HNA championship adds prizes

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - It's not just bragging rights that teams get if they win the 2014 HNA Installer Championship. The winning team will receive a cash prize of $1,000, their choice of either the iQ360 dust control table saw with accessories or the iQPC912 dust control power cutter, and a Weber MT's CF3 Pro forward plate compactor. iQ Powertools contributed two iQ360 saws last year, and this year is the first year Weber MT has contributed a forward plate compactor
 
The runner-up team will receive $400 and will also have the chance to select either the iQ360 dust control table saw with accessories or the iQPC912 dust control power cutter as their prize.
 
All participants will receive gift certificates from Weber MT worth $200 on a reversible or $100 on a rammer or forward plate compactor, a plaque and tons of free publicity in hardscape magazines and websites.
 
2nd year for the Annual Championship
 
The HNA Installer Championship was so well received at last year's show that it's back stronger than ever this year. The championship offers a chance for hardscape contractors from the United States and Canada to put their skills to the test. The competition was created to recognize the dedication and passion of hardscape contractors. This year, up to 24 teams will compete with other top installers by applying their knowledge of industry best practices, safety, quality and craftsmanship in a race against the clock and other top installers.
 
What materials and tools will be available?
 
Each team will work with concrete paver, blocks and clay bricks. All materials to be used in the construction will be provided. Only materials provided by the event organizers and placed in the team's designated area may be used in the construction. Teams cannot supply their own materials.
 
Each team can bring their own small hand tools and safety equipment. However, all the basic tools and safety equipment will be provided. The following larger tools will also be supplied for use during the championship: Weber CF3 vibratory plate compactor, iQ360 14" masonry chop saw with integrated dust collection, screed rails, screed board, d-handled square shovel and wheelbarrow.
 
Are you eligible?
 
The championship is restricted to professional hardscape contractors. Each team member must be employed in the hardscape industry in North America as an installer of segmental retaining walls, and clay or concrete pavers. This championship is not for amateurs or do-it-yourselfers.
 
Each team must have a minimum of two crew members and may choose to register a third person as a crew alternate. All teams are required to attend a pre-event meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014 at 4 p.m. at the Kentucky Expositions Center or at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Louisville.
 
How to enter?
 
The championship is limited to the first 24 teams to submit a complete registration. Each team member, including any alternates, must be registered to attend the Hardscape North America tradeshow. Registrations can be completed online at www.HardscapeNA.com. In addition, one of the team members must pay the $150 USD HNA Installer Championship registration fee, which will be listed as an optional item during the online registration process. Each team must also provide proof of their general liability and workers' compensation insurance coverage for each team member, complete the team registration form and have it signed by each team member. These documents need to be submitted by fax to (703) 657-6901 or scanned and emailed to lgarcia@icpi.org.
 
Registration is not complete until all team members are registered to attend HNA, the Installer Competition fee is paid and the completed and signed team registration form is received by ICPI. To download the Installer Championship registration form, visit www.HardscapeNA.com.
 
How does the judging work?
 
During the preliminary round, each team will be given 60 minutes to complete their construction in the prescribed area, according to the design details of the 8 ft. x 10 ft. area provided at the pre-event meeting. Judging of the preliminaries will be based on the team's compliance to industry guidelines and safety regulations, craftsmanship, plus a bonus for completing early. The four teams with the highest scores will advance to the final round.
 
During the finals, each team will be given 90 minutes to construct their own creative design within the 8 ft. X 10 ft. space provided. Judging of the final round will use the same criteria as the preliminaries, with additional marks being awarded for creativity. The team earning the highest score in the final round will be declared the "2014 HNA Installer Champion." The awards presentation will take place on Oct. 24 at 3:30 p.m. in the Hardscape Installer Championship area.
 
This year's HNA Installer Championship is sponsored by Belgard Hardscapes, Pavestone Company, iQ Power Tools, Weber MT, Inc. and Alliance Designer Products Inc.
 
The HNA Installer Championship will be held Oct. 23-24 in Louisville, Kentucky, during Hardscape North America, the industry's largest tradeshow for hardscape contractors and distributors/dealers.
 
To register for the tradeshow and find additional details about the Installer Championship and other events, go to www.HardscapeNA.com.