The two-day trade show showcases the products, offerings and services that appeal to independent garden centers.

July 2025
Garden Center Show returns to Chicagoland By Teresa McPherson

The 2025 event includes a garden retail tour, several keynotes, a trade show and opportunities to network with other green industry professionals.

The Garden Center Show is scheduled to return to Rosemont (Chicago), Illinois, from Aug. 12-13 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

Co-managed by SmartWork Media and Great American Media Services (publisher of Lawn & Garden Retailer), the event gathers garden retail professionals as well as industry suppliers and business thought leaders in one place to help independent business owners learn how to succeed in their business.

The free registration provides attendees with access to the exhibit hall, keynote sessions and the L&GR Innovator Awards Ceremony and Happy Hour. A garden center bus tour on Monday, Aug. 11, requires separate registration.

Trade Show

The two-day trade show showcases the products, offerings and services that appeal to independent garden centers. Exhibitors from around the country will display their products for the upcoming holiday and gardening seasons.

Conference Program

Running concurrently, the Garden Center Show conference offers an education program led by top minds and leading experts in horticulture. Each morning will begin with a keynote presentation, followed by sessions on the show floor throughout the day.

The Garden Center Show will include two days of educational sessions.

Garden Center Tour

Attendees can also sign up to attend a retail garden center bus tour, which is scheduled to take place on Monday, Aug. 11, the day before the show opens. The tour will stop at six standout locations and offer not only merchandising inspiration but also a chance to network with fellow garden retail owners, share business strategies and spark new ideas. Read more about the stops here.

Networking Opportunities

On Tuesday, Aug. 12, L&GR will celebrate the 2025 honorees of the annual Innovator Awards with a ceremony and happy hour on the show floor. It will provide an opportunity to celebrate the creativity, passion and strategies garden retailers are using to drive the industry forward.

In addition, L&GR will host a Networking Lounge on the show floor — a spot where show attendees can have a seat and network with other garden retail professionals. Editors from L&GR will be in the lounge throughout each day to engage with participants and encourage and foster discussion.

For more information and to register, visit gardencentershow.com.