News
Landscape Ontario recognizes excellence at Expo

Oct. 23, 2012, Toronto — Landscape Ontario handed out awards for excellence in exhibiting and creative marketing approaches during Expo 2012.

Hillen Nursery (Mt. Brydges, Ont.) took top prize for the best booth under 200 square feet. The prize for the best booth over 200 square feet was awarded to Maple Leaf Nurseries (Jordan Station, Ont.).

“One of the most compelling features of Expo is the creativity and imagination that goes into the displays and booths that line the aisles,” said Heather MacRae, director of events and trade shows for Landscape Ontario. “Our judges always have a tough decision but found engaged staff along with a clever interplay of product and graphics in the compact, 100-sq. ft. display presented by Hillen Nursery.”

“Coloured fabric sails flying high, combined with a stunning display of larger-than-life tropical plants and attention to traffic flow, impressed the judges at Maple Leaf Nurseries’ island exhibit.”

Every booth is evaluated based on a set of predetermined criteria. The criteria include:

• Design and visual impact (lighting, focal point, etc.)
• Quality of exhibit construction (cleanliness, safety)
• Client identification (signage, staff identification, promotional product, product distribution to advertise the company)
• Product presentation (promotional material, layout, unique display techniques, visual aids)
• Booth personnel (passion for their work, appearance, knowledge of their product, willingness to answer questions, pride in their company)

Best booth judges were: John LeRoy, vice president of GSS Security (Hamilton, Ont.); Deborah Dugan, president of CONEXYS Registration (Mississauga, Ont.); and Lee Ann Knudsen, publisher of Landscape Trades (Milton, Ont.)

Landscape Ontario also recognized Canadale Nurseries Limited for its marketing efforts to encourage delegates to pre-register for Expo 2012. Canadale conducted an aggressive promotional campaign that included offering the chance to win an iPad for customers who placed an order at Expo.

“Canadale embraced our new customized electronic VIP passes and added an additional incentive to their clients for both attending Expo and placing an order at Expo,” said MacRae. “This is a proactive marketing approach from a company that is a great supporter our event.”

Expo 2012 ran Oct. 17 and 18 at the Toronto Congress Centre in Toronto.