October 2016 | Volume 37, Issue 10
FNGLA’S MONTHLY PUBLICATION: DIGITAL MONTHLY ISSUE LOCATED AT HTTP://GREENLINE.FNGLA.ORG
Another 2016 Success: The Landscape Show! Lush, towering palms canopied the ceiling while nature’s vibrant hues adorned the aisles at the Orange County Convention Center for The Landscape Show 2016. The three-day event drew more than 7,000 industry professionals from across 38 U.S. states and 16 countries. More than 400 vendors were spread across the convention center space this year in over 800 booth spaces. “It was a great show,” said Pete Dunnington, Chairman of the 2016 Landscape show. ““Business seems to be picking up, and the attitude on the floor was very positive. It’s one of the better shows we’ve had in quite a few years since the recession,” Dunnington added.
7,100
Industry professionals across 38 U.S. states and 16 countries attended
95%
Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Steve Crisafulli was a special guest at the event on opening day. He spoke with industry members as he made his way around the show floor.
The percentage of attendees who came from Southeastern U.S.
As an accent to this year’s theme Where Business Makes Sense was a Trend Stage Sensory Garden. The garden featured plants and products which engaged the five senses.
56%
The Trends Stage also served as the backdrop for various awards presentations and events including the “Cool Products” presentation where a team of industry buyers selected 15 unique products from exhibits at the show considered especially business-worthy. Also taking place at the Trends Stage were the Fresh From Florida Yard-To-Table Chef ’s presentations. “The Chef ’s presentations put the sensory theme of the show in action, offering a chance to use almost all the senses, especially taste,” said Linda Adams, FNGLA’s Chief Operating Officer. “With edible landscaping still a big trend, the chefs provided several creative food offerings using herbs and foods from the landscape. Attendees enjoyed samples of pickled vegetables, nutty pesto, flavored salts and tangy drinks as a few inspiring yard-to-table ideas.” FNGLA also recognized The 2016 Landscape Show Awards winners at the event. FNGLA’s Landscape Awards program recognizes exceptional landscape projects designed and installed by industry members. The prestigious Roy Rood Award winner was Groundtek of Ocoee (landscape contractor), and Larry M. Smith of Maitland (landscape designer), for their maintenance of the Orange County Convention Center Maintenance. The FNGLA Continued on page 3
The percentage of attendees who identified as growers or landscape professionals
80
The number of first-time exhibitors