IGC 2009 Attendance Up 36 Percent,
Show Sets Records Across the Board
CHICAGO – “Record-breaking” describes this year’s Independent Garden Center Show, which wrapped up last week at Chicago’s Navy Pier. Attendance from across the country and internationally broke all records, as garden center buyers wrote orders directly from the trade show floor.
IGC Show organizers report the third annual event registered on-site attendance of 6,043 - up 36 percent from last year - drawing garden center buyers from 49 states and 24 countries. “This year’s tremendous showing is a true testament to the vitality of the independent sector,” says Jeff Morey, Publisher of Nursery Retailer, who produces The IGC Show along with his wife, Cheryl, Publisher of Garden Chic magazine. “It’s inspiring to see the inspiration in action,” Cheryl says, adding, “and so many thanks go out to the IGC buyers and vendors who made all of this possible.”
The excitement in Chicago was palpable. More than 50 members of the consumer press took in the trade show and conference, as garden bloggers streamed updates directly from Navy Pier. “There are so many items, it is hard to even begin a blog post about all that one can find there,” wrote “Mr. Brown Thumb” in his “Chicago Garden” blog.
The buzz started Monday, the day before The IGC Show opened, as the Chicagoland Garden Center Tour loaded eight full buses with 450 participants for the sold-out tour of three trend-setting garden centers in and around Chicago. This year’s excursion doubled the capacity from last year and puts the tour at the largest of its kind in all of horticulture. At The IGC Show Conference, crowds gathered from opening day Tuesday through the closing bell Thursday. Thought-provoking keynotes, two-hour workshops, panel discussions and specialty track sessions inspired attendees with the latest trends and profit strategies driving independents’ business.
The networking events set records as well. It was standing room only at Tuesday evening’s IGC Classic Rock Concert from the Charlie Daniels Band, called “the frosting on the cake” by attendee George Brenn, Owner of Four Seasons Landscaping Nursery, Valparaiso, IN.
As feedback continues to come in to The IGC Show offices, other early comments include:
“It was great attending The IGC Show in Chicago last week. What a fantastic program you put on. We returned home armed with great ideas on how to grow our business. Thank you.” - Emily Harvey, Manager, Emily’s Gift Barn at Harvey’s Farm, Westborough, MA
“Let me thank you for such a job well done! This was the first year that I’ve been to The IGC Show, and it was great!” - Tim Holcomb, Owner, Holcomb Garden Center, Hixson, TN
“It didn’t take long for everyone attending The IGC Show to realize that this is not just another industry trade show. Practically every booth had something to offer designed to help savvy independents stand out from the typical garden center crowd.” - Robert Hendrickson, Managing Director, The Garden Center Group
“Within three short years, you have established your show as the premiere event of its kind in our industry. That is a credit to your philosophy and your personal integrity, credibility and reputation.” - Robert Borta, President, The Brass Baron Fountains & Statuary
“Truly, you did a tremendous job in organizing this event, and I just want to say these things: I’ll be there next year, your organization did a super job, and thank you!” - George Brenn, Owner, Four Seasons Landscaping Nursery, Valparaiso, IN
“Congratulations on a terrific show. The IGC Show is an industry changer, and you should be very proud.” - Mike Keating, Vice President, Sales, Easy Gardener
Next year’s Independent Garden Center Show, featuring a free concert from Grammy Award winning band America, returns to Navy Pier, August 17-19, 2010.