June 11, 2012, Columbus, OH — When it comes down to the nuts and bolts
of business, what you have and who you know go a long way to putting
money in the bank.
June 11, 2012, Columbus, OH — When it comes down to the nuts and bolts of business, what you have and who you know go a long way to putting money in the bank. Thankfully, growers can find what they need and talk shop with colleagues at the OFA Short Course.
The curtain is set to rise soon on the 2012 OFA Short Course, July 14-17, at the Greater Columbus Convention Centre.
As the largest horticulture event in the U.S., OFA Short Course is brimming with opportunities to kick the tires on new equipment, gauge the worthiness of new varieties, and get down to business with new vendors and old friends alike.
Opening on Sunday, July 15, the seven-acre trade show floor will be home to more than 550 companies in 1,500-plus exhibit spaces for three days. From the latest soil movers and racking systems to new trays and pest solutions, both allied trade and greenhouse owners are set to do business here.
With so much to see, show organizers have arranged "Trade Show Interactive" sessions that will lead attendees through the floor and to vendors dealing with Pest Management Resources, Lighting, Growing Media, and other specific topics.
GROWER TOUR PLANNED
A full-day grower tour on Saturday, July 14, allows visitors to talk shop, quite literally, in three nearby growing operations. Covering a range of mostly grower to mostly retailer, these operations can shed some light on what business and growing tactics are being used by their peers. In addition, bus conversations provide a great method for critiquing what works – and what doesn't.
Tour stops include deMonye's Greenhouse, Meadow View Growers and Darby Creek Growers.
TOWN MEETING
The annual grower town meeting is set to sizzle this year with a topic that could very well impact the future direction of the industry: "Putting the Steak Back in the Sizzle."
Have we been selling "sizzle" for too long without concern for the bones of business?
Join your colleagues as we discuss the possibility of making our products mean more to our customers. The discussion kicks off at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 15.
TIME TO NETWORK
OFA Short Course is as much about connecting with colleagues as it is about new products and education. And this year there are plenty of formal and informal ways to get together.
• The OFA Short Course Happy Hour takes place Sunday, July 15, at 5 p.m. – if you're not there, you'll never know what you might miss!
• Tours and receptions at the OSU Trials and Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are also ways to meet up with like-minded colleagues.
• And the Unplugged networking event for young professionals is a great mixer for industry members of any age.
• In addition, the Columbus area has plenty of restaurants and socializing spots for groups looking to deal and discuss away from the Convention Centre.
REGISTER NOW
Plan your experience and register for the 2012 OFA Short Course at ofa.org/shortcourse.
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