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School Yourself in Industry Innovations

It’s almost time for the first annual Independent Home Improvement Show—Powered by NHS. This brand-new industry conference is happening Aug. 13-15 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Don’t miss this new opportunity to network, browse products and learn more about home improvement retail. Here are just some of the highlights:

The North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) will present the State of Independents Conference 2019 Midyear Review during the conference. The event begins with a welcome address and midyear review from Dan Tratensek, executive vice president of NRHA and publisher of Hardware Retailing magazine. Then, Jim Robisch, from the market research firm The Farnsworth Group, will lead attendees through the many factors affecting home improvement retailing, from new trends to shifting customer preferences. The session will close with a panel of industry-leading retailers, who will discuss how the lawn and garden category has emerged as a primary driver for their businesses.

Did we mention that the Independent Home Improvement Show has been strategically aligned this year with the 2019 Independent Garden Center Show? Attendees will have full access not only to home improvement exhibitors, but also to all the IGC Show amenities, including the IGC show floor, the IGC Retail Lab (a 3,500-square-foot retail symposium and interactive design forum) and these keynote speeches:

Tuesday, August 13, 11 a.m.:

“Through Your Customers’ Eyes: What Science Shows They See (And Ignore!) While Shopping Your Store” with Dr. Bridget Behe, Professor of Horticultural Marketing at Michigan State University

Wednesday, August 14, 9 a.m.:

“What Can a Classic Rock Star Do To Help You & Your Garden Centers? PLENTY!” with Jeff Baxter, Rock Musician & Consultant to U.S. Department of Defense

Thursday, August 15, 9 a.m.:

“Cracking the Millennial Code: A Look at the Generation Who at Times Makes Us Laugh … And Tear Our Hair Out!” with Mark Belling, Top-Rated Radio Talk Show Host & Award-Winning Commentator

To register for this event, click here.

About Liz Lichtenberger

Liz is the special projects editor for Hardware Retailing magazine. She reports on news and trends, visits retailers, and attends industry events. She graduated from Xavier University, where she earned a degree in English and Spanish and was a member of the swim team. Liz is a Louisville, Kentucky, native who lives in Indianapolis with her husband and two children. She enjoys swimming, reading, doing home improvement projects around her house and cheering on her two favorite basketball teams, the Kentucky Wildcats and the Xavier Musketeers.

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