2020 National Hardware Show Canceled, Replaced by NHS Connects Virtual Show

The National Hardware Show (NHS) has canceled its in-person show scheduled for September and will replace it with NHS Connects, a virtual platform event, at a later date in the fall.

“The hardware industry has been greatly impacted by the global pandemic and hundreds of our international exhibitors have been forced to cancel their plans to participate in the NHS due to market conditions and continued travel restrictions,” Randy Field, group vice president of Reed Exhibitions, says. “At the NHS we pride ourselves on being the leading industry gathering place and while we recognize and appreciate how important the Show is to the community, we believe it is the right decision to transition it to a virtual experience for 2020.”

Previously, the show was postponed in May to a September date, but the changing circumstances around COVID-19 forced the NHS to cancel it altogether, according to Field. The virtual trade show will include networking opportunities,  virtual product showcases, and manufacturer appointments. Before announcing the cancelation, NHS debuted NHS Connects in May as a supplement to the in-person show.

Some sections of NHS Connect website include:

• Connect & Network
• PPE Market
• New & Trending Products
• Webinars & Streaming
• Education Content & Resources
• Health & Wellness

“We are passionate about providing new options such as NHS Connects and look forward to continuing business virtually and creating innovative experiences for when we can hold an in-person event in 2021,” Rich Russo, industry vice president of National Hardware Show, says. “We are re-imagining the entire physical trade show, so look forward to new initiatives, new pavilions and neighborhoods, and a complete transformation of NHS for 2021.”