“If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.”
Widely attributed to 6th century Chinese philosopher Confuscius, the quote is a comment on what it means to grow. Whether it’s about self-improvement, career advancement or simply brewing a better cup of coffee, being immersed among inspired achievers and influential trailblazers could be the kick in the pants you needed all along.
Not to toot our own horn, but I strongly believe that’s why events such as Grower Day are important.
Held this past June in St. Catharines, Ont., the 24th annual event drew over 115 attendees on the first day for flower and vegetable growers, concentrating on new technology and tools for greenhouse production.
We’ve always recognized that the event itself serves as a chance for growers to mingle and catch up, but more importantly, that’s where the exchange of knowledge and expertise happens. In reality, the room was filled with experts both on and off the stage, each one with different skillsets and experiences to offer. My favourite parts of any event involve chatting with readers, picking the speakers’ brains and walking the tradeshow floor – goals that tend to be more attainable at more intimate venues. According to market and consumer data provider Statistica, 75 per cent of surveyed marketers cited ‘connecting with customers’ as a key reason for valuing smaller trade shows over major ones.
Here were some comments from the emailed, post-event survey (if you haven’t completed it, please do):
- More vegetarian options needed – I agree.
- Breaks were too long – We calculated it this way: five minutes to get in line for coffee, seven minutes in the bathroom, another 10 minutes of chatting with someone you hadn’t seen in awhile, then three minutes to end said conversation and steal back your seat.
- Champagne for lunch? Just kidding – Our magazine’s 40th anniversary is coming up next year. It could happen.
- New IPM strategies, new biological agents; beneficial insects; pest and disease workshops; which pesticides are legal; new sprays; pest management – Right. Got it.
- Most enjoyed sessions: biofungicides, IPM apps, software solutions, water management, DIY mix, LEDs, mechanization and automation, and Aron Hoff – In other words, all of them.
Tradeshows also give you a glimpse of new trends, and that’s what this August issue is all about. From the latest floral favourites and social media tips, to growing food in the city, here’s the status of things and hints of what’s to come.
For more of what went down on day 1 of Grower Day, visit greenhousecanada.com. For the first time in Grower Day history, a second day was added to cover the business of cannabis production, hosted by our sister publications Grow Opportunity, Canadian Security and Canadian Packaging – you will find coverage of day 2 on their respective websites.
Thank you to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, moderator Dr. Chevonne Dayboll, Mel Sawaya for his help in pulling together the speakers’ program, and everyone at Annex Business Media for making it all happen.
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