2019 NRHA State of Independents Conference

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2019 NRHA State of Independents Conference

By The North American Hardware and Paint Association

Date and time

Thursday, December 5, 2019 · 8am - 6pm EST

Location

NRHA Headquarters

136 N. Delaware St. Indianapolis, IN 46204

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 30 days before event
Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

Description

An Evolving Industry: Global Changes at a Local Level

Join retailers, wholesalers and channel partners for this daylong event focused on finding growth opportunities in the changing retail landscape. Join NRHA, economy and industry experts, independent retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers for a full day of networking, panel discussions and research seminars.


Topics this year will cover:

Changing Consumer Demographics

Meeting the needs of a diverse customer base is crucial for ongoing retail success.

  • Hear from multicultural retailers on how they’re integrating new retail opportunities.
  • Explore ways you can authentically serve a changing customer base.
  • Understand the importance of welcoming new customers in every corner of the country.


Increasing Labor Costs

Knowing the forces behind rising labor costs puts you one step ahead of competitors.

  • Position your business to capture sales from professional builders.
  • Find ways you can help construction crews save time and lower costs.
  • Grasp how overseas tariffs are affecting the U.S. home improvement market.


Integrating Technology

Implementing new tech resources can streamline your entire operation.

  • Uncover how new tech applications can improve employee productivity.
  • Incorporate tech solutions to drive brick-and-mortar conversions.
  • Analyze how social media can help you grow closer to customers.



2019 Agenda (Updated Regularly)

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Registration & Networking



9:00 a.m.

Welcome

Dan Tratensek, NRHA and Rich Russo, National Hardware Show®



9:15 – 10:00 a.m

State of the Industry Report

NRHA executive vice president Dan Tratensek and Jim Robisch, senior partner of market research firm The Farnsworth Group, explore the current state of the independent home improvement industry. Using illuminating industry data and the results of NRHA’s annual Cost of Doing Business Study, Tratensek and Robisch will examine factors influencing current performance and analysis of long-term growth opportunities.



10:00 – 10:45 a.m

Retailer Panel Discussion: Retailers Report on Performance and Growth Forecasts

With moderator Dan Tratensek leading the conversation, retailers will reflect on the data from the previous presentation and discuss how they are seeing the trends, opportunities and strengths reflected in their own operations.



10:45 – 11:00 a.m.

Networking Break



11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Retailer Presentation: A Multicultural World

Matthew Mazzone, Mazzone Ace Hardware

Mazzone Ace Hardware started out in an all-Italian community in New York, but now serves a customer base of every culture and language. Matthew Mazzone will discuss the ethnic evolution of his community and the importance of changing the way a store operates to serve changing and extremely diverse customer demographics. Hiring a variety of people who reflect the community’s demographics and relying on multilingual employees are part of Mazzone’s approach to serving a New York microcosm of the world.



12:00 – 12:15 p.m.

Spirit of Independents Awards

This award, presented by NRHA and Independent We Stand, honors a home improvement retail operation that goes above and beyond for promoting the shop local movement within their community.



12:15 – 1:00 p.m.

Networking Lunch

Sponsored by Arrow Fastener



1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Retailer Presentation: DIY Software

Dawn Ernst, Buchheit

Dawn Ernst was on the ground floor of Buchheit's need-based approach to creating an internal employee management program, Snapshot. Ernst will reveal how Snapshot has improved the overall operation and culture of the business.



2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Retailer Presentation: Evolving Technology

Eric Hassett, Hassett Ace Hardware, and Matt Woods, Woods Hardware

Two innovative, tech-focused retailers from California and the Midwest will discuss how they have prioritized implementing technology in their operations as a way to differentiate in their specific markets, improve employee efficiency and compete against big boxes.



3:00 – 3:15 p.m.

Networking Break



3:15 – 4:15 p.m.

2020 Vision: How Retailers Are Embracing Change

Retail is constantly evolving, challenging operators to stay attuned to shifting consumer demographics, shopping preferences and technology. Join Dan Tratensek as he investigates the specific market transitions retailers are reporting and how they are updating their businesses to best meet the needs of customers in 2020 and beyond.



4:15 – 4:30 p.m.

NRHA Channel Partner Awards Presentation

These awards are presented to the top three manufacturing partners as selected by independent retailers.




4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Networking Reception

Sponsored by Arrow Fastener


Hotel Accommodations

To book your hotel stay, please click here
Group Code: NRHA
or call 888-591-1234

Room rate: $124/night
Please book your stay by November 4 to receive the best room rate. Availability is first come, first serve.


Sponsored by the National Hardware Show®



Organized by

The North American Hardware and Paint Association’s (NHPA) mission is to help independent home improvement, paint and decorating retailers, regardless of affiliations, become better and more profitable retailers. This not-for-profit organization serves the channel by providing retailers with educational resources, networking events, industry research and by acting as a collective voice for 45,000 independent retailers across the U.S. and Canada. Learn more about the association and membership options by visiting YourNHPA.org.

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