The Garden Center Group has one major event each year. It's called...

The Fall Event 

It was just a matter of time before we all realized that the traditional industry meetings that take place every Winter needed a change. Winter is not the best time to consider new concepts, create plans for Spring or make serious buying decisions. Between an over-load of association seminars and almost weekly trade shows, who has time to put anything you might see or hear in place before Spring? That's why The Group has our big meeting in the Fall, so there's plenty of time to implement new ideas before Spring arrives.

This major Event, held in various parts of the country, provides you with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with other Group centers; talk with Service Providers and see the newest products from Vendors. Workshops and seminars conducted by professionals from all facets of business are short on theory and long on ideas and processes you can put right to work to help your center improve.

The Fall Event is the perfect forum where progressive garden retailers, consultants and vendors come together to network, exchange ideas, collaborate and create new synergies to fuel success. No matter how long you’ve been in retail or what position you hold at your company, chances are there is still something you need to learn. There are countless reasons why you should attend The Fall Event, but we’ve managed to narrow it down to five:

1. Network with your peers. We know you’ve heard it all before, but networking is a huge part of your success. Meeting face-to-face with your peers provides an opportunity to collaborate, hear new ideas, and tap into a wealth of knowledge. You can find a mentor – or become one, and develop relationships that can last a lifetime.
2. Meet with our Service Providers. Our Service Providers are industry experts and solution-providers who truly know what is happening in the world of garden center retailing - and they have answers to your questions. Participate in the PROsessions for a chance to discuss your biggest challenges, explore new ideas, and learn what’s working for others.
3. Hear from our Guest Speakers. Our speakers are professionals from multiple industries with proven business success that will introduce you to new concepts and open your mind to new ways of thinking about how you do business every day.
4. Meet with our Sponsors. Our sponsors are premier industry suppliers of the products and services you need to run a successful garden center. Invest some time in visiting with them during breaks. See their newest products and spend some one-on-one time discovering what’s new and developing profitable business partnerships.
5. Relax and have fun. The Fall Event is a lot of learning packed into a short amount of time so we always make time for some fun! You’ll go home re-energized and ready to apply all that you’ve learned to make your center more successful!

The Fall Event 2017... Burlington, Vermont!

It was WOW. A large number of participants said, "This was the Best Fall Event ever!"

One sponsor said, "This is the very best event in the industry today for the retailers and suppliers who are fortunate enough to be invited. The synergies and learning are the best."

So, how do we top The Fall Event 2017?

The Fall Event 2018 - Salt Lake City, Utah - September 3-6, 2018

Mark Your Calendar!