Landscape Trades December 2024 Issue

Build collaborative partnerships

In the 2024 State of the Industry survey conducted by Landscape Trades (see the rest of the results on page 30), over 62 per cent of respondents said they plan to attend Congress 2025. Read on to learn more about why landscape pros consider this a must-attend event. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP REASONS FOR ATTENDING CONGRESS OR OTHER INDUSTRY TRADE SHOWS? RESEARCH EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS OR SERVICES 71.1% NETWORK WITH PEERS IN THE INDUSTRY 64.5% ATTEND PRESENTATIONS BY TRADE EXPERTS TO LEARN THE LATEST TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICES 43.7% PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO MY STAFF 30.3% CONNECT WITH POTENTIAL CLIENTS OR PARTNERS 24.7% PURCHASE EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS OR SERVICES 20.5%

Collaboration can often be the key to success. Teaming up with other landscape architects, designers, horticulturists or various sector contractors can help you tackle larger projects, bring new ideas to the table or simply fill in gaps where you don’t have the expertise. At Congress, you’ll be surrounded by professionals from every sector.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to network, exchange ideas and find potential partners for future projects. Maybe you’ll meet a lighting expert who complements your landscaping skills, or a software developer who has a solution for streamlining your business operations. Congress is also an excellent place to find complementary service providers who can fill gaps in a business’s expertise. For example, educators, marketing professionals, trade associations and other industry-adjacent exhibitors will be there, offering solutions that can address specific operational challenges. It’s a chance to build a community of trusted contacts who can help you grow your business, share referrals or even just offer advice when you hit a rough patch. Plus, it never hurts to know more people who can recommend you for projects when their own schedules are full. Inspiration and motivation Running a business is hard work. You’re managing people, processes and client expectations every day, and it can feel difficult to step away from daily operations. Taking a step back to focus on strategy and big-picture planning can pay significant dividends. Congress allows business owners to evaluate your operations, explore new solutions and return to your businesses with fresh ideas and renewed energy. Being around so many passionate professionals can reignite your own passion for the industry. Hearing from experts and learning about new ideas can inspire you to try something new in your own business. You might leave with fresh ideas on how to market your services, introduce new offerings, support your crew members’ well-being or improve your operations. Congress gives you the chance to pause, reflect and think about where you want to take your business next. You’ll walk away with new contacts, fresh ideas and the confidence that you’re ready to thrive in the coming year.

For full details on Canada’s largest gathering of landscape and horticulture professionals, visit the event website at LOcongress.com.

ELECTRIC DEMO AREA ONLY AT

JANUARY 7-9, 2025 A vibrant showcase of cutting-edge technology