The pressure is on for retail garden centers and independent plant shops to satisfy the wave of new plant customers. 18 million people have started gardening for the first time since 2020, and considering that most of them are between the ages of 35 and 44, these customers are easy targets for plant sales. Seasoned professionals see that the marketplace is constantly shifting, and the more you know the better off you’ll be.

Carving out time to research consumer data and working on your own professional development is difficult. Working sales to help plant buyers choose their purchases can feel like a 24/7 job. That’s why it’s helpful to go to conferences and trade shows that pull double-duty. If a plant shop owner can find a new garden art supplier or wholesale nursery growing plants that customers will love while also finding technical advice for managing customer data, it’s a win-win scenario.

These aren’t sales pitches — they’re learning opportunities to develop your career. For example, researchers have provided an economic outlook for independent garden centers, non-profit organizations explain cash incentives for energy efficiency upgrades in greenhouses or nurseries, and CEOs share strategies for growing online sales.

Many horticulture trade shows offer an education program. They can include 45-minute seminars and lectures for a nominal fee. The classes cover a vast range of subjects and are led by industry professionals who have been invited to speak for their renowned expertise in certain areas. For example, the Farwest Show – the biggest green industry trade show in the West — is one that offers between 40–50 hours of learning over the course of three days.

Knowledge is power. From discovering what social media influencers predict the latest garden trends will be to finding out how deep the supply chain disruptions run, trade show seminars are extremely helpful for busy garden center professionals. Explore a horticultural trade show near you and use the time to invest in your professional development.