From Where I Stand — Welcome to the 9th annual iLandscape show!
iLandscape is open for business February 2-4, 2022. From the start, we remained committed to an in-person experience that focused on education, networking, and new product awareness. ILCA has held a number of live events over the past 18 months. We are confident in our ability to provide tremendous value while mitigating risk. The Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center is extremely excited to welcome us back. You can expect an even higher level of cleanliness and professionalism than normal. We also want to have one heck of a party! When we were considering what the industry needed after the last two years, everyone agreed — a party. The more we planned, the more we came back to the idea of an old world Mexican street festival. The plaza, fountains, colors, flowers, food, music, and drinks. The more we talked the more we could smell the carnitas, elotes, and cheladas. This theme wasn’t just about a party. The reason we used both English and Spanish was a reflection of the cultures that make our industry great. Never before, have our cultures had to rely on each other for our success and safety. The English and Spanish phrases eventually merge together as One Fiesta. The best parties are the ones where everyone is invited, so let’s get to it. We encourage attendees to let loose at iLandscape 2022. Months have gone into the planning of this party. Obstacles and opportunities were thrown our way. As usual, we leaned on our committees and volunteers to develop a world class program so desperately needed after two years apart. In November, I stood in a room of 350 landscape professionals at our Annual Party. Too much time had passed and I forgot how important networking and connections are to this industry. After a few remarks, we stepped back and just let the landscape industry reconnect, grow, learn, and feel whole again. We have that opportunity again at iLandscape — just 15x bigger. The show has an expanded floor plan with two SOLD OUT exhibit halls: Discovery Hall and Innovation Hall! The show will feature over 275 exhibitors, the hottest products, amazing educational speakers, jawdropping show gardens, ILCA’s Excellence in Landscape Awards Night, Career Fair, a raucous Wednesday night party, a quirky and unforgettable Thursday night networking event, entertainment, prizes, and much more. Attendees can visit over 500 booths to see the latest trends in plants, green industry products, hardscapes, equipment, and more. The world famous Modern Day Romeos headline our Wednesday evening party. iLandscape gathers the best minds in the green industry as part of its educational program. The event features over 50 unique education sessions. Our bookstore will have many of the speakers’ newest offerings and many of the authors will be on hand for book signings. Spanish-language education sessions are available at no additional cost and students can attend the show for free and receive discounted rates on education! Irrigation professionals, arborists, and landscape architects can max out on continuing education units. Our Career Fair featuring 45 top employers caps off the week. If you can’t join us, we understand. If you do, you will join thousands of landscape professionals for three days and two nights of industry fun and excitement. The next landscape season will be here in the blink of an eye. Until then, think about the essential people and cultures that pushed us through the darkest parts of 2020 and 2021. You are all invited to our One Fiesta and your experience begins on page 54.
One Fiesta: All United Todos Unidos
A L L TO G E T H E R B E T T E R W W W . M A R I A N I P L A N T S .COM
866-627-4264
Scott Grams — January 6, 2022
The Landscape Contractor February 2022
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