Landscape Ontario's Congress ran from January 12-14 at the Toronto Congress Centre, with attendance increasing from the previous year by 22 percent.

Attendance increases at Landscape Ontario Congress

Landscape Ontario’s Congress, Canada’s largest international horticultural, lawn and garden trade show and conference, ran from January 12-14 at the Toronto Congress Centre. It was a success, with attendance increasing from the previous year by 22 percent.


The success of Congress, especially this year with the economic situation, is extremely important since the landscape and environmental horticulture industries directly impact Canada’s economy.  The industry is comprised of 20,000 small businesses with an estimated annual economic impact of $14.48 billion.  Furthermore, the green industry employs 132,000 individuals, generates $3.8 billion annually in labour income and provides $820 million each year in taxes.


“We are extremely pleased with the successes we experienced at Congress this year,” said Paul Day, Congress show manager. “Congress provides industry members with the opportunity to learn about both new and green products and allows them to participate in symposiums, conferences and forums that focus on emerging industry trends. The landscaping industry plays a significant role in Canada, making the tools and information landscaping professionals acquire at Congress indispensible to the growth and success of our industry,” he continued.


The success of Congress is also in part due to Landscape Ontario’s partnerships with other organizations such as the Canadian Fence Industry Association, Communities in Bloom and the Ontario Parks Association. “The Ontario Parks Association is pleased to report that the 2010 edition of its Explorations trade show and Educational Forum was a great success,” said Paul Ronan, executive director, Ontario Parks Association.  “The decision to join together with Landscape Ontario and combine the two trade shows and educational components has proven to be a hit with our delegates. We listened carefully to our vendors and delegates over the past few years and provided them with a “One venue for all” experience which allows for a much more wholesome educational experience. Based on this year’s results, OPA will be enhancing our educational and trade show components for next year,” continued Ronan.


“I received lots of positive responses from all of my Fencecraft exhibitors who thought Congress was a great show,” said Evie Isenberg, trade show manager, Canadian Fence Industry Association.  “The Canadian Fence Industry Association was happy to be a part of Congress once again and we look forward to partnering with Landscape Ontario in 2011,” she continued.


Many exhibitors also benefited from showcasing their products and services at Congress. “Muck Truck received a lot of positive interest with promising leads,” said Penny Ormerod, Domax Construction Equipment. “We are eager to fulfill all orders from the show and we’re busier than anticipated. Thank you Landscape Ontario!” she continued.


Be sure to mark Landscape Ontario’s Congress on your calendar for next year, which will take place January 11-13, 2011 at the Toronto Congress Centre.