Registration Now Open for 2022 Garden Center Conference & Expo

Initial Speaker Lineup Also Now Available

VALLEY VIEW, Ohio (Dec. 15, 2021) — Garden Center magazine, the leading industry trade publication serving independent garden center retailers in North America, is pleased to announce that registration for the 2022 Garden Center Conference & Expo is now open at gardencenterconference.com. Early registration discounts of up to $250 off on-site pricing are available until Jan. 21, 2022.

The 2½-day event, held Aug. 1-3, 2022 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida, will bring together executives, managers and team leaders from independent garden centers to discuss the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the garden retail market today.

“It's more important now than ever to bring the industry together for a powerful event, tailored specifically for IGCs as they face new challenges and opportunities within their businesses,” says Nick Collins, publisher. “IGCs and suppliers continue to express the need for an event that brings together the industry’s top retail professionals for both high-level education and access to the latest products in the marketplace. The Garden Center Conference & Expo does just that, allowing IGC owners, managers and team leaders to collaborate with their peers as they address similar issues facing their business. This event gives attendees the chance to bring actionable items back to help grow their business in 2022 and beyond.”

Attendees will enjoy ample networking time as well as access to an exhibit hall featuring cutting-edge product innovations and technologies to help attendees push past barriers and gain inspiration for success.

The in-depth educational program, which includes an education track for executives and one tailored specifically for team leaders, has been developed by dynamic industry leaders who comprise the Garden Center Conference & Expo Advisory Board and the Garden Center editorial team.

The initial speaker lineup, featuring representatives from some of the most innovative garden centers in North America as well as industry experts, includes:

• Bridget Behe – Professor of Horticultural Marketing, Michigan State University
• Darryl Cheng – Creator, House Plant Journal
• Russell Gullo – Chief Operating Officer, Gullo’s Garden Center
• Leslie Halleck – Professor of Horticultural Marketing, Michigan State University
• John Kennedy – Professor of Horticultural Marketing, Michigan State University
• Liz Lark-Riley – Professor of Horticultural Marketing, Michigan State University
• AJ Petitti – Professor of Horticultural Marketing, Michigan State University
• Rob Sproule – Professor of Horticultural Marketing, Michigan State University

“The Garden Center Conference & Expo is bringing together the brainpower and expertise of successful, innovative independent garden center professionals, along with key industry experts, all of whom are on the cutting edge of this rapidly changing market,” says Garden Center Editor Kate Spirgen. “We remain committed to delivering solutions-based education that focuses on topics relevant to IGCs, and at their suggestion are expanding to include a track for their management teams. Just as important is maintaining an environment that fosters a free flow and exchange of ideas — something that has always been essential to this industry.”

In addition to conference and expo admission, attendees can gain exclusive access to pre-show workshops with the All-Access Pass for just $99 until Jan. 21, 2022.

Booth space and sponsorship opportunities for the event are now available on a first come, first served basis. Review our Exhibitor Prospectus here and contact the following sales reps to secure your space early:

• Nick Collins at 216.393.0233; e-mail: ncollins@gie.net
• Bobby Albino at 216.393.0324; e-mail: balbino@gie.net
• Kyle Castro at 216.393.0353; e-mail: kcastro@gie.net

For the most up-to-date information on sessions, speakers, and rates, visit the Garden Center Conference & Expo website at gardencenterconference.com.

About Garden Center magazine

Garden Center magazine is the only industry trade publication serving independent garden center retailers in North America, providing business owners with the research, insights and analysis to help them grow their companies.

About GIE Media, Inc.

Garden Center is owned by GIE Media, based in Valley View, Ohio. GIE Media was founded in 1980 and has grown over 40+ years into a leading marketing and communications business-to-business media company serving 17 industries — including the horticulture industry through its Horticulture Group (Lawn & Landscape, Golf Course Industry, Greenhouse Management, Produce Grower, Nursery Management, Garden Center, Cannabis Business Times, Hemp Grower and Cannabis Dispensary). The company goal of Group Interest Enterprises is to publish the highest-quality business magazines, websites, e-newsletters, conferences, reference books and other forms of business media in growth industries, with a quality standard based upon editorial value and market leadership. The company employs over 100 editors, publishers, sales representatives, marketers, and other professionals. To learn more, visit giemedia.com.

Contact:

Irene Sweeney
216-393-0289
isweeney@gie.net