Following their win of the Totally DIY prize draw at the trade show in February, Nibletts Mica Hardware owners Robert and Wendy Evans recently travelled to the US National Hardware Show in Las Vegas.
It came as Robert Evans celebrated his fiftieth year in the hardware business, and he and Wendy described the trip as "a fabulous way to celebrate" the milestone achievement. The husband and wife retailers were impressed by the American-style hardware show, and particularly enjoyed meeting representatives from Mica's stateside counterpart, Ace Hardware.

Mr and Mrs Evans gave diyweek.net a first hand account of their experiences of Las Vegas and "the enormous arena of trade stands, tools, hardware, paints and decorating, plumbing, electrical, storage and international sourcing."

"The Best Product awards, seminars and a 'new invention' room were... all very interesting. The inventors pitched their products with great passion. An adjacent hall displayed an amazing range of gardening and outdoor living products.

"[There were] huge barbecues and so many variations on snow clearing tools! It was great to chat with Ace Hardware, the American version of Mica DIY, a little larger than us with over 500 members. Most trade stands were quite modest in size, some just a table and backdrop. Our Totally Show compares very favourably with its layout and professionalism.

"Later in the afternoon, we attended the International Reception held in the Inventors Exhibit room, where we met Jayne Seagrove, president of Worldwide DIY Council, whose husband had invented the very successful grout smoothing tool distributed by Everbuild in the UK."

The Evans were then treated to an evening meal by Paul Grinsell, sales director of the Totally shows, at the Stratosphere, the highest building in the city. On celebrating Robert's 50th year amidst the city's famous gambling scene, the Evans added: "We didn't win a fortune, so we will continue for the 51st year!"