HNA reveals 2019 conference speakers

Hardscape North America (HNA) unveiled its seven conference session speakers and topics for the 2019 HNA show in October.

“We are thrilled with our schedule of presenters this year,” said Charles McGrath, executive director of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI). “They are definitely timely topics uniquely and directly relevant to our industry. Hardscape contractors will gain so much knowledge from this year’s education sessions.”

The sessions will cover industry topics, including: workforce development and attracting talent, focusing on customer experience that includes women as dominant customers and the always-relevant project estimating skills.

Each conference session lasts an hour and 15 minutes and is approved for Certified Concrete Paver Installer and National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) SRW Installer continuing education (CE) hours.

The VIP pass is available again this year. The pass will give contractors access to all seven conference sessions, as well as the six hardscape demonstrations, for a 50 percent discount. Compared to purchasing individual sessions, the cost for the VIP pass is $229 or $189 for ICPI/BIA/NCMA members. A-la-carte tickets for the conference sessions are $65 per session.

In addition, an in-depth business management session is on the schedule for 2019. In this daylong workshop, industry expert Jerry Gaeta will address the fundamentals of owning and operating a successful hardscape business. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Downtown, HNA’s host hotel. The early bird fee for this session is $199 until Sept. 5 and $219 thereafter. For ICPI/NCMA/BIA Members: $169 until Sept. 5, and $189 thereafter.

Tuesday, Oct. 15

NEW: In-depth business management session
5 Keys to Business Management
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Jerry Gaeta

Wednesday, Oct. 16

Estimating Hardscape Projects with Confidence
12 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Jerry Gaeta

Growing Your Hardscape Company 535 percent Using Today’s Tech Tools
1:45 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Susan Frew

Manage, Motivate and Prepare Your Hardscape Crew for Success
5 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Jerry Gaeta

Thursday, Oct. 17

What Women Want: See Your Business Through a Woman’s Eyes
8 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Anne Obarski

What You Can Learn from Shark Tank
12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Leslie Shiner

Friday, Oct. 18

Finding the Next Generation of Hardscape Installers
8 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Frank Gandora

Customer Service Workshop
10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Gary Ross

HNA 2019 early-bird registration is available for $15 (fees increase after Thursday, Sept. 5). HNA registration includes access GIE+EXPO indoor exhibits, access to the Hardscape House and 20-acre Outdoor Demonstration Area, entrance to two keynotes and the HNA Hardscape Project Awards Presentation, the opportunity to watch the HNA Installer Championship competition, and three nights of free concerts at Fourth Street Live!

For more information on the sessions or to register, visit HardscapeNA.com.