2012 OFA Short Course Largest Event In Years

Columbus, Ohio — OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals announced today the attendance at the 2012 OFA Short Course, the annual national horticulture convention and marketplace, increased to more than 9,100 people. This is the largest number of participants since 2008. The expanded exposition component was sold out with more than 740 unique exhibits, which is also an increase over previous years. Some exhibit footprints were as large as 4,100 square feet. This made for the largest OFA Short Course in several years. Attendees visited from more than 25 countries, including China and Australia.

Michael V. Geary, CAE, chief executive officer of OFA said, “We believe the increased attendance reflects an increasing confidence in the U.S. and global economy, and a continued trust in OFA and this event as the preferred provider for education and international market development.”

“The entire convention, including the trade show, is an opportunity for thousands of people to gather under one roof to expand our industry and to grow their businesses. This includes growers of all kinds, independent retailers, interior and exterior landscapers, educators, students, and suppliers, among many others. It’s more than a trade show. The attendees experienced hundreds of business and technical educational programs, they participated in numerous networking events, visited our Garden Center Live! and Grower Solutions pavilions, and had a lot of fun,” Geary stated.

This year, OFA Short Course was recognized by Trade Show News Network as one of the top 25 fastest growing trade shows and the 150th largest show in the country among all industries. “We are trying to keep this momentum going and continue to offer a superior experience. We are sincerely thankful for the support of our volunteer planning committees and onsite volunteers that help to make the event successful. The Short Course is a collaborative effort by our staff, volunteers, and industry leaders,” said Mike McCabe, OFA’s president and co-owner of McCabe’s Greenhouse & Floral in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Lisa Graf, OFA’s treasurer stated, “OFA Short Course is a not-for-profit activity and revenue from the event is used to further association and industry programs, unlike for-profit events. I know I speak for our entire leadership team when I say we are grateful for the opportunity to support our businesses in this way.”

“I heard from many of my colleagues that this was one of the best industry shows in recent history. People are positive and upbeat, not only about this year but also next; they are anticipating better spring sales this coming year and are hoping it extends further into the summer and fall. Contacts made at Short Course will positively impact exhibitors’ bottom line,” said John Gaydos of Proven Winners and member of the OFA Exhibitor Advisory Committee. “I am looking forward to the 2013 OFA Short Course and expect it to offer even more value to everyone,” he continued.

Results of post-event surveys showed that people attend the convention to see new products and plant varieties, to find new vendors, learn business and production techniques, and network with other professionals. One of the highlights of the event is the Sunday evening Short Course Happy Hour, according to Ellen Barredo of Bowood Farms in St Louis, Missouri. “I manage a garden center with a greenhouse operation and it was a lot of fun to meet others that own and operate similar businesses. The formal educational programs are great, but I also learn a lot from the productive conversations that happen during the social events,” she said.

The keynote speakers included TV personality Joe Lamp’l and White House Chef and Senior Policy Advisor Sam Kass. Lamp’l shared strategies on how to reach today’s consumers and what to say when you do. Kass focused his remarks on how gardening can lead to healthier lifestyles and the success of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign.

The convention was also an opportunity to publicly celebrate the joint venture activities between OFA and the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA). Hundreds of ANLA members attended, and the organization hosted its annual governance meetings in Columbus. Along with the OFA Board of Directors, ANLA’s board voted to pursue organizing with OFA a new horticulture trade association that will replace OFA and ANLA in 12 to 18 months. Details on the new organization will be released by the organizations as progress is made.

The next OFA Short Course will take place on July 13-16, 2013 in Columbus, Ohio, USA.

About the organization: OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals is the leading horticulture educational association in the United States. It is a not-for-profit, all-industry organization and its core purpose and mission is “to support and advance professional horticulture.” Industry segments served include: garden centers, greenhouses, nurseries, retail and wholesale florists, and interior plantscapers. OFA is especially known for its outstanding publications and its annual OFA Short Course, U.S. horticulture’s premier convention and marketplace. The OFA Short Course was named the 150th largest trade show in the United States by the Trade Show News Network. The next Short Course will take place on July 13-16, 2013 in Columbus, Ohio USA.

Source: OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals