December 13, 2021
.jpg)
Come home to Congress
Canada’s premier green industry trade show returns as an in-person event
Landscape Ontario Congress is coming back as a live and in-person event.
Returning as Congress Redefined, the annual trade show takes place at the Toronto Congress Centre on Jan. 11-13.
Rated as one of North America’s top rated shows for the green industry, Congress is celebrating its 49th year in 2022, and will once again prove why it is the definitive trade show for Canadian landscape and horticulture professionals.
Tony DiGiovanni, executive director of Landscape Ontario, describes the show as “a homecoming” for all green professionals, from students to seasoned industry veterans.
“The value is within the relationship building that defines a community. It is also exciting to see the diversity and size of our sector under one roof,” DiGiovanni said. “Congress is community-building accelerated. Attendees learn new things, meet others in the same profession, renew old friendships, enhance their financial position and in many cases build a legacy.”
The trade show element of Congress, which is expected to welcome more than 10,000 green professionals, will feature more than 400 exhibitors from various sectors that fall under the landscape profession’s umbrella, including everything from hardscape to softscape and nurseries to snow and ice management.
“We are beyond excited to bring our community back together safely at LO Congress,” said Heather MacRae, Landscape Ontario’s director of events and trade shows. “The support from the suppliers to the landscape profession have made it an absolute pleasure to re-create the new version of Congress.”
Alongside exhibitors on the trade show floor, Landscape Ontario has created several feature events to ensure Congress attendees have the best show experience possible.
Safety at Congress
For the 2022 instalment of Landscape Ontario Congress, numerous protocols will be in place to prioritize the health and safety of all that attend.“I want to assure you, we will be taking every step recommended by public health professionals to ensure Congress is a safe event,” said Joe Salemi, deputy executive director of Landscape Ontario.
Proof of vaccination
Proof of vaccination and identification is required to enter the Toronto Congress Centre. The show is unable to accept proof of a negative COVID-19 test for admittance.
A verified medical exemption will be accepted, in the form of a written document from a physician or nurse practitioner. The medical exemption must include the name and contact information of the physician or nurse practitioner, a logo or letterhead identifying the physician or nurse practitioner and a statement explaining there is a medical reason for your exemption from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Children who are 11 years of age and younger are exempt from proof of vaccine and testing requirements.
As well, the show asks that all attendees complete a self-screening assessment for COVID-19 symptoms before arriving at the show.
Face masks
Face masks are mandatory for all guests ages two and up. Neck gaiters are not permitted. The City of Toronto has passed a bylaw requiring everyone to wear a mask or face covering in all indoor public settings.
Congress attendees are also asked to maintain a safe distance from one another, as per rules and regulations.
New Product Showcase
The New Product Showcase will offer Congress attendees the opportunity to see the latest product releases from exhibitors. Located at the trade show entrance in Hall D, the New Product Showcase highlights new equipment, technology and plants introduced since last year’s Congress. The showcase will feature images of the new product, as well as the exhibitor’s booth number, to serve as a trade show roadmap.LIVE Stage
Congress previously hosted live demonstrations at three locations throughout the show. Now, the LIVE Stage in Hall F will serve as a hub for all demos and feature various industry sectors.Patio Lounge
The Patio Lounge offers attendees a place to take a break, recharge or chat with colleagues. Located near the LIVE Stage in Hall F, the lounge offers seating, charging stations and free Wi-Fi.
Recruit LIVE
Recruit LIVE will connect employers with prospective new employees right on the show floor. Located in Hall F, Landscape Ontario’s Recruit LIVE is an opportunity for employers and future employees to network, conduct interviews and hire candidates right at the show. Congress Conference
The Congress Conference will take place online via Zoom Jan. 18-20, 2022. The conference has established a name for itself as Canada’s top professional development event for horticulture, and this year is no different. Conference attendees will be able to virtually attend 36 sessions, led by industry experts covering horticulture, business and special interests.“The speaker lineup is truly remarkable, and the range of topics covered has something for just about every green professional,” said Joe Salemi, deputy executive director of Landscape Ontario.
See you at the show
While Congress will look somewhat different in 2022, the event has existed for as long as Landscape Ontario has been an association. DiGiovanni recalls attending the event just as he entered the profession.“When I was a horticulture student wondering if this industry was really for me, visiting Congress reinforced that I had made the right choice and that there was a life after college,” DiGiovanni said.
“Whether this is your first congress or your 40th, we can’t wait to see you at the Toronto Congress Centre,” Salemi said.
Early bird discounts for Congress are in effect until Dec. 17, 2021, and Landscape Ontario members qualify for additional savings. To register for the show, visit congressredefined.com.