New name at traditional venue

The AHMA Hardware Show will open for business for the first time from 18 to 20 April. The new event will be organised by the American Hardware Manufacturers Association of Schaumburg, which parted company from Reed Exhibitions, organisers of the National Hardware Show (NHS), as the result of disagreements about the future development of the NHS and is now offering the industry a fair of its own in the shape of the AHMA Hardware Show. It was obvious to the management of AHMA that Chicago must be kept as the traditional location for the event. And the needs of the retail sector in particular have been met by moving the dates forward to spring. The support of leading wholesale buying organisations and cooperatives, retailers and manufacturers has resulted in the creation of a trade event that is oriented towards both the hardware and DIY sectors, plus the area of gardening and outdoor living. According to information from AHMA, the leading suppliers from all product categories will be represented at the fair.The event is segmented into product areas to ensure that visitors can find what they are looking for. There will be three different “Worlds”:- World of Hardware & Tools- World of Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Living- World of Home DecoratingBut the fair will not be presented as just a display of products. It will feature the latest merchandising, display and sales techniques in special show areas such as the Garden Centre of the Future and the Green Goods Pavilion, as well as a home decorating area. There will also be product demonstrations where visitors will have the chance of a hands-on introduction. Further special show segments will be dedicated to a variety of different areas such as innovative products, packaging and retail concepts.The first AHMA Hardware Show will be staged in Chicago from 18 to 20 AprilTo round off the presentation of products and services there will be a programme of seminars within the framework of the AHMA International Hardware Week.Each of the three Worlds will offer its own special educational events developed in collaboration with leading industry organisations including the National Retail Hardware Association, the Lawn & Garden Marketing and Distribution Association and the Paint & Decoration Retailers Association. They will offer participants an insight into the latest merchandising, marketing and industry trends. Also on the schedule is a conference specially for the home improvement market segment.The first…