Keys to long-term success
Our Congress trade show will celebrate its 50th anniversary in January 2023. There are also a number of Landscape Ontario member companies that have been operating for 50 years or more: Sheridan Nurseries, Connon, Zander Sod, M. Putzer Nursery, Aldershot Landscape Contractors, and many more.
What does it take to make it to 50 years? Tenacity, reputation, service, knowledge and skill. The very same things that are needed to get through year one, year seven, a 20th anniversary or even a 70th year. Each owner comes into their chosen green career with a dream, the will and the persistence to “make it.” These are the same qualities that have assisted Congress through to its 50th year (despite COVID-19 kiboshing 2021 and 2022).
The show will be filled with suppliers, educational sessions, and most importantly, people. People who are there for the networking and socializing opportunities, as well as to learn, grow, share ideas, renew friendships and see what’s new.
What is your favourite thing to do on the trade show floor? Do you go to your old stand-by suppliers or do you venture out and seek new opportunities to discuss the latest machinery, irrigation system, or perennial with a new colleague or vendor? Perhaps your favourite part of Congress is to listen to a pro. This year’s lineup of speakers for the Congress Conference is wide and diverse. The knowledge you can acquire includes everything from fungi to team work to natural swimming ponds or digital marketing. All are designed to help you become a better business person, team leader, and landscape professional.
Or maybe you arrive at Congress a day early to attend the Landscape Designers Conference or the LO Peer to Peer Network Workshop. Perhaps you visit Congress to mingle at LO’s Awards of Excellence ceremony and see the latest and greatest projects by our talented and skilled member community. And if all that wasn’t enough, maybe you love to let loose and party at the ever-popular Tailgate Party (now on Tuesday evening, FYI).
Congress provides so many events that landscape professionals certainly don’t want to miss. And after you’ve schmoozed, danced, and talked until your voice goes hoarse, don’t forget to attend LO’s Annual General Meeting on the morning of Jan. 11 to see what your association and its committed volunteers have been up to this past year.
Congress would not succeed without the terrific team of professionals at Landscape Ontario, including the leadership of Heather MacRae and the support of the wonderful volunteers that make up the Congress Committee. Congratulations everyone on 50 wonderful years of producing the best trade show in the world.