Hardscape North America Adds Live Translation Feature to Educational Sessions

This year’s Hardscape North America trade show will feature a new pilot program featuring a live translation service, conference officials say.

Set for Oct. 21-23 in Louisville, Kentucky, the show’s new feature aims to give attendees “the opportunity to experience select education sessions and hardscape demonstrations in their preferred language.” The service will provide both translated audio and visual on-screen translations through attendee mobile devices for four education sessions, as well as all six Hardscape Demo sections during the 2026 show.

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

The conference says that using the service is extremely simple, and works through QR codes. Attendees planning to use the audio translation option must bring their own headphones or earbuds to connect to their phone or mobile device, the show staff says.

“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,” staffers say.

This year’s sessions

The new pilot will work for a set of four feature sessions across the three-day show. This year’s fleet of sessions will cover installation, new industry standards, natural stone application, and business leadership.

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,” the show says. “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,” show staff explains. “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,” show representatives say. “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,” the show says. “Attendees will learn how stone characteristics, climate, project conditions, fabrication and setting materials can affect the durability and performance of natural stone paving.”

The service will also be available for Hardscape Demo sessions, which will focus on practical skills and strategies for construction business owners.

Registration for Hardscape North America 2026 is open now.