July 10, 2013, Columbus, OH — OFA – The Association of Horticulture
Professionals is planning a significant expansion of OFA Short Course,
the convention and marketplace that every year attracts thousands of
industry professionals.
July 10, 2013, Columbus, OH — OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals is planning a significant expansion of OFA Short Course, the convention and marketplace that every year attracts thousands of industry professionals.
Already ranked as one of the largest events in North America among all industry and consumer trade shows (according to 2012 ranking by Trade Show News Network), the convention will grow next year by adding a 50,000 square-foot exhibit hall to host more companies that sell products and services to garden retailers.
Additional educational and networking opportunities will also be offered to serve the increasing attendance.
“For years, OFA Short Course has been a preferred destination for independent garden retailers, florists, growers and installers. Our seven-acre trade show sells out every year, and it already includes numerous companies that provide products and services to retailers,” said Sherry Johnson, OFA’s trade show manager.
“There is great demand for us to offer more exhibitors and activities for retailers and others.”
Michael Geary, OFA’s and ANLA’s chief executive said that when ANLA and OFA combine, "our new organization will become the world’s largest trade association of independent garden retailers. The premier event needs to reflect the make-up of our membership and the industry, and offer one-stop buying and selling for goods and services.”
The OFA Short Course currently includes exhibitors that provide hard goods, plants, and business services for growers, retailers, and installers, and comprehensive education on business management, marketing, and greenhouse and nursery production.
ANLA and OFA are preparing to consolidate into one new trade association by 2014. OFA Short Course will reflect this change by also increasing the number of companies that supply the nursery and landscape markets.
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