Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Sunny Florida awaits as the home of the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI Conference) hosted by the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) and The Hardware Conference. Independent retailers, industry experts and channel vendors will gather for two days of networking, learning and leisure at the J.W. Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida, from July 29-30, 2026.
Each year, attendees walk away from the IHI Conference equipped with the knowledge and expertise to face the industry’s biggest challenges and inspiration to take their businesses to the next level.
“The conference gave me a renewed focus on my business and highlighted areas for improvement, whether it’s inventory management, technology or merchandising,” says Kerry Thomas, owner of Stan Dawe Building Centers.
The 2025 show was impactful for attendees from all affiliations, so much so that 93% of last year’s attendees plan to return to the conference in 2026 to participate in informative breakout sessions, hear from experts at six main stage events, celebrate fellow retailers at the Independent Awards Gala and network with each other at partner events.
Connect Through Hands-On Learning
A highlight of the IHI Conference are the breakout sessions led by industry powerhouses, covering the most-relevant topics like employee engagement, executive leadership, retail operations and technology and marketing, merchandising and advertising.
Employee Engagement:
From addressing labor challenges to navigating generational gaps with employees and customers, these sessions provide solutions to guide employers to help their employees avoid burnout and provide a framework to develop committed, highly productive teams.
Executive Leadership:
In today’s ever-evolving landscape, leadership requires a blend of vision, strategic thinking and emotional
intelligence. These sessions take a deep dive into confidently becoming a leader who can foster innovation, guide through change and inspire high-performance teams.
Retail Operations and Technology:
When you get into the weeds of day-to-day operations, it can be difficult to take a broader look at those processes and strategies that could improve overall operations. These sessions will highlight how retailers can take on today’s operational challenges through small-scale tools or enterprisewide solutions.
Marketing, Merchandising and Advertising:
Independent retailers hold various roles in their operations, especially in marketing and merchandising. These sessions will showcase effective marketing trends or merchandising strategies that even the least experienced retailers can use to save time and find success.
“The breakout sessions were of great value and gave me different thoughts on approach, risks, marketing ideas and an overall feel that my team is on the right path and can open up and explore different ideas and find that success,” says Gilbert Orona of Valle Vista Home Center. “I feel stronger knowing we have support in our industry from others on the same level, same struggles and need for advice, support
and relationship.”
Secure Your Spot
Attendees have endless opportunities to network with other retailers, vendors and channel partners over the two-day event. Don’t miss the opportunity to forge new relationships with peers facing similar industry challenges, exchange ideas and discover new partnership opportunities that can elevate your business long after the conference ends.
“The interaction with the other store owners during IHI is priceless, “ says Ty McClellan, co-owner and vice president of Hardware Sales Inc.
Registration is live for this year’s can’t-miss event. Visit YourNHPA.org/ihiconference to learn more about the event and secure your spot.
“The overall atmosphere of the conference was very productive, professional and constructive,” says Matthew Spinks, store manager of Lumber King, Inc. “IHI was a breath of fresh air for retail burnout.”
