January 3, 2024
Ottawa Chapter's esteemed trade show returns for 2024
By Julia Harmsworth
Eastern Ontario’s premier landscape and construction show is back after a three-year pandemic hiatus.
Green Trade Expo will run Feb. 14-15, 2024, at the EY Centre in Ottawa, Ont. Landscape Ontario’s Ottawa Chapter has run the event since 1993, giving landscape and horticulture professionals access to over 100 exhibitors, as well as professional development opportunities to help their businesses grow.
Registration is completely free and includes two-day access to the trade show, Live Stage educational opportunities, a networking lounge and lunch on the show floor. Register online to attend or sponsor at greentradeexpo.ca.
Introduced in 2020, the Live Stage offers access to a series of free professional development opportunities. Industry leaders and business experts will give talks to help grow your business and keep you up to date on industry matters. Some highlights: Vanessa McQuade of Intrigue Media Solutions will share the latest marketing strategies, and Carla Bailey of Solutions by CB will speak about HR and employee retention.
New this year is a lead retrieval service for exhibitors, which elevates the event’s networking opportunities. Name tags will come equipped with a QR code that exhibitors and attendees can scan, generating a list of contacts to make following up after the show a breeze.
The Plant Symposium — a key event for horticulture professionals and enthusiasts alike — will open at 9 a.m. on Feb. 13. Free for students, it will feature a panel of expert growers who will share the latest on plant science and care, including soil health and the use of indigenous plants. Visit horttrades.com/plant-symposium-2024 to register.
Kick off your first day at Green Trade Expo with the popular MTO Contractor’s Breakfast at 7 a.m. on Feb. 14. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation will present the latest regulations for commercial motor vehicle operations to ensure drivers know what to expect when heading out on the road in 2024. It’s a great opportunity for attendees to ask questions about compliance in order to not only stay safe but to also avoid potentially costly fines and vehicle downtime. Tickets are $40 per person.
On Feb. 14 at 6 p.m, the Ottawa Chapter will hold its annual Awards of Distinction to recognize top suppliers and contractors who have made outstanding efforts over the past year. The evening event includes a reception and dinner, offering landscape professionals the opportunity to celebrate with peers, energize their teams and get inspired for the year to come. Individuals are nominated and voted for online by Landscape Ontario members. Tickets are $95 each or $700 for a table of eight.
Finally, don’t miss your chance to reconnect with Ottawa Chapter volunteers and board at the Annual General Meeting on Feb. 15 from 7-9 a.m. Landscape Ontario members can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, hear what the association and chapter have accomplished over the past year, find out about future initiatives and events and ask questions.
Greely Sand & Gravel has been exhibiting at Green Trade Expo since it was co-founded by owner Brent Pyper 30 years ago. In the company’s experience, exhibitors can maximize the event by making networking a priority and updating their booth every year to keep things fresh and exciting.
Greenlife Wholesale Nursery has been an exhibitor since 2012. President Sarah Johnston suggests fellow exhibitors reach out to their clients ahead of Green Trade Expo to let them know they’ll be there, and what’s being featured at their booth.
Cohen and Cohen Natural Stone began exhibiting at Green Trade Expo in 2009. Cohen and Cohen president Andrew Colautti says one of his favourite things about exhibiting is “feeling the energy and excitement of an upcoming season.” He encourages attendees to speak to as many exhibitors as possible and explore what’s new.
Eastern Ontario’s premier landscape and construction show is back after a three-year pandemic hiatus.
Green Trade Expo will run Feb. 14-15, 2024, at the EY Centre in Ottawa, Ont. Landscape Ontario’s Ottawa Chapter has run the event since 1993, giving landscape and horticulture professionals access to over 100 exhibitors, as well as professional development opportunities to help their businesses grow.
Registration is completely free and includes two-day access to the trade show, Live Stage educational opportunities, a networking lounge and lunch on the show floor. Register online to attend or sponsor at greentradeexpo.ca.
Introduced in 2020, the Live Stage offers access to a series of free professional development opportunities. Industry leaders and business experts will give talks to help grow your business and keep you up to date on industry matters. Some highlights: Vanessa McQuade of Intrigue Media Solutions will share the latest marketing strategies, and Carla Bailey of Solutions by CB will speak about HR and employee retention.
New this year is a lead retrieval service for exhibitors, which elevates the event’s networking opportunities. Name tags will come equipped with a QR code that exhibitors and attendees can scan, generating a list of contacts to make following up after the show a breeze.
Get inspired at featured events
Green Trade Expo has several featured events leading up to and throughout the show so you can level up your trade show experience with additional educational, networking and community-building opportunities.The Plant Symposium — a key event for horticulture professionals and enthusiasts alike — will open at 9 a.m. on Feb. 13. Free for students, it will feature a panel of expert growers who will share the latest on plant science and care, including soil health and the use of indigenous plants. Visit horttrades.com/plant-symposium-2024 to register.
Kick off your first day at Green Trade Expo with the popular MTO Contractor’s Breakfast at 7 a.m. on Feb. 14. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation will present the latest regulations for commercial motor vehicle operations to ensure drivers know what to expect when heading out on the road in 2024. It’s a great opportunity for attendees to ask questions about compliance in order to not only stay safe but to also avoid potentially costly fines and vehicle downtime. Tickets are $40 per person.
On Feb. 14 at 6 p.m, the Ottawa Chapter will hold its annual Awards of Distinction to recognize top suppliers and contractors who have made outstanding efforts over the past year. The evening event includes a reception and dinner, offering landscape professionals the opportunity to celebrate with peers, energize their teams and get inspired for the year to come. Individuals are nominated and voted for online by Landscape Ontario members. Tickets are $95 each or $700 for a table of eight.
Finally, don’t miss your chance to reconnect with Ottawa Chapter volunteers and board at the Annual General Meeting on Feb. 15 from 7-9 a.m. Landscape Ontario members can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, hear what the association and chapter have accomplished over the past year, find out about future initiatives and events and ask questions.
How do I get there?
The EY Centre offers on-site parking for $10 per day with convenient access to the event. The venue is easily accessible by public transit or taxi service. For those travelling in for the show, the designated hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn at 2400 Alert Road, Ottawa.What you're saying about Green Trade Expo
Green Trade Expo is a homecoming for members of the Ottawa Chapter and a much-anticipated opportunity to see what’s new in the industry. Long-time exhibitors shared why they keep coming back and their recommendations for making the most out of your event experience.Greely Sand & Gravel has been exhibiting at Green Trade Expo since it was co-founded by owner Brent Pyper 30 years ago. In the company’s experience, exhibitors can maximize the event by making networking a priority and updating their booth every year to keep things fresh and exciting.
“We keep coming back to maintain our presence as we have been a long time member of Landscape Ontario,” said Tara Hall of Greely Sand & Gravel. “We enjoy meeting existing customers as well as new customers. The industry has become like a family where everyone knows everyone.”
Greenlife Wholesale Nursery has been an exhibitor since 2012. President Sarah Johnston suggests fellow exhibitors reach out to their clients ahead of Green Trade Expo to let them know they’ll be there, and what’s being featured at their booth.
“It’s an excellent venue to meet with clients during the winter months and discuss the coming season and plant availability,” Johnston said. “I enjoy the fact that it is local to the Ottawa area. You can meet with your clients and suppliers in one place and chat with those new to the industry. There are many horticulture students who attend to introduce your services to. The coffee is pretty good too!”
Cohen and Cohen Natural Stone began exhibiting at Green Trade Expo in 2009. Cohen and Cohen president Andrew Colautti says one of his favourite things about exhibiting is “feeling the energy and excitement of an upcoming season.” He encourages attendees to speak to as many exhibitors as possible and explore what’s new.
“It’s a great way to connect with many peers in the off-season. You are exposed to so many new products, local suppliers and contacts that can be valuable resources moving into a busy season,” Colautti said. “We also feel it is important to be present and supportive of an industry and group that has been so supportive of us.”