The 38th edition of Landscape Ontario’s Congress – Canada’s international, horticultural trade show and conference will take place at the Toronto Congress Centre on January 11 – 13, 2011.
Attendance at this year’s event saw a 22% jump in attendance, as more than 13,000 green industry professionals came out to see over eight acres of leading supplier products and services, all under one roof . The 2011 event expects to attract the same level of delegate interest for the more than 600 exhibiting companies from eight countries taking part. Many, like Harsha Stone Industries, will be offering product for the first time in Canada.
Congress offers those in the landscape trade and sub-trades a one-stop experience of four shows in one all under one roof. The event includes the Ontario Parks Association’s Explorations trade show, Fencecraft produced by the Canadian Fence Industry Association and the Green Forum sponsored by Communities in Bloom. The co-location of these events offers a glimpse into allied industry’s products and services and creates opportunities to generate business from new and untapped markets.
Delegates, looking to edge out the competition can ensure their prosperity and gain a world full of knowledge by attending one or more of the highly informative educational sessions many of which will focus on green initiatives. Landscape Ontario’s four day conference program begins on Monday, January 10th with specialized seminars. Here delegates have the opportunity to discuss issues and the challenges pertinent to their specific industry sector. The four symposiums being offered include:
Toronto Congress Centre – Monday, January 10, 2011
►IPM Symposium – Tickets start at $90 – Only one day, one location, offering outstanding value!
►Irrigation Symposium – Tickets start at $75
►Certified Landscape Professional Financial Management Seminar and Exam – Tickets start at $115
Doubletree by Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel – Monday, January 10, 2011
►Landscape Designer Conference which will have a sponsor showcase – Tickets start at $135
A major highlight of Congress is the concurrent conference, running January 11th through 13th that features 32 sessions and is produced by partnering with numerous industry associations. Delegates take part in sessions featuring dynamic industry speakers sharing expertise and insights in all areas of business success. Jeffrey Scott and Charles Vander Kooi are back by popular demand. A new panel featuring successful young Landscape Ontario entrepreneurs promises to be another program highlight.
Path to Prosperity
Congress 2011 Conference is built on Landscape Ontario’s popular Prosperity Partnership program that puts green industry professionals on the path to success. The program breaks business success down into its foundation elements, making it easy to understand and even easier to achieve. The six pillars of business excellence upon which the program is built are: Sales Success, Financial Health, Developing Customers for Life, Professional Operations, Leadership Excellence and Technical Education.
The conference sessions and speakers are dedicated to showing delegates how to achieve their personal and professional goals, how to work smarter so they can play harder. It offers topics and speakers tailored to the interests of those who own businesses as well as trades people working in the business. Delegates participating in the conference will gain knowledge and improve their professionalism resulting in enhanced customer appreciation, job satisfaction and higher profits.
“Progressive employers are increasing their investment in training to sustain a stable and professional work force. As savvy business people, they are aware of the business advantage that certified and competent staff gives them when tendering bids.” says Sally Harvey, CLP, CLT, manager of education, labour development and membership services for Landscape Ontario. “Congress is the green industry’s once a year opportunity to get involved, gain necessary knowledge to cut ahead of the competition and equip them for a prosperous year.”
A Growing Green Economy
The Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), a leading business consulting and market research firm recently reported that Canadians are the most willing to pay for “green” products. One quarter of them will spend more for a green product. Compare that to only 15% of U.S. consumers who are willing to pay more.
At the Congress Conference, delegates will be introduced to some of the hottest trends in the industry at a seminar covering the basics of green roofs, green walls, and rain gardens.
Numerous sessions will focus on sustainable business practices and issues such as customer willingness to pay more for plants and/or gardens that are free of chemicals. Urban forest sustainability will consider the vegetation resource, the community framework, and management approaches to sustainably managing urban forest resources.
Climate change, water restrictions, and sustainable gardening are increasingly important issues for the public. Landscape professionals will leave the conference with the assurance they are working toward being “Green for Life.”
Concurrent Conferences Designed for Green Space Professionals and Elected Officials
The Ontario Parks Association, Communities in Bloom and Landscape Ontario have come together for the third time to celebrate treasured parks and green spaces, and promote the enjoyment and healthy lifestyle benefits open spaces provide to Canadians.
On Tuesday, January 11th, close to 200 municipal leaders, parks staff and community stakeholders are expected to attend a special half day seminar entitled Green Communities, Parks and Partnership. The event’s goal is for stakeholders to develop strategies encouraging people of all ages and abilities to enjoy gardening, recreational parks, parklands and landscapes. Tickets for the event are $45 per person, member and non-member.
New for 2011 is the concurrent running of the Ontario Parks Association’s 55th Annual Educational Forum with Congress Conference on Wednesday, January 12th. The exceptional Educational Forum is tailored to the professional development needs of both senior parks and public space management and operational staff. Sessions offer plenty of opportunities to learn and share best practices, expertise and to exchange ideas. The highlight of the day’s program is the Past Presidents’ Luncheon and OPA Awards Presentations.
“OPA has a very strong focus on educating members and promoting park related sustainable best practices.” says Paul Ronan, OPA’s executive director. “Running our educational forum during Congress allows us to host an innovative learning experience combined with face to face contact with our industry vendors. Our feedback this past year was excellent, so delegates can expect the 2011 Forum to be a bigger and better active learning experience.”
The OPA conference is a separately priced event. Prices are as follows:
OPA members $165 and non-members $235 until December 22, 2010
OPA members $195 and non-members $270 after December 22, 2010 and on-site
Keynote and Luncheon only $55 member and non-member
Delegates, with a trade show badge, are also welcome to attend Tailgate XV, one of the most popular events every year. It takes place on January 12th and features live music and refreshments. The event is sponsored by Chrysler Canada Inc and the Doubletree by Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel.
Other show highlights include Feature Gardens designed by horticultural students, the New Product Showcase and Landscape Ontario’s Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Annual General Meeting.
Congress trade is open to January 11 – 13, 2011. Trade show registration is open to green industry professionals and allied trades. Tickets pricing until December 22, 2010 is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. After December 22, 2010, ticket prices increase for members to $20 and $30 for non-members. Delegates are invited to register at www.locongress.com and review the show’s full list of events and details.