Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Next week, the 2025 National Hardware Show (NHS) will kick off in Las Vegas, bringing together the home improvement industry for product discovery, education and networking. Along with attendee favorites, like the NHS Backyard and NEW Product Zone, NHS will feature exciting new offerings, including the How Women Rise program and a newly organized show floor.
Kathryn Emery, home improvement and lifestyle expert and NHS correspondent, shares with Hardware Retailing what she’s most excited for at NHS and why independent home improvement retailers of any size and affiliation need to make the trip to Vegas.
To learn more and register for your free expo pass, visit NHS2025.com/NHPA.
Hardware Retailing (HR): What are you most excited for at NHS 2025?
Kathryn Emery (KE): Products, people, programs, Backyard Happy Hour! So many things! NHS is always the place to see what’s next in home improvement, hardware, outdoor living and so much more, and I can’t wait to walk the show floor, connect with brands driving innovation and discover the latest tools, tech and trends shaping the industry. It’s the ultimate playground for anyone who loves home improvement as much as I do.
Plus, the energy at NHS is unmatched—getting hands-on with new products, hearing from inventors and industry leaders and celebrating the people behind the brands makes it a must-attend event every year. I’m especially excited for all of its new programming, including the How Women Rise Program, new immersive sessions like Weber’s Hands-On Grilling Experience and the Influencer Summit designed to inspire content creators to build industry relationships and create captivating content to educate their community on the home improvement industry.
HR: The How Women Rise program is new this year, and it will be exciting to hear from and honor rising women in the industry. As a fellow woman in the industry, why is this program and recognizing women in the industry important?
KE: The home improvement industry has historically been male-dominated; however, women are being celebrated, empowered and recognized more and more. Women are creating new innovations, leading businesses and shaping the future of the industry in incredible ways. The new How Women Rise program is a huge step in recognizing those contributions and empowering the next generation.
When we see women thriving in this industry, it opens doors for more women to step in with confidence. It’s about celebrating the trailblazers, but also creating opportunities for more women to rise, mentor and lead. Honestly this program is geared towards women, but really anyone who is new to the industry should attend and be inspired—the information is valuable for business no matter who you are.
HR: What are the biggest reasons for independent home improvement retailers to attend NHS 2025?
KE: Independent retailers are the heart of the home improvement industry, and NHS is where they can get an edge, see what’s new, make important connections and be where excitement happens in the industry. It’s a one-stop shop for discovering new products, building partnerships and staying ahead of trends that customers will be seeking next. With hands-on product demos, expert-led education sessions and immersive brand experiences, it’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on knowledge and innovations that will help their businesses thrive.
