The National Hardware Show (NHS), the annual trade show and conference for the home improvement and hardware industries produced by independent show organizer RX, is launching an exclusive two-day event for industry influencers.  

Context: Held annually in Las Vegas, NHS attracts home centers, independent retailers, online retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and others to discover new products, innovations, and trends in the home improvement and do-it-yourself (DIY) industry. In 2024, the event drew in more than 11,000 attendees and 1,400 exhibitors to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). This year’s NHS will be held March 18-20 at the LVCC. 

Need to know: Set for March 18-19 in the LVCC’s West Hall, the NHS Influencer Summit will bring together content creators from tools, hardware, outdoor living, grilling, paint, electrical, building, woodworking, farming, plumbing, and hobbyist categories to meet with brands to foster innovation, creativity, and partnerships.  

Big picture: Designed for all industry storytellers, the immersive program will offer myriad hands-on content creation opportunities, meaningful industry connections, educational sessions led by top professionals, and exclusive events, including VIP networking opportunities with top brands and retailers. 

Who will be there: Influencers such as Tools in Action, BYO Tools, Tool Pros, Chucks Flavor Train, Dirt Monkey, Tools by Design, and many more are expected to attend the inaugural event, according to officials from RX.  

What they’re saying: “We’re thrilled to host the NHS Influencer Summit, an exciting opportunity that empowers influencers to continue shape the future of the home improvement industry with products and connections made on the trade show floor,” said Hector Morfin, NHS event leader. “This summit is about more than just networking; it’s about creating real connections, sparking fresh ideas, and offering influencers a platform to drive innovation and growth in the industry. We can’t wait to see how these collaborations will help push the boundaries and elevate the home improvement space to new heights.” 

NHS Influencer Summit schedule highlights include: 

Day 1: 

• Private Show Floor Tour: At this behind-the-scenes guided tour of the NHS trade show floor, attendees will be able to capture exclusive content and enjoy one-on-one time with exhibiting brands and industry leaders. 
• Sessions and Roundtables: Emerging and established creators alike will gain valuable insights from sessions covering industry trends, strategies, and best practices. These discussions will go beyond categories to offer practical, actionable advice on growing one’s brand, creating impactful content, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. 
• Invitation to VIP Party at Allegiant Stadium: The engaging networking party with industry leaders, retailers, brands, and fellow influencers will feature premium catering, entertainment, and a memorable location. 
• Themed Lunch and Collaboration Contest: Participants will join their fellow influencers for a one-hour challenge that pairs them with peers to create standout content showcasing the show’s latest innovations. Influencers will have the opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and extend their reach by tapping into one another’s unique audiences. 

Day 2: 

• Themed Breakfast and Peer Meet-and-Greet: Participants will kickstart the day with a themed breakfast and fun activities designed to foster authentic connections. 
• Insider Access to NHS Cook-Off: Influencers will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes of the annual NHS Cook-Off competition and capture exclusive content of grilling, smoking, and tasting renowned chefs’ dishes. 
• Networking Happy Hour: The day will wrap up with a casual and relaxed happy hour, where influencers and exhibitors will have the chance to come together to celebrate new connections and collaborations. The event is designed to provide influencers with a setting to engage directly with brands, explore partnership opportunities, and lay the groundwork for future content and collaborations.  

TSNN sat down with NHS Marketing Director Lauren Csire to find out more about the NHS Influencer Summit and why the show is launching this special event.  

Why launch an influencer event at the National Hardware Show and why now? 

The decision to launch the Influencer Summit is rooted in the evolving landscape of how consumers and professionals engage with brands and products. Influencers have the power to drive product awareness, educate audiences, and foster genuine connections. The hands-on and product-focused nature of the hardware and home improvement industry has paved the way for influencers to become key drivers in shaping consumer decisions, and in turn, a valuable attendee category for NHS. 

The presence of influencers at NHS extends the impact of our exhibiting companies’ presence beyond the show floor and offers them valuable exposure to a wide digital audience, reaching millions of potential customers. Influencers complement the core B2B nature of NHS by allowing brands to connect with both digital communities and key decision-makers, bridging the gap between broad consumer reach and direct business opportunities. We’ve seen tremendous success and satisfaction from both the influencers attending the event and the exhibitors they engage with. We’re thrilled to expand on that success this year by introducing the NHS Influencer Summit, which will offer even more opportunities for the influencer attendee including networking, dedicated event planning resources, and tailored education sessions and workshops. 

How are you vetting attendees for this invite-only event? What kinds of credentials do they need to have? 

The Influencer Summit has been designed to provide valuable insights and opportunities for all levels, catering to emerging and established creators alike. To ensure we’re curating a relevant and engaged community, our qualifying team carefully processes each influencer registration to verify criteria such as the presence of an active platform and an alignment with the objectives of the Show. We look for influencers who want to make a genuine impact within the hardware and home improvement space, whether through social media, blogs, video content, or other online platforms. This ensures that the influencers attending the event are not only relevant but also have the potential to create authentic connections with the brands and products showcased at NHS. 

What will be your metrics for success with this event and are there plans to do this every year at NHS? 

Our metrics will be focused on several key areas: engagement, direct feedback, and measurable impact on product visibility. We’ll track the level of interaction between influencers, exhibitors, and attendees, as well as monitor social media conversations and content created by influencers before, during, and after the event. Additionally, gathering direct customer feedback is a top priority to gauge overall satisfaction on both sides. It’s always rewarding to hear success stories, such as new partnerships and increased product demand, that stem from connections made at NHS. This has been a consistent highlight in recent years, and it’s something we’re committed to fostering even further. 

Given the rapidly growing influence of content creators and their role in shaping consumer behavior, there will always be an influencer component as a recurring part of the NHS experience. Our goal is to continuously evolve the event to reflect the changing landscape of the industry and to ensure it remains a valuable resource for influencers, attendees, and brands alike. 

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