Going Independent in Chicago
I’m hitting the road (well, sky) this week to attend the IGC Show, which takes place August 13-15 at Lakeside | McCormick in downtown Chicago. Now in its 13th year, the show promises new products, education sessions, networking events and more. In addition, three keynote talks will address key topics for garden center retailers.
Along with meeting plenty of attendees and exhibitors at the show, one of the keynotes I’m looking forward to is Mark Belling’s, “Cracking the Millennial Code: A Look at the Generation Who at Times Makes Us Laugh … And Tear Our Hair Out!” on Thursday, August 15. His presentation focuses on how to connect with Millennials, the sometimes-elusive target consumer for garden centers.
On Wednesday evening, the IGC Show 2019 Party & Concert starts at 5 p.m. The free concert stars San Francisco rock music legends Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. The concert will take place from 5:45 until 7:15 p.m. on the IGC Show Center Stage.
This year’s show will include a new IGC Retail Lab, a 3,500-square-foot retail symposium and interactive design forum located on the show floor. Attendees can learn how to incorporate modern modular gathering spaces in their stores that sell to consumer demand in four key trend areas. The TED-Talk-style discussions and merchandising demonstrations are free and open to all attendees daily on the trade show floor.
What are you looking forward to at this year’s show? Let me know at [email protected].
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