4 Reasons to Join the 2024 NHPA Independents Conference Waitlist

“The conference taught me to not be afraid to try something new. Technology is changing; are we willing to do the same?” —John Luhring, Parkersburg Hardware and Garden Center

“I made a lot of valuable contacts and came away with a lot of ideas to help move our business forward. The technology focus was great, but even more important was the focus on creating more value for our customers by listening to their needs.” —Tyson Simmons, Hardware Sales Inc.

“I liked that the presentations had a common theme so it reiterated common issues or solutions as well as different information or solutions.” —Heather Clark, Haney Builders’ Supplies

2. Meet like-minded independent retailers.

“It is always good to see other retailers in the same boat as you. We are all trying to achieve the same goals.” —Jenna Terry, Smith County Lumber

“I enjoyed networking with like minded people who deal with like minded problems.” —Manish Uttamchandani, KB Home Center

“This conference filled a gap that was so needed by us independents where we could not only learn with each other, but also from each other, network together and have fun together. —Christian Herrick, Randy’s Hardware

3. Interact with vendors and services providers offering solutions.

“Manufacturers and retailers deal with many of the same issues, and as a manufacturer, I felt all the presentations were also very relevant to me.” —Dee Willoughby, Fulton Corporation

“I enjoyed talking with and learning more about specific products that interest our company or discovering things that can help propel growth and min costs.” —Todd Russell, Gold Beach Lumberyard

“As a vendor, I was busy nonstop both days, all day hosting owners in my booth. The vendor area was easy to navigate around, with wide open spaces. The ease of movement good so no one felt clustered.” —Ryan McConnell, Pricer Inc.

4. Expand your professional network.

“The intimacy of the event the most. It felt nice to have a manageable group of attendees and vendors to build strong relationships with and learn more about them personally instead of just gathering leads for future Zoom calls.” —Rand Jenkins, Mountain Mojo Group

“Figuring out how to move the needle with our specific groups is still a challenge, so I enjoyed hearing from the retailers in our industry with the knowledge and resources to use technology to grow their business.” —Jody Maude, Hardlines Distribution Alliance

“Distributors, retailers and the NHPA had the opportunity to meet, talk and discuss industry related topics away for offices, retail stores and selling events.” —Dean Guenrich, Orgill