National Hardware Show lights up Las Vegas.(National Hardware Show/2004: in review)

LAS VEGAS -- The 59th National Hardware Show, held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, has left little doubt about the future of the industry's biggest trade show. Retailers and manufacturers have overwhelmingly chosen Las Vegas.

Reed Exhibitions continues to barrel ahead with expansion plans. The Norwalk, Conn., trade show organizer, which crammed booths into every nook and cranny of the Salads Expo this year, has booked additional space at the Las Vegas Convention Center for 2005. Reed has also announced a partnership with George Little Management, producer of the Gourmet Products Show. The high-end housewares trade event will share the convention center with the National Hardware Show on May 17 to 19, 2005.

While neither appliances nor kitchen and bath were dominant in Las Vegas this year, Reed hopes to increase its penetration in these areas. Vendors in these categories have been …