IGC Show 2010 Wraps to Rave Reviews, Plans Set For Next Year At Navy Pier!

"We’re looking forward to 2011!" is the buzz across the industry from this year’s Independent Garden Center Show goers across the country and around the world, including Sarah Johnson of Johnson Nursery & Garden Center, Cookeville, TN. The IGC Show wrapped up to another jump in attendance, more than 6,700, 12 percent over its previous three years of double-digit growth. "IGC provided a place for vendors to sell and garden center owners to buy in such an upbeat, happy environment. It motivated us in the same way that water, sunshine and fertilizer motivate our plants!" Johnson says.



Vendor response is equally enthusiastic. "Great show, fantastic, excellent!" says Jim Kaminskas, Vice President, Sales for Espoma. Preparations are already under way for next year’s IGC Show, which returns to Chicago’s Navy Pier August 16-18. "No year will be the same as the year before it," says Jeff Morey, IGC Show Founder and Publisher of Nursery Retailer, "and next year will bring a wealth of fresh ideas for garden centers’ store operations and shelves."



As the 2011 conference begins to take shape and exhibitors, old and new, stake their opportunities with reservations a year in advance of setting up their booths, Cheryl Morey, IGC Show Founder and Publisher of Garden Chic, shares her excitement about 2011’s IGC Classic Rock Concert: "We’re thrilled to bring Lou Gramm, lead singer of rock legends Foreigner, to the stage. As the packed ballroom at this year’s America concert bears out, this industry is not all work, no play. The independent sector has a lot to celebrate right now. We are truly blessed."



Feedback from exhibitors and attendees continues to steadily stream into the IGC Show offices, and the momentum is building now for next year:

I am so impressed with the perfect combination of informational seminars, fantastic vendors and really great entertainment - all offered in a location oozing fun! We came home totally inspired! - Kathy Warner, Manager, Harder & Warner Landscaping and Garden Center, Caledonia, MI

Walking the aisles of the trade show was like a who's who of the retail garden industry. All the movers and shakers were there. - Frank Fernicola, Nursery Manager, Fairfield Garden Center, Fairfield, NJ

The variety of vendors at the IGC Show is fantastic! It is a must for any independent garden center. - John DeHaven, President, DeHaven Home and Garden Showplace, Findlay, OH

IGC is the most comprehensive event in the world for independent garden centers. We continue to grow our business, thanks to contacts made at the show. - Keith Turbett, Vice President, Scheurich USA, Inc., Chicago, IL

The IGC Show is simply the best in the country. It is our highest producing show by far. IGC is the place where buyers and sellers always find exactly what they are looking for. - Blaine Andersen, Marketing Director, Gold Hill Nursery, Hillsboro, OR

I look forward to attending IGC every year! It re-energizes me after the spring and summer seasons, and gets me excited and thinking about what is next! - Ashley Gill, Marketing, Green Acres Nursery & Supply, Sacramento, CA

IGC is the best show ever for finding new products. It is a must-attend to keep up with the changing industry. - John Gale, Hardgoods Manager, Wilson's Garden Center, Newark, OH

If there is only one industry event to attend as a garden center owner - IGC is it! The experienced speakers provide a wealth of information on all topics and ideas to help grow my business. The trade show attracts the latest products that separate the independents from the crowd. It is truly a must for me! - Leslie Barlow, Owner, Barlow Flower Farm, Sea Girt, NJ

During my tenure in other industries, I have participated in many trade shows. None of them compares favorably to the IGC Show. It is not only hosted extremely well, the attendance is awesome. IGC provides an avenue to see current customers while meeting and greeting new customers at the same time. It is in an ideal location. - Tom Roth, Director of Sales & Marketing, Michigan Peat, Houston, TX



Outstanding traffic, quality clientele and a great venue at IGC. What more could you want? - Kenny Stuckmayer, Account Executive, Poly-Tex, Inc., Castle Rock, MN

We were extremely pleased with the number of dealers attending the IGC Show who actually came to buy. Excellent foot traffic, great location, well-planned, terrific leads - thank you for putting on an exceptional show! - Christine Forcier, Sales Manager, TotalPond, West Palm Beach, FL

Every minute at IGC is valuable - there are so many new products and networking possibilities! This year, as I was hearing about a new product at a booth, a satisfied customer of that product happened to stop by and tell me how well it has done for him. That was just what I needed to hear! - Terrie Schwartz, Marketing Manager, Wedel's Nursery, Florist and Garden Center, Kalamazoo, MI



IGC is a must-attend. Every year it gets bigger and better! - Jason Zimmerman, Owner/President, Martin’s Farm Market and Garden Center, Schuylkill Haven, PA