Best Booth Awards Presented at Southwest Landscape & Nursery Expo

More than 1,000 green industry professionals attended the 30th Anniversary of the Arizona Nursery Association’s Southwest Landscape & Nursery Expo earlier this month at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. 

With nearly 130 exhibitors, five awards were presented to recognize exhibitors whose booths were particularly noteworthy. The Best Booth Messaging award went to Horizon, whose display utilized signage, graphics, and messaging in an effective way to attract attendees. The award for Best Visual Presentation was presented to Signature Botanica, LLC. According to the judges, this booth was a visual “showstopper.” The Best Booth Design award went to V&P Nurseries, Inc., whose exhibit created an ideal environment for attendees to visit, interact with staff, learn about products, and conduct business. The award for Best Booth Staff was presented to Commerce Corporation, whose booth had representatives from the following companies: Bayer CropScience, Bonide Company, Grow More, Inc., Southern California Pottery, Sun Gro Horticulture, Tetra Ponds, and Whitney Farms. The judges said the entire staff was extremely cooperative, knowledgeable, and vibrant. And, the award for Best Booth for a First Year Exhibitor was presented to Norman’s Nursery. The judges thought the booth attracted the eye and the attention of attendees and had a very accommodating and courteous staff. Dow AgroSciences sponsored the booth award plaques.

Paying $7,000 in prizes, there were three lucky winners in the Think Green Raffle: the winner of the $500 ticket was Jimmy Fox of Evergreen Turf; the winner of the $1,500 ticket was Larry Woods of Rillito Nursery & Garden Center; and the winner of the $5,000 ticket was Paul Van Hofwegen. The raffle benefitted ANAFUND, the scholarship foundation of the Arizona Nursery Association, which this year presented over $27,000 to students seeking horticulture, landscape and agricultural education degrees.

During the show, many attendees took advantage of several educational opportunities that were available. Kirstin Carey of Orange Tree Business Growth and Consulting presented two sessions: How to Increase Foot Traffic and Sell More Per Customer, designed especially for retail nurseries, and Secrets of Simple Selling & Increasing Perceived Value, designed especially for landscape contractors, landscape architects, and nurseries. Horizon Distributors presented Doing Business in a Down Economy, featuring Kevin Kehoe. Ewing Irrigation, in partnership with Salt River Project and Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, presented Maintenance & Management for Water Conservation and Cactus and Pine Golf Course Superintendents Association presented a Turfgrass Salinity Management Seminar. Additionally, the Arizona Certified Nursery Professional (ACNP) Refresher Class and Exam were offered, with plant material for the exam generously provided by Elgin Nursery & Tree Farm.

By most accounts, this year’s show was a success. Exhibitors and attendees alike benefitted by developing new professional contacts, by discovering exciting new concepts for the green industry, and by revitalizing deep-rooted friendships. The show is known for being “the place” to see everyone in the Arizona market in addition to showcasing the beauty of Arizona grown plant material. Next year’s EXPO will be Nov. 5, 2009 at the University of Phoenix Stadium.