First-Ever Virtual Global Garden Retail Conference on Tap for February
December 10, 2021 
For the first time ever, garden retail horticulture industry professionals worldwide can join together to share, discover, learn, and discuss new industry horizons and opportunities at the 2022 Global Garden Retail Virtual Conference & Show.
Co-chaired by veteran retail consultants Sid Raisch and John Stanley, this virtual event features fast-paced presentations in 90-minute segments spanning the time zones of the world over three days, February 1-3, 2022, with a virtual trade show that will be open the entire month of February.
“It is time for a global virtual event for our industry,” says John Stanley, an international consultant and speaker based in Australia. “This will be the largest audience ever in an industry-wide conference and trade show, hearing thought leader points of view, experiences, and examples from around the world.”
Each of the daily conference sessions consists of three 20-minute sessions that can be accessed on-demand, followed by a variety of bonus Q&A sessions and discussion rooms on topics related to the presentations.
World Class Thought Leaders Speaking
The conference kicks off on Tuesday, February 1, with the kickoff keynote address, “Our Views of The Massive Worldwide Opportunity for Horticulture” presented by Anna and Susannah Ball. In advance of their talk, Anna says, “Every single consumer and business trend is in our favor. We have never been in such a position. We have been given a gift! Let’s wrap it up beautifully and share it.” Anna and Susannah feel that now is not the time to be boring at retail, but to take calculated risks in merchandising, product selection, pricing, and marketing, and their talk will delve more in to opportunities for success, profitability, and having an impact on the world.
Each day begins with a “Trend Swaps from Around the World” session in which panelists from all corners of the world will inspire by bringing forth and discuss what’s hot, what’s not, and what they see coming in the future.
“Independent garden centers have a vital role in the future of gardening, lifestyle, and wellness,” says Karen Moad, President of the International Garden Centre Association. “Together, we have the opportunity to make a difference. The virtual conference will bring some key industry leaders together to inspire and share ideas specifically focused on independent garden centers.”
There is no registration fee or travel cost for the attendee. Industry suppliers are providing sponsorship and virtual booth rental covers the costs of the event. Ball Horticultural, a global supplier, is the event Diamond Sponsor. Additional sponsors include but are not limited to AmericanHort, Garden Communicators International, Gardenex, International Garden Centre Association, Orlandelli Group, Smeimans Projecten, and The Garden Center Group.
Expansive Industry Cooperation
Trade associations, breeders, brands, growers, manufacturers, distributors, and other professional interest groups are encouraged to invite and enroll their members and customers to help build maximum industry participation facilitating a first-in-a-lifetime opportunity to network, learn, and grow from each other.
An annual worldwide event like this has been the passion of John Stanley for many years. Stanley and Sid Raisch held three North American “New Vision Forum” events with small invitation-only audiences from across the U.S. and Canada in 2013 and in 2014. Stanley also held industry think-tank-style events called “The Gathering” in 2017 in Paris, France, and in Prague, Czech Republic, in 2018.
Click here to learn more, or contact Ken Klopp at The Marketing Garden.
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