For the first time, Landscape Ontario is collaborating with Flowers Canada Retail - Toronto Chapter to create Florist Expo, a show for the ornamental and floriculture industries. The Expo runs Oct. 21 and 22 at the Toronto Congress Centre.
Flowers Canada Retail - Toronto Chapter is an association of floral professionals united toward education in the floral industry. Retailers with floral departments and florists looking to increase their profit margins, establish seasonal trends or maximize sales from special occasions will want to attend sessions taking place during show hours at the Floral Stage; sponsored by PickOntario. PickOntario, is a marketing campaign designed by Flowers Canada (Ontario) Inc. to raise awareness, interest and demand for Ontario grown cut flowers and potted plants.
Show visitors will expand their sensory experience when they view the 'Ontario Harvest' themed floral masterpieces created by professional designers from across Canada for the annual Gold Cup Competition. Participants will compete for the honor of their name on the Gold Cup and a first place prize of $300. The floral designers will use Ontario's fresh flowers for the Gold Cup Competition.
In addition to the Gold Cup Competition, several educational workshops will be conducted over the two-day Expo discussing such topics as: Choosing the Right Inventory for a Successful Business, Profitable Weddings, Dealing with Funerals, Trends and Colours for 2009 and Planning for Seasonal Events which is conducted by Derrick Foss. Foss recently became one of only 53 Canadians accredited in Floral Design by the American Institute of Floral Designers. Other speakers include industry professionals: Darlene Adams of Just Me Floral Design, Brenda Jones of Smithers-Oasis, Emily Mays of Creative Floral Design, Evelyn Baker of Sobey's and Julie Drago.
Visit www.gardenexpo.ca for more information on the Garden & Florist Expo, featuring the Floral Stage.
About Landscape Ontario, Garden & Florist Expo, Flowers Canada and PickOntario
Landscape Ontario is the largest horticultural trade association in North America with more than 2,300 members. Its mission is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario.
Garden & Florist Expo is Canada's fall buying show for the green and floral industries. More than 4,000 buyers will attend the expo which showcases new products, recent plant and floral introductions and product demonstrations
Flowers Canada Retail - Toronto Chapter is an association of floral professionals united toward education in the floral industry. Its mandate is to improve the strength and unity of the floriculture industry through communication, education and representation.
PickOntario is a comprehensive marketing communications campaign developed by Flowers Canada (Ontario) Ltd. to raise awareness, interest and demand for Ontario-grown cut flowers and potted plants.