Landscape Ontario Congress is the can’t-miss event of the year for Landscape Ontario members. Thousands of attendees from across Ontario (and North America, for that matter) will come together to network and learn with their peers in the horticulture trades. But what’s in it for members besides the registration and conference fee discount?

Congress has so much to offer LO members: special events, our member awards ceremony, access to LO staff, and the chance to connect with hundreds of equipment suppliers and manufacturers, plus so many opportunities to meet your friends and peers in the business. Here are a few of the key ways you can take full advantage of Congress as an LO member.

Meet fellow members

With over 400 exhibitors covering more than eight acres, the Congress trade show is the perfect place to connect with old friends and new contacts. Get some face time with those clients or suppliers you only ever communicate with through email or over the phone.
Are you a member of LO’s Peer to Peer Network? Whether you answered “yes” or “not yet,” you’ll want to check out the Peer to Peer Network Workshop on Jan. 8, the day before the trade show begins. At this one-day workshop, you’ll hear from some of LO’s amazing business leaders who “hit the emotional wall” and crafted a path forward. You will walk away with real tactics to help build your personal resilience toolkit for 2024 and beyond.

The Landscape Ontario Annual General Meeting (AGM) is your annual opportunity to hear from LO’s staff and Board of Directors about the work the association is doing on your behalf. It’s also your opportunity to elect your Board members for the coming year. Whether you are a long-time LO member or you’ve just joined the association, you’ll want to stay informed and involved by attending the AGM.

Of course the three-day event isn’t all business. The Tailgate Party on Jan. 10 promises to be a little more fun than the AGM. Enjoy some social time with your peers at the biggest networking event of the year. It’s free to attend with your Congress badge.

Meet the team

LO’s energetic staff will be out in full force at Congress. Drop by our official membership booth #1435 to meet the team who dedicate their days to making sure you get the most out of your LO membership. Are you taking advantage of all the exclusive discounts, networking events and resources available to you as an LO member? Pay us a visit and find out how to optimize your membership ROI.

LO’s GROW Program will be set up next to the LIVE Stage and student garden. Find out how our workforce development programs can connect you with people who are trained and ready to enter the horticultural trades. Your national trade magazine, Landscape Trades, will be at booth #2412. Be sure to pick up the latest edition, packed with useful articles geared to landscape contractors, designers, growers, retailers and other industry sectors.

Celebrate your peers (and maybe yourself)

The Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence Ceremony will announce winners live at a gala dinner on Jan. 9. Cheer on your fellow landscape professionals and get inspired by the breathtaking craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance, design, interior plantscaping, lighting and irrigation projects created by members. If you’ve already submitted your entry, you might even come away a winner.

Congress has something to offer everyone in the horticulture trades, but LO members are uniquely positioned to maximize the value of this blockbuster event. Whether you just drop in on the trade show or attend the full conference and special events, walk the Congress floor with pride knowing you’re at your association’s event. We can’t wait to see you there.

 

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