New England Grows comes to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center Wednesday, Feb. 6 through Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. Green industry professionals are urged to register now for the event, which was named to Tradeshow Week's list of the 50 Fastest Growing Trade Shows for a second year.
New England Grows announced a new format for 2008. New program elements include an intensive opening day on Wednesday with Master Classes for experienced green industry professionals and an engaging keynote address featuring renowned entrepreneur, Chris Zane, owner of Zane’s Cycles in Branford, Conn., will be followed by an Expo Preview Reception from 4-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday offer educational sessions and the exposition will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
"New England Grows’ new format offers something for everyone," says Greg Schaan, president of New England Grows. "Exciting learning opportunities are built into three efficient days designed to help green industry professionals take their businesses to the next level."
In addition to Master Classes, New England Grows 2008 offers an educational program focused on skill-building and business solutions. New this year is "Essentials of Plant Identification," led by Professor Jack Ahern from the University of Massachusetts, combining classroom instruction with a self-guided, plant ID challenge on the tradeshow floor.
More sessions are led by other top green industry thought leaders including Robert Hendrickson, Chris Woods, Troy Marden, Art Cameron, Page Dickey, and Glynn Percival. As always, continuing education credits are offered. The Jump Start Café is another exciting feature for 2008.
Before sessions begin, conference attendees can enjoy early morning conversation with colleagues. New England Grows 2008 also debuts the Retailers' Choice Awards, giving special recognition to the hottest new retail garden center ideas and trends on the tradeshow floor. The exposition features an open floor plan with 700 suppliers in 1,400 idea-rich exhibit booths filled with new products and trends that will drive green businesses in the coming year.
Earlier this month, Tradeshow Week named New England Grows to its Fastest 50 list of tradeshows in North America. Last year, New England Grows was the fastest growing association-led show in North America. The recognition was based on percentage growth and net square footage of growth between 2004 and 2006.
The educational conference and green industry exposition first occupied the BCEC in January 2005. A special discount rate of $35 is offered for those registering before Jan. 15, 2008.
For more information or to register for the conference, please visit www.negrows.org or call 508/653-3009.