Florida's nurseries, growers, and landscape businesses filled 80,000 square feet of space at the Orlando County Convention Center last month as part of The Landscape Show, showcasing the latest and greatest innovations, features, and products in the landscape.
"There's no question that Florida is the epicenter of the global landscape industry," said Tal Coley, CEO of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA). "We grow and plant unique and beautiful plants, shrubs, and trees here in the Sunshine State. We're committed to protecting our natural resources by advancing and implementing new technologies that conserve water and mitigate runoff. And we attract vendors and buyers from around the world to see all that Florida has to offer at The Landscape Show in Orlando."
The Landscape Show is produced by FNGLA. The goal is for buyers to browse all the latest wholesale offerings for landscape and initiate purchase orders. Plants and product trends seen on the floor this year will appear in residential and commercial landscape spaces in a matter of weeks or months.
More than 365 different companies from Florida, across the United States, and around the world had a presence at The Landscape Show. Among the exhibitors, more than 70 were new to the show.
"We're optimistic about the future," said Joe Eslick, Committee Chair for The Landscape Show. "To welcome so many new exhibits to the show is a forecast of continued growth and economic opportunity for Florida's landscape industry."
The Landscape Show is more than a marketplace. It's also a learning opportunity. Vendors and buyers make key connections and learn from one another across the industry. The new FNGLA Pro Pavilion offered mentor sessions and presentations to strengthen professional skills both online and in person.
State Representatives Stan McClain and Keith Truenow stopped by the event to celebrate the various businesses that makeup Florida's landscape industry.
"The Landscape Show is a symbol of all that Florida has to offer – beauty, innovation, and hard work," said Rep. McClain. "What's more, Florida's nursery and landscape industry generates $31.4 billion in total output sales every year and directly employs 266,000 Floridians. The Landscape Show is a great celebration of this industry's contributions to our state."
A nod to the impact of the trade show, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings issued a proclamation celebrating 40 years of The Landscape Show being hosted at the Orange County Convention Center -- since the Convention Center opened to the public. Nearly 6,700 industry professionals attended the show this year.
In addition, FNGLA bestowed 15 "Cool Product" awards at the show to highlight interesting and innovative offerings from exhibitors.
Source: fngla.org