Celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2024, Ace Hardware Corp. hosted its largest Fall Convention in history, attracting more than 18,000 retailers, employees, and vendors to McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, according to Ace. Held Aug. 8-10—just prior to the Democratic National Convention—the Ace Hardware Fall 2024 Convention not only set records in total attendance but also in total representation from retailers and stores. 

As the company turns 100, Ace continues to grow—not shrink—the number of retail locations. "During the quarter, we added our 5,000th store and are on track to add 200 new stores in 2024,” said Ace President and CEO John Venhuizen in a press release announcing its second quarter (Q2) 2024 revenues of $2.7 billion, an increase of $81.7 million, or 3.1%, from the same period last year.   

Ace Hardware touts itself as the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative with more than 5,900 locally owned and operated stores in approximately 60 countries. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace and its subsidiaries operate an expansive network of distribution centers in the U.S. and have distribution capabilities in Ningbo, China, and Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico.   

Since 1924, Ace has been a part of local communities around the world and known as “the place with the helpful hardware folks,” as their marketing campaigns boast.  

What made this year’s fall convention such a hit? Here are seven notable highlights from the 2024 corporate event.  

Photos: Courtesy of Ace from Freeman