Record Breaking Energy at the 2026 NEH

The 2026 Northeast Hardscape Expo (NEH Expo), held this March at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Connecticut, once again established itself as the premier event for the region's hardscape industry, setting new records for participation and engagement.

A Record-Breaking Floor

The energy on the show floor was palpable as 3,400 attendees connected with over 240 exhibitors. The Expo featured its largest variety of products and services to date, offering everything from the latest in manufactured stone to cutting-edge equipment. Beyond the business of hardscaping, the event provided attendees with a prize wheel, golf simulator, remote-controlled construction vehicle sandpit station, and even a live band in the "Irish Pub" area with free bourbon tasting!

Mastering the Craft: Education Highlights

This year’s educational tracks focused on both foundational skills and future-ready technology. Key sessions included:

• Installation Excellence: CMHA instructor Greg Ambrose led deep dives into Basic Paver Installation and Retaining Wall Construction 101, providing essential "engineering rules of thumb" to prevent project failures.
• Advanced Engineering: Renee Redding presented Advanced Pavers, moving beyond aesthetics to explain the structural physics of rotational and horizontal interlock required for high-traffic environments.
• The AI Revolution: Corey Halstead hosted a series of forward-looking sessions on how Generative AI and ChatGPT can transform hardscape businesses by optimizing marketing and supercharging customer service.

Investing in the Future Workforce

One of the most inspiring highlights of the Expo was the attendance of 150 students from five Connecticut Technical High Schools. These students, representing the future of the hardscape workforce, were given a front-row seat to the best products and latest techniques in the industry. The Expo continues to support these programs by providing truckloads of pavers and masonry units to participating schools annually.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The NEH Expo shows no signs of slowing down, with organizers already projecting an even larger variety of services for next year. Mark your calendars now—the Expo will return to the Mohegan Sun on March 17th & 18th, 2027.