included 3,699 attendees—a 10% increase—and 226 exhibitors covering 61,100 sq.ft. With 47 companies that had not exhibited in HNA previously, attendees saw a wider variety of products, including more software solutions and swimming pool equipment and products.

Just outside, the 42,000-sq.-ft. Hardscape House and the 30-acre Outdoor Demonstration Yard provided attendees a chance to learn new installation techniques and test-drive equipment.

Learning opportunities also filled the week. Attendees explored new technology, installation techniques, and business strategies. Many of the sessions qualified for continuing education hours. New this year were sessions on integrating utilities into hardscapes, CDL driver information, stewarding faith in business, and more. For the keynote, Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole delivered a high-energy presentation that drew a packed room.

HNA Installer Championship Winners

With more than $18,000 in prizes on the line, 12 teams competed in the annual HNA Installer Championship in the Hardscape House. The top four teams from Thursday’s preliminary rounds advanced to Friday’s finals. Each team was sponsored by a hardscape industry organization.

• First Place: Pavers by Porter, sponsored by Outdoor Living Supply (This marks their third consecutive championship win. Under event rules, Pavers by Porter will retire from competition, opening the door for a new champion in 2026.)
• Second Place: Authentic Willow, sponsored by SHS Distributors
• Third Place: Epic Pavers, sponsored by Whiz-Q Stone and Keystone Hardscapes
• Fourth Place: 9 Trees Landscape Construction, sponsored by Keystone Hardscapes

The HNA Awards celebrate excellence across the U.S. and Canada, and this year saw 192 project entries. Winners and honorable mentions were recognized in 18 hardscape categories during the awards ceremony on October 23. The list of winning entries, along with a link to photos, is available at https://bit.ly/43U1P8n.

HNA 2026 will be held October 21-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Registration is now open and costs $12.50 for a limited time. Visit HardscapeNA.com for information or to register. Details about education will be available in March and can be added to your registration at that time. For more information, call (888) 580-9960 or email [email protected]. 

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

About Hardscape North America (HNA)

Hardscape North America (HNA) is a 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 tradeshow floor demonstrations and offers the latest technology for contractors.

About Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (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.