Hardscape North America Introduces New Business Education Sessions

The annual Hardscape North America (HNA) trade show has introduced a series of business-focused education sessions for industry contractors, to take place in Louisville, Kentucky Oct. 21-22.

The company aims to build a stronger landscaping and construction industry, it says, implementing practical leadership strategies and education focused on contractor growth. Bob Thomas, president and CEO of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), which produces HNA, says the sessions are designed to give contractors “practical ideas.”

“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,” he says.

Following the education sessions, those contractors can take the lessons back to their shops and put them to work immediately, he adds. This year’s lineup of sessions will feature 17 in total, according to HNA, as well as a number of other off-shoot educational opportunities.

Session previews

This year’s sessions include the following, according to Hardscape North America:

“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.”

The show staff has also introduced a VIP Pass offering “exceptional value” to the tune of 17 education sessions, six hardscaping demos, two workshops, and a free industry session.

The sessions aim to give contractors the practical tools they need to improve profitability, the organization says, as well as strengthen leadership and make smart decisions for their business. In the long term, the educational opportunities may help companies position themselves for future growth, officials add.

Attendees can add the education sessions when registering for this year’s HNA conference, which is open for registration now. The CMHA will also offer installer courses to be held on the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to this year’s show, promising both training and certification opportunities.