Landscape Ontario will be celebrating soon. January 15-17, 2003 marks the 30th anniversary of Congress, Canada’s dynamic international trade show and conference. Constant new ideas, new products, and tips for the trade have kept the show fresh and lively.
Congress now attracts over 12,000 visitors, 7 ½ acres of exhibits, and a top-notch educational lineup. Congress 2003 promises to be the premier exposition for everyone in the green trades and allied suppliers.
A highly popular feature is the Congress Conference. “For 2003, we have experts from the green trades from coast to coast and north to south representing the diversity, success, and leading edge technology of the green trades,” says Pat Hillmer, Conference Coordinator.
“Even our marketing and business speakers have businesses such as garden centres, landscape contracting, maintenance or design/build firms – it truly is ‘business in action’, the theme for Congress 2003,” adds Hillmer.
Headliner speakers include Ontario’s own Marjorie Mason Hogue on the latest trends for plants and gardens, John Stanley, an Australian expert, on merchandizing, Dr. Wilf Nicholls on Newfoundland’s unusual plants, Jim Gibbons, the former Chief Horticulturalist of the San Diego Zoo, on all green aspects involved in running a 5-Diamond resort, and Joanne Kostecky, President of ANLA, on running a landscape design firm.
Plant topics include new annuals, the experts’ choice, climbing plants, colour in the shade, tough plants, new and unusual plants, xeriscape plants, and perennial bed renovation.
Other technical sessions are on irrigation, tree mapping, interlocking pavers, water gardening, the “before and after” design challenge, integrated pest management, and plant branding.
“Business in action, however, is most evident on the trade show floor,” says Paul Day, Show Manager. A recent study of buyers showed that, on average, spending at Congress amounted to18% of the annual purchasing budget of the represented companies. “We do all we can to ensure excitement and a positive buying atmosphere,” Day continues.
For instance, the “New Products Showcase” draws visitors because it is a juried competition where products selected are genuinely new and of value to the trade.
As well, the “Awards of Excellence” bring another note of excitement to the show. The judges’ selection of the best gardens, landscapes, and design/build projects are announced during Congress. “We anticipate over 200 entries in this year’s competition,” comments Kristen McIntyre, Awards Coordinator.
Congress is produced by Landscape Ontario, the leading horticultural trades associations in North America. Congress 2003 with its conference and trade show that features over 700 international exhibitors and displays is conveniently located at the Toronto Congress Centre near the airport.
For further information, please contact:
TRADE SHOW:
Paul J. Day pauljday@landscapeontario.com
Brenda Speck bspeck@landscapeontario.com
CONFERENCE:
Pat Hillmer phillmer@landscapeontario.com
GENERAL SHOW INQUIRIES:
Tel: (905) 875-1805 or (800) 265-5656
Fax: (905) 875-3942
Email: showinfo@landscapeontario.com
Please Note: To register for the trade show and/or conference or update your address or e-mail information with Landscape Ontario, please contact Pat Hillmer at phillmer@landscapeontario.com.
