What NRHA Employees Look Forward to in Las Vegas

This week, the home improvement industry comes together in Las Vegas to network, celebrate accomplishments, check out new products and have a good time.

The National Hardware Show® and NRHA All-Industry Conference officially kick off tomorrow. Included below is what a few NRHA employees are most looking forward to this week.

“I really enjoy the NRHA All-Industry Conference and National Hardware Show because the events bring together retailers of all different sizes from many geographical locations,” says Allison DeWitt, director of member services. “I’m especially looking forward to the Independent Retailer Reception, because it allows retailers to casually network and connect with fellow independent stores owners, a unique opportunity that attendees may not have a chance to experience elsewhere.”

“The National Hardware Show is, without a doubt, the most exciting event for the industry every year,” says Dan Tratensek, publisher, vice president of publishing. “I’d have to say that the Retailers’ Choice Awards and Top Guns presentations are two of my personal favorites. These both really get to the heart of what’s so special about the National Hardware Show. The Top Guns presentation casts a spotlight on independent retailers who are really setting the mark for excellence in this industry, while the Retailers’ Choice Awards provide independent retailers an opportunity to salute the manufacturers who are delivering innovative, marketable products to them.”

“My favorite part of the show is catching up with all of my long-time industry friends and acquaintances that I will get to see in Las Vegas,” says Scott Wright, executive director of the Retail Leadership Institute. “Sometimes the National Hardware Show is the only opportunity I have to see some some these folks in person during the year, as it is the industry’s largest gathering of the year. I also look forward to all the innovative new products that manufacturers will be launching at the show. As an avid DIYer myself, for me the National Hardware Show is like the world’s largest toy store, and each year it keeps getting better and more innovative, especially in emerging categories like smarthome automation. Lastly, the presentations on the NRHA Village Stage are always forward-thinking and offer great insight into where our industry is headed.”

“This is my first time at the National Hardware Show, so I’m looking forward to taking in as much as possible,” says Tom Marcum, director of retail outreach. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about the show. I will also be glad to meet face-to-face with many retailers I’ve spoken with but haven’t been able to meet.”