December 13, 2021
Terry Childs
Reconnect at Congress
BY TERRY CHILDS
FOR OUR PROFESSION, Landscape Ontario Congress is more than just a trade show.
The annual event is really a homecoming, and a chance to unite every element of the landscape and horticulture industries under one roof.
For me, Congress has always been about reuniting with old friends, and building new relationships.. I like to say, “it’s a relationship show as much as it is a trade show.”
After a one-year, in-person hiatus due to COVID-19, Congress is once again opening its doors at the Toronto Congress Centre from Jan. 11-13, 2022, to welcome thousands of like-minded professionals.
As show committee chair, I am proud to welcome you to Congress Redefined, an event like no other for Canada’s green professionals.
In 2022, Congress Redefined will provide more opportunity than ever to forge strong bonds across our own landscape. The show will provide a chance to celebrate the many challenges we have overcome throughout the pandemic.
As always, Congress will present the latest products and ideas our profession needs, with more than 400 exhibitors and a Live Series! Stage featuring leading industry speakers.
Congress Redefined will look somewhat different compared to previous years, as we move forward with a hybrid model. On the show floor, attendees will be able to meet exhibitors, watch product demonstrations and participate in networking opportunities.
However, some annual in-person events typically held in conjunction with the trade show will remain virtual for 2022.
Congress Conference will once again take place via Zoom the week following the show, from Jan. 18-20. The speaker lineup is truly remarkable, and the range of topics covered has something for just about every green professional. The conference will deliver 36 sessions featuring 47 leading experts from across the various sectors of horticulture and landscaping. The Zoom format will allow us to showcase international experts and their work environments. As a bonus, Conference attendees will be permitted to replay sessions for a limited time period following the seminar.
The IPM Symposium (Jan. 6), Landscape Designers Conference (Jan. 25) and the Awards of Excellence Ceremony (Feb. 3) will also be virtual this year.
In preparation for Congress Redefined, safety considerations are obviously top of mind. Landscape Ontario’s event team and show committee are working closely with public health officials, colleagues at the Canadian Association of Event Managers (CAEM), the Toronto Congress Centre, as well as suppliers and exhibitors to ensure public health measures are in place to protect the safety of every Congress participant. And as safety regulations continue to evolve, I encourage you to visit congressredefined.com to ensure you’re up to date with the latest protocols required to enter the show.
Within the show committee, we define the show’s purpose as an opportunity to communicate, educate and celebrate. For Congress Redefined, I believe we have found an ideal balance of communication, education and celebration to help kick off 2022 as another successful year for the landscape and horticulture professions.
I hope to see you at the show.
To register for Congress as an attendee or exhibitor, visit congressredefined.com.
Terry Childs operates Nature’s Way Landscaping in Gananoque, Ont., and serves as chair of Landscape Ontario’s Congress committee and a member of Landscape Ontario’s COVID-19 Task Force.