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Gearing up for 40th Landscape Ontario Congress

May 28, 2012  By Canadian Garden Centre & Nursery


May 28, 2012, Toronto — Members of the Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association will mark a milestone when they gather for Congress in 2013.

The 40th Landscape Ontario Congress will run Jan. 8 to Jan 9, 2013, at the Toronto Congress Centre. Congress is the largest horticultural, lawn and garden trade show and conference in Canada.

"The Landscape Ontario Congress show is a great tradition and meeting of the minds in the landscaping industry," said show committee chair Beth Edney. "I have been attending the show since my university days when I was studying landscape architecture, and now that I have my own business, I look forward to it every year to connect with my contractors and suppliers."

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From its humble beginnings four decades ago, Congress has evolved into a vital education and networking event, attracting close to 13,000 industry professionals. This active and energetic community mentors each other, promotes professionalism, encourages competence and is committed to building a green industry that is valued, recognized and trusted by the public.

Congress will once again feature a Landscape Ontario Resource Centre and new product showcase highlighting more than 100 new products and the latest trends in the green industry.

Some of the events that will be returning for Congress 2013 include:

  • 48th Annual Integrated Pest Management Symposium on Jan. 7, 2013 (pre-trade show event)
  • Landscape Designer Conference on Jan. 7, 2013 (pre-trade show event)
  • Canadian Fence Association Annual General Meeting on Jan. 8, 2013
  • Landscape Ontario President's Annual Reception and Awards of Excellence Ceremony on Jan. 8, 2013
  • Landscape Ontario Annual General Meeting on Jan. 9, 2013
  • Tailgate Party XVII on Jan. 9, 2013

"This show has exploded in growth over the past 40 years," said Tony DiGiovanni, executive director of Landscape Ontario. "The landscaping and green industry has become much more sophisticated, driven by a public that is more in tune with how gardens, landscapes and green spaces improve the quality of life in our communities. Congress is the one place where all of this comes together under one roof, allowing the key players in the industry to be inspired, to see what's new, to renew old friendships and build new ones and to build their business."

Congress has proven to be a key driver of new business for the green industry, and is a valuable tool for maintaining and building existing business relationships. Nearly 80 per cent of exhibitors at Congress 2012 reported attracting new buyers during the trade show, and almost half made a sale or took an order for a sale.

"Congress is all about being exposed to the products, services and people who can help a landscaping business grow and prosper," said DiGiovanni. "You might come across something new to offer your clients, or learn about a particular product or process to improve your operations. An educational seminar may provide solutions to your most pressing problems or you may share ideas with a colleague. Congress is a place where we can practice being partners in each other's prosperity."

The 40th Landscape Ontario Congress will be held at the Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road, Toronto.


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