Can West Hort Show is again returning to the TRADEX in Abbotsford, BC, this year from September 28 to 29, 2016.
Registration opens on July 22. If you have never been to the show, check it out this year. It’s the biggest horticulture show in BC and well worth the entry fee. Landscape companies get lots of free passes. Ask around.
Personally, I attend the day-long (9-3pm) Urban Forestry Symposium every year. The $200+ fee is an investment in my education and includes lunch. My employer might have budget for this. I will ask nicely. We will see. You can do the same. Just ask nicely. Don’t forget the ISA will give you CEUs for the five hours. Same for the CNLA, if you are Landscape Industry Certified.
The lectures are all tree related. It’s also a chance to mingle with people from other companies and municipalities; meet new people and reconnect with old acquaintances. Last year one of the lectures was delivered by the ISA president and university professor on “Trees and drought.” Very topical. Sadly, when I walked over to pick up a copy of the lecture notes, I missed meeting journeyman horticulturist Todd Major by a few seconds.
Once the lectures finish, I walk around the trade floor checking out the booths. Inevitably, I will run into someone I haven’t seen in ages and we’ll talk. My pockets will be full of candy and bag full of catalogues.
The best booth to visit is the Landscape Industry Certified plant ID station. It is set up like a test station with actual live specimens and you have to match them to the list on your sheet. Why not test yourself? You could win a prize.
The show also features general sessions and power clinics. Pick one you like or attend them all. Collect CEUs.
There is lots of free parking in front of the Tradex building. The show opens 10-5pm.
(visit http://www.canwesthortshow.com for details)
See you there!
If you see Vas in orange, say Hello
