Retailers gear up for Independent Garden Center Show

The Independent Garden Center Show is preparing for even bigger crowds at this year’s event, August 19-21 at Navy Pier in Chicago. Almost 5,000 buyers attended in 2007, and organizers are making plans to accommodate thousands of additional attendees this year.

The show floor has been expanded with room for 429 exhibiting companies. Education sessions covering garden retail topics will be held throughout the three-day event. Garden Center editor Carol Miller will be a featured speaker Aug. 21 in a session discussing local zoning hassles and headaches. A free concert by the rock band Kansas will be presented on opening night.

Registration fee is $395 per person and includes access to the sales floor and all workshops and sessions. Garden Centers of America will host a pre-show tour of Chicago-area garden centers Aug. 16. Cost is $140 per person. Retailers can register for both events on the IGC Web site.

The IGC Show is endorsed by ECGC, Garden Centers of America, Home & Garden Showplace, Lawn & Garden Marketing & Distribution Association and Master Nursery Garden Centers.

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For more: Independent Garden Center Show, (866) 391-6220; www.igcshow.com.

May 2008