Oct 8, 2004

AHMA Cancels 2005 Hardware ShowSource: AHMA

The Board of Directors of the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) unanimously voted to positively change its direction and will not conduct the 2005 AHMA Hardware Show. AHMA will proactively focus on creating alternative, optimally valuable and relevant events for its members and its industry in response to recent developments and evolutionary changes of the home improvement industry, which dramatically, negatively impacted the Hardware Show for the past several years, according to the association.

“It’s a tough decision because the Hardware Show has been such an important event to our members and industry and our association for such a long time, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s the right decision. We’ve always made decisions in the best interests of our members and our industry, and this is one more example. We’re excited about pursuing what’s most valuable to our members and our industry now and in the future, not holding on to something that was valuable to them in the past,” said Timothy S. Farrell, president and CEO of AHMA.

In recent years there has been some conflicts within the relationships of AHMA and Reed Exhibitions, the organizations that put together The National Hardware Show for several years. The two parties decided to spilt and conduct their own trade shows. 2004 was the first year the two parties held separate shows, AHMA in Chicago and Reed in Las Vegas, and there was a significant difference in attendees and exhibitors in both shows. In 2005 Reed plans on adding a gourmet food addition to the show and currently has more than 1,900 exhibitors according to The National Hardware Show Web site. The National Hardware Show will be held May 17-19, 2005 in Las Vegas.

The American Hardware Manufacturers Association serves the hardware, home improvement, lawn and garden, paint and decorating and related industries. AHMA consists of approximately 800 U.S. manufacturer members, as well as a smaller number of manufacturers’ representatives’ agencies and trade publications.

AHMA conducts many valuable industry programs, services and activities, including the AHMA Executive Conference for the Home Improvement Industry, the AHMA Hardlines Technology Forum, AHMA/USA International Pavilions, Government Relations Programs, Member Benefit Vendor Programs, Member Cost Reduction Programs, etc.