[Rob Shauger]

I always preach this every year about going to local, regional or even national educational events. Well usually I make mention of it a few months before something comes up.

The best time to plan for this is right now while some of you may be working on your budgets. Check out you local or regional events and see when they are. If you want to really see something neat look at attending the Annual Green Industry Conference. It's always the first week of November and will be in Columbus this year.

These are all greatthings for education and networking with your peers in the industry. If you budget for the expense now and block out the time now, your chances of actually getting there this year will be all the better.

[Lanelle]

I completely agree with you Rob. And so here is an opportunity for folks in the Md, DC, VA area:

January 24,25,26: Green Industry Professional Seminar

Sponsored by NVNLA and DC Branch, PGMS

Pesticide Re-certification on Jan. 25.
Turf topics on Jan. 24.
Landscape and Tree topics (ISA credits) on Jan. 26.
First and third days also have topic sessions in Spanish.

Held in Annandale VA at NVCC campus.

For more info, please email at: greenisdc@aol.com
or call Mary Bean at: 703-250-1368

[r schipul]

Okay, I'll admit I'm a trade show junky. I attend at least 2 a year. Always looking for that special lecture or idea to make me a couple more bucks.

I did go to the GIC this year in Florida for the first time. For someone how has been to a lot of trade shows over the years I had been looking forward to being able to attend the GIC for at least 4 years. After it was all said and done, I don't know if I would attend another one. Most lectures were average and the equipment demo was a lot smaller than I had envisioned. The Breakfast of Champions had potential. Unfortunately, our hotel wasn't near the event. By the time we got to the bus and waited for the bus to leave and then drive us to the event the room was packed. I think our regional New England Grows compares. I've also been to the CENTS show in Ohio which is a great show. The highlight of the CIG was 3 hours with Marty Grunder. I've heard him speak before in a 1 hour format but 3 hours was perfect. Coming home on the plane I was thinking that more trade shows should go to a 2-4 hour format. There is only so much you can learn in 1 hour. BTW, if you ever plan on attending the Breakfast of Champions stay in the hotel the event is located in.

[cutntrim]

I hit the Toronto trade show every couple of years and usually take in a seminar at the same time. Most winters (although not all) I'll take a course or two at Landsape Ontario in Milton,ON. I've hilighted a few possible picks for myself and/or employees on this winter's list of course offerings.

[NCSULandscaper]

I go to atleast 4 or 5 trade show and confrences each year.....you cant ever learn enough and got to stay current with the industry and whats hot and whats not

[johnkeegan]

I agree with r.s. that it would be nice if many of the lame lectures were removed and the high quality ones were extended at the seminars. Many of the lame ones could simply be summed up with a one page handout that we could read at our leisure. Wereas, the info-packed, dynamic lecturers could be allotted more time.
That's why often I find I get more from reading books, articles etc. by the experts in the field. I can take the time to read and re-read if necessary, skip chapters if not pertinent, and its always there to refer back to in the future. Besides, I don't have to spend hundreds on airfare, lodging, meals etc. and waste hours on the lame lectures to get the few tidbits of info I need.

[r schipul]

I'm not saying that the format or content is lame. To get people in all facets of the industry to attend these shows there has to be a broad spectrum of topics. I've always been more interested in the business tracks rather than
"Winter Moth and other Exotic Pests" which is actually a lecture at New England Grows. I also don't have a problem with spending a thousand dollars to get a couple of good ideas. I have been to many lectures in the past where the speaker was great, the topic was great but the time alotted was so short the talk was more of an outline of the topic rather the topic.

[Rob Shauger]

Richard and gang, yo make some great points here. First off, when going to GIC its a must to stay at the PLANET host hotel. Its always the easiest. SOme years depending on where they have it though the hotels are not connected and you have to be shuttled which is a pain.

I had a deal with a Marriott not even afiliated with the show which was about another 5 minutes out. What I like to do is find a reputable car service with a nice Lincol or Caddy and get the same driver for the whole week. This guy in Orlando, was prompt, curteous and appreciative. He had us at the Convention Center in 5 minutes flat. LOL

Some of the speakers were disapointing indeed Richard. i bet I walked out of 3 or 4. A number of us who get together at GIC every year came to a couple of conclusions.

1. Always go with a plan of what you want to see and accomplish.

2.Have an execution plan for what you will do with the info when you get back. More than 60% of attendees throw their info in a pile and let it collect dust.

3. The Breakfast of Champions is one of the most popular things there. There was up to 800 people in there for that. There is a ton of opportunity for networking there that provides the opportunity for people to network.

4. After attending a number of years you build some relationships with some great people across the country. Some of us felt that it would be a great idea to get together 2 times per year and do our own facility tours.

5. We figured that rather than feel like you have to sit through every class, go with the intentions of picking up a few new ideas, hit the equipment quickly, and NETWORK as much as you possibly can.

See you in Columbus!

[Metzger]

I hit the Mid-Am and Cents Show every year. The Mid-Am trade show is top-notch, and Cents has great classes/speakers. I saw someone posted they heard Marty Grunder speak. He is awsome! He was a speaker at the Mid-Am Management workshop last year and will be Keynote this year at Mid-Am. Wow! He is great!

Anybody been to his boot camp? I see it's pretty pricey, but I suspect worth the money....

[r schipul]

I've heard marty speak last winter at New England grows and a 3-4 hour workshop at the GIC in Florida in Nov. Some people have good topics but can't speak, others can speak but the topic is boring. The 2 lectures I've been to have been great. The things he talks about are simple ideas but the way it's delivered is fantastic. I met I guy at his lecture last year who goes to his boot camp every year and says it's well worth the (swallow hard) 2g's.

[prapoza]

I went to Marty's Boot Camp last year and am going with three team members this year too. It's not 2g's it's more like $1250.00. As a result of attending Boot Camp last year and implementing the ideas our gross revenue is up 35% so is our net%. Well worth a couple of nickels.

[Rob Shauger]

Paul, can you share a couple of ideas that you implemented?

[prapoza]

Last year we toured Mariani Landscape's facility. Wow! is the best word to describe it. The opportunity to meet and discuss issues with fellow like minded business owners was probably the most valuable. Too much to describe here.
This year we are touring Stephen Hillemeyer Landscape/Nursery's new facility. My total cost for four of us includes Boot Camp, air, hotel, meals, transportation $7430.00.
Ultimately, we were responsible for the increase in revenue and net. We took and implemented the ideas but without the Boot Camp we definitely wouldn't have had exposure to all those great people and ideas.

[Rob Shauger]

I heard Marianni's place is something else. Im sure you'll enjoy Hillenmyers too.

Let us know how it goes. Paul your not going to NE Grows are you?