Although the National Hardware Show (NHS) is hoping to stick to its rescheduled September 1-3 dates for its trade show in Las Vegas (which was originally planned for May), the show’s organizers have unveiled a digital platform – NHS Connects – that will operate year-round.
Set to roll out in the coming weeks, NHS Connects will provide retailers, wholesalers, distributors, suppliers, and manufacturers with online digital content designed specifically for the hardware and home improvement industry and accessible all year long. Show attendees can use NHS Connects to stay up to date on leading industry topics and education, connect and set up direct appointments with leading suppliers and manufacturers, plus source new and trending products while also expanding current offerings.
“We understand the significant impact NHS has on our customers’ business especially during this unprecedented time in which hardware and home improvement stores are considered essential. Our new online platform enables exhibitors and attendees to get the most out of the Show through creating a resource for community, connection and innovation,” says Rich Russo, Industry Vice President for the National Hardware Show. “NHS Connects reimagines sourcing strategies and encourages industry leaders to stay united with manufacturers and brands not only during the Show but throughout the year. The platform will provide a plethora of resources that benefit all attendees to help increase productivity and maximize efficiency.”
According to show organizer Reed Exhibitions, NHS Connects will be comprised of a variety of informational sessions that visitors will have access to all year long with online resources including scheduled and pre-recorded webinars, virtual education and panels hosted by NHS industry partners, plus health and wellness classes.
Among the topics covered are:
Navigating the CARES Act for Small Businesses: Reed Exhibitions external legal advisor, Duane Morris LLP’s COVID-19 Strategy Team has been closely monitoring developments and advising clients on the complex legal issues and far-reaching implications of the pandemic. In this webinar, Duane Morris’ Sandra Stoneman and Nanette Heide provide an overview of these benefits and protections.
COVID-19 on Home Improvement Behaviors – DIY Edition: The Farnsworth Group delves into the impact of COVID-19 on home improvement behaviors and the DIY community.
Navigating Business Decisions During a Pandemic: The North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and Hardware Retailing are committed to bringing timely, actionable information to independent operators across North America.
A Guide on How to Transition Field Service Staff to Work from Home: The Retail Observer provides readers with some tips and high-level guidance for what you need to review at your company and some of the tools that other businesses have used to make the work-from-home transition successful.
Retail Strategies for Responding to COVID-19: Green Profit offers a variety of tips to keep businesses running and top of mind during these uncertain times. Payroll Protection Refunding Rules, A First Look at Coronavirus Survival and a Checklist of Ideas for Retail are among the many resources attendees can tap into.
Business and Logistics During COVID-19: HomeWorld Business Editor-in-Chief Peter Giannetti moderated the first webinar, featuring three home and housewares suppliers who shared how they are guiding their companies through the day-to-day challenges of this COVID-19 crisis with a strategic eye on being better prepared when the recovery begins.
NHS Connects will also further attendees and exhibitors’ ability to utilize NHS matchmaking programs to communicate and set up appointments directly through the platform with its Jublia technology tool. It will also connect manufacturers and suppliers who are producing personal protective equipment (PPE) with retailers and wholesalers who are in need.
NHS Connects will boast a New Products feature that will display products set to launch at the Show in all areas of the Show floor. This will ensure that exhibitors have a platform to launch products and gain exposure while buyers have visibility to sourcing new products and trends.
Registration for buyers and retailers is free from now until the Show at www.nationalhardwareshow.com
