National Hardware Show wraps up successful event
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NORWALK, Conn. – Wrapping up last week, the 2020 National Hardware Virtual Show boasted a variety of educational sessions, webinars, networking opportunities and more. Retailers, wholesalers, distributors, suppliers, manufacturers and media had the chance to experience the destination for all things hardware industry related, with the tools needed to equip customers, empower businesses, and engage with industry leaders.

Overall, the 2020 virtual show attracted more than 4,000 industry professionals, facilitated more than 1,200 meetings, incurred 111,387 profile and product views, and generated 12,726 educational content and session views. Due to popular demand, the National Hardware Virtual Show platform will remain open for continued access at nationalhardwareshow.com.

“The 2020 Show was certainly different from years past, yet it provided the same great experience NHS patrons have come to know and love,” said Rich Russo, Industry vice president, National Hardware Show. “As always, the show provided attendees with premium educational content for the ever-expanding and ever-evolving industry, the opportunity to connect with key exhibitors, buyers and media, as well as unmatched sourcing opportunities of newly launched products that keep businesses growing and modern. We hope everyone who signed in had a great show and look forward to seeing everyone again in 2021.”

Education and events
Industry-Leading Conference:
The NRHA All-Industry Conference kicked things off with a special Day 1 keynote from Dan Starr, president and CEO, Do it Best Corp. entitled “How Independents Are Still Disrupting.” The keynote took place immediately following the NHS opening ceremony and addressed the future of the industry and the opportunities that are available for independents to innovate, compete and win in their markets.

Following Starr’s address, the NRHA All-Industry Conference featured 12 different sessions including a keynote titled, “Employees First: Disrupting Assumptions for More Loyal Customers and Stronger Sales” which was presented by Kevin Hancock, CEO of Hancock Lumber. The session focused on the social and economic benefits of creating an employee-centric company.

Other key sessions included:

  • 5 Disrupters Challenging the Home Improvement Industry - Jim Robisch, senior partner, The Farnsworth Group
  • 6 Steps to Selling Your Business - Gary Pittsford, president & CEO, Castle Wealth Advisors
  • The Tools You Need to Improve Your Culture - Kim Peffley, retail consultant, NRHA
  • How to Manage E-Commerce in a Post-Covid Environment - Jimmy Barber, senior director of E-Commerce and Scott Sinclair, director of E-Commerce, OneStone 

All education sessions are available on-demand in the education tab on the Virtual Show platform.

Industry awards
During this year’s virtual show, the best of the best in the industry were honored through NRHA’s Top Gun Awards. The presentation took place on Tuesday and was hosted by Melanie Moul of the NRHA. The program paid tribute to some of the industry’s top performers, enabling attendees to see how these retailers are innovating in their businesses, giving back to their communities and pushing the industry forward to continually rise to the top.

NRHA Top Gun Awards Winners:

  • Will Aubuchon, W.E. Aubuchon Co. Inc.
  • Patrick Goebel, Star Lumber Kevin Hancock, Hancock Lumber
  • Kirby Scales, Russell Do it Center

 The 2021 National Hardware Show is slated to take place May 11-13. For information visit nationalhardwareshow.com

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