Canada's Largest Lawn and Garden Trade Show Winds Down

To kick off the 2009 buying season, Landscape Ontario hosted its annual Congress trade show. Professionals from the horticulture, lawn and garden and landscape industries gathered for three days at the Toronto Congress Centre where the show was highlighted by more than 600 exhibitors, hundreds of new products on display and a variety of workshops and networking opportunities.

“Each year, attendees and exhibitors come together to preview the latest trends, newest tools and innovations in the industry; this year was no exception, Show Manager Paul Day said. "The show floor was a hub of activity with deals taking place throughout the aisles."

Attendees gave Congress 2009 high marks for the show's many new and green products and its comprehensive speaker line-up. A variety of environmentally friendly products also were launched during Congress 2009, and the Green Forum - held for the first time ever at this year's show - was the ideal place to exchange information and best practices on sustainable green initiatives.

"The Congress show is phenomenal for its consistent attendance numbers year over year. This is the show to be at in Canada," said Mike Riehm, president of Envirobond Products Corporation and winner of this year's "Best in Show" booth award.

"Traffic was better than expected and the quality of the attendees was aligned perfectly with our target market," added David McRae, category manager/OPE specialist for Makita Canada. "Over the three days, we were able to connect with and promote our product to many qualified buyers. I know our follow up with these customers will bring lasting and profitable relationships."

Congress 2010 will is scheduled for Jan. 12-14.