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Canada's biggest landscape event celebrates 50 years!

BY TERRY CHILDS
CONGRESS COMMITTEE CHAIR


In 1973, the first Congress was held at Toronto’s Skyline Hotel. At the time, (Pierre) Trudeau was Prime Minister and inflation was spiking. Maybe things weren’t all that different?

The event was a catalyst for uniting the Ontario Nursery Trades Association, the Ontario Landscape Contractors Association, and the Ontario Garden Maintenance Association to form Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association. LO — which also celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023 — has grown to become one of the strongest and most vibrant horticultural trade associations in the world.

The first Landscape Ontario Congress was held at Toronto's Skyline Hotel in 1973.

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That’s what Congress is all about: Joining together to learn, network, do business and have a lot of fun. By coming together, we make the profession stronger. There are countless reasons to come to Congress 2023. Here are some of my favourites:
 

Networking

The best part of Congress is connecting with old friends, colleagues and suppliers. Congress is an annual homecoming for landscape professionals. It’s a chance to catch up, share ideas about business challenges and opportunities, and yes, have a little fun, too. It’s the perfect way to kick off a new year.
 

Education

The Congress Conference is back as an in-person event Jan. 10-12 at the Toronto Congress Centre. The program is absolutely stacked with fantastic speakers covering a wide range of business management, horticultural, and special interest topics. You can see the full list of sessions on pages 28 of this magazine. I recommend bringing key staff members along to show you care about their professional development and to get them energized for the new year.
 

One-stop shopping

With over 400 exhibitors covering more than eight acres, Congress is a one-stop-shop for the latest equipment, tools, materials and supplies; everything you need to take your business to the next level. New products have always been a show highlight. I can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store.

Want to see who’s exhibiting at this year’s show? View the full exhibitor list and floor plan at LOcongress.com. The Congress floor plan software has been upgraded to include new features like company profiles with videos and product information. Another addition to the interactive digital floor plan is the”find a booth” function, that provides directions to booths to make finding your way around the show a breeze. And be sure to grab your complimentary Congress Show Guide when you arrive for exhibitor listings, the new product showcase and a map.
 

LIVE Stage

Don’t miss the free education LIVE on the trade show floor from leading hardscape, horticulture and vehicle safety experts. Sessions run daily through the show, so make time for this great chance to pick up tips and learn about new equipment and products.
 

Complimentary parking

Parking at the Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Rd. in Etobicoke, Ont., is 100 per cent free. And not to worry, there’s plenty of space available.
 

Free beer

And last but not least, we are excited to announce the return of the popular Ale Trail. Enjoy free beer samples at select exhibitors throughout  the show floor, including the Landscape Trades booth. Drop by booth #2325 to have some beer and say hello to the LT team.

See you on the show floor!

On behalf of the Congress Show Committee,

Terry Childs, Committee Chair

Show Committee:
Brian Cocks, Pam Cook, Paul DeGroot, Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Beth Edney, Shawn Giovanetti, Nathan Helder, Michael LaPorte, Christopher Muller, Klaas Sikkema, Sanya Tandon, Jason Vettese.