Exploring Beyond the llqtionol Building Products Expo ttlr

-- lf,r.over It Atl!" is the raltying cry for the 8th annual National Building Products Exposition and companion National Hardware Show Aug. 15-18 at the McCormick Place Complex in Chicago, Il.

"This year we are putting a special emphasis on encouraging attendees to take advantage of not only the depth but the breadth of International Hardware Week, the National Hardware Show, and the National Building Products Exposition," says show promoter Dean Russo. "The theme reminds attendees to look beyond the categories they traditionally explore to others that could offer new opportunities for profit enhancement and growth."

While the Expo will feature more than 300 exhibitors offering adhesives, doors, windows, flooring, roofing, siding, wood products, and other building materials, the affiliated National Hardware Show, now in its 54th year, will feature nearly 3,000.

Covering 1.3 million sq. ft., the show will be divided by product cate- gory, such as hardware & allied lines; plumbing, electrical & HVAC; lawn, garden & outdoor living; paint & home decorating, and housewares.

The festivities also include a New Products Exposition leaturing more than 1,700 products, Packaging Exposition, Retail Concepts Center, Resource Center. opening reception. and an International Hardware Week keynote address by Newt Gingrich, former U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The line-up of seminars (see p. 6 for times) includes:

. "How Independent Retailers Can Offer Home Repairs"

. "Convenience Wars in the Northeast: Home Depot Unveils a New Format and an Industrv Responds"

. "Industry Consolidation: Threat or Opportunity?"

"Grow Sales Fast!"

. "Seven Hot Trends at Trade Shows ... Winning Strategies for Successful Exhibiting"

. "What Drives Consumer Purchases of Lawn & Garden Products?"

. "Closing the Gap ... Retailers, Distributors & Manufacturers Working Together to Expand Market Share"

. "Hardlines E-Commerce-Is It Working?"

. "Maximum Marketing"

Sponsored and conducted by the American Hardware Manufacturers Association since 1975, the show last year attracted approximately 70,000 retailers, pro dealers, architects, wholesalers, remodelers, builders, contractors and other industry professionals from 91 different countries.