CENTS 2016 In Columbus Will Offer Enhanced Education For Growers And Nurseries

Posted by Brian Sparks|October 30, 2015

The Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) has announced that CENTS 2016 registration is now open to all attendees. CENTS 2016 will be held January 11-13 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.

The tradeshow will feature more than 400 exhibitors offering products and services ranging from nursery stock, hardscaping products, and pest and disease control, to landscaping equipment, business services and more. The CENTS professional development also offers 136 sector-focused courses, allowing attendees to create a personalized educational experience through pre-conference intensive workshops, keynotes, nursery tours, hands-on expert demonstrations and interactive classroom presentations.

New this year, CENTS 2016 will showcase additional education within the tradeshow, complimentary with the purchase of a tradeshow pass. The “ONLA Garage” features live technician education dedicated to use and maintenance for equipment investments. Classrooms committed to plant, pest and disease knowledge along with guided nursery tours that connect buyers with vendors and expert advice are also within the tradeshow. Each day, CENTS will include a keynote or featured speaker and host facilitated networking or sector business roundtables to provide diverse opportunities for tradeshow attendees. Returning in 2016 is “Climber’s Corner,” dedicated to tree care professionals.

The CENTS education program opens with seven pre-conference workshops on Sunday, January 10, during which CEOs, owners, business managers, landscape professionals, sales teams and irrigation specialists can gain intensive training. The main conference, taking place Monday through Wednesday, will feature education for industry professionals that offer continuing education units (CEUs). Credits will be available from several professional organizations.

“Industry specific education and CEUs are vitally important to our attendees” says Lisa Larson, education director. “CENTS education is designed by business for business to ensure that professionals from every sector of the green industry will benefit from expert-led programs on science, technology, plant materials, marketing, recruiting and operations critical to their success”.