New England Grows, the Northeast’s largest Green Industry exposition and educational conference, announced that Christopher J. Zane, owner of world-famous, Connecticut-based Zane’s Cycles, will give the keynote address on the opening day of the 2008 event. New England Grows 2008 will be held Wednesday, Feb. 6 through Friday, Feb. 8 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston.
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The keynote is new to the 15-year-old educational conference, held annually by the Green Industry for horticultural professionals. As owner of one of the largest retail bicycle stores in the nation, Zane will reflect on his successful business model. A 23-year veteran of the retail bicycle industry at age 39, he will share his unique approach to marketing. Among the strategies Zane will describe are continual learning, a customer’s lifetime value, guerrilla marketing, bootstrapping, community relations, cost controlled customer service and image branding.
“We are delighted Chris Zane can join us to help launch New England Grows’ exciting new format,” said Greg Schaan, president of New England Grows. “With expanded learning opportunities for Green Industry professionals, New England Grows 2008 promises the best educational program the industry has to offer, as well as access to leading-edge research and expert business advice.”
Zane’s inspiring keynote address will help kick off the 2008 conference on Wednesday, February 6. The opening day’s events will center on the top-notch educational program for which New England Grows is known. On Wednesday afternoon, there will also be a new networking reception on the tradeshow floor and extended exhibit hours will be offered on Thursday and Friday. Pre-registration is required for the new keynote address. Visit www.NEGrows.org to register.
New England Grows is also launching a new session entitled “The Essentials of Plant ID” in 2008. This innovative educational session will be followed by a hands-on plant identification challenge on the tradeshow floor. Many exhibitors will display plant material at their booths for identification purposes. Conference attendees will receive a list of booths to visit, as well as an answer form to complete and return to Extension experts at the Great Ideas pavilion. The program will conclude with a prize drawing at the pavilion for participants who have correctly identified all of the plants on the tour.
New England Grows remains committed to maintaining an optimum visitor-to-exhibitor ratio. As a result, the number of display booths available for the 2008 show is limited and exhibitors are encouraged to reserve space early. New sponsorship opportunities are also available to exhibitors before, during and after the event. To reserve exhibit space, or learn more about sponsorships, contact Diane Zinck, Exhibits Manager, at dzinck@negrows.org or 508-653-3009.