Mid-Am a Top 200 Show

The Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show (Mid-Am) recently was named to the 2006 Tradeshow Week 200 list of the largest U.S. trade shows for 2005 as ranked by

Tradeshow Week magazine. This is the first time that Mid-Am has broken into this top tier of exhibitions and is a testament to its recent rapid growth. 

"This is a great honor and a milestone achievement for Mid-Am. We owe it all to our loyal exhibitors and growing audience of attendees," commented Mid Am Managing Director, Rand Baldwin. The distinction comes on the heels of Mid Am being named as one of the 2005 Tradeshow Week Fastest 50, the list of the fastest growing shows in the United States and Canada for 2004.

Since moving the show to Lakeside Center in Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center, Mid-Am has grown steadily with the 2006 show posting the second highest registration ever at 12,728 registrants and increasing buyers by an impressive 10 percent over the previous year. 

"Chicago, which is at the heart of the country in terms of transportation and business, as well as the landscape industry, is a great location for Mid Am," commented Mid-Am President Randy Jasperson of Jasperson Sod in Franksville, Wis. "Mid Am is a fantastic event for our industry and we look forward to attracting an even larger turnout for the 2007 show. The Top 200 honor only enhances Mid-Am's reputation as the Midwest's premiere horticultural trade show," said Jasperson.                                                                                
The theme for Mid Am 2007 is "Bright New Ideas" and following that premise, Mid-Am has added the Innovation Showcase, a new product area that will highlight cutting-edge plant varieties, innovative products and services, and ground-breaking ideas for the horticulture industry displayed in one convenient spot. Daily Educational Demonstrations return with how-to and informative presentations by select exhibitors on the show floor. The demonstrations offer horticulture professionals a chance to learn new skills and techniques, discover better solutions, and obtain new ideas in order to gain an advantage over the competition.

Mid Am also offers essential educational sessions to help professionals stay abreast of the latest business and industry trends. Educational programs include the pre-show Management Workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel, the Midwinter Conference Wednesday through Friday, the free Keynote Address on Wednesday by John Powers, writer and producer of Broadway's hit "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?" and Irrigation Association classes and exams, which were added for the 2007 show.

The Mid-Am Web site at www.midam.org has been updated to reflect 2007 show information, including a new look and easier navigation. The visitor-friendly site features detailed information about the show and its components, including online registration options, by far the easiest way to register for Mid-Am.

The Mid-Am Trade Show is scheduled for Jan. 17-Jan. 19, 2007 at Lakeside Center in Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center.  Show hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. daily during the show.
               
Mid-Am is sponsored by the Illinois Nurserymen’s Association, the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, and the Wisconsin Green Industry Federation.  For more information, contact Mid-Am at 1000 N. Rand Road, Suite 214, Wauconda, Illinois 60084 USA.  Phone: 847/526-2010; fax: 847/526-3993; mail@midam.org; www.midam.org.