PGTA Annual Meeting and
Eco-Product Showcase
Sponsored by:
In 2009, over 41 million households grew edible plants in their gardens. Over 7 million of these households had never grown edible plants before. More than 1 in 3 households said they will grow more edible plants in 2010 and only 1% said they would grow less.
Changes in government policies and continued economic uncertainty created a booming market for progressive gardening retailers in 2009, and even greater market trends are indicated for 2010.
More progressive gardening stores with million and multi-million dollar annual sales exist now than ever before. The industry is fast approaching the long awaited center of demand and growth in multiple markets. But even in the unprecedented prosperity of today's market for progressive gardening retailers, mounting economic uncertainty and legal contradictions pose unique challenges for the industry.
This year's PGTA Annual Meeting and Eco-Product Showcase looks at ways to expand and diversify your business in a hot market, while protecting your future from sudden economic, regulatory, and legal changes. Join with other key industry representatives to share information and map a course for progressive gardening retailing as we navigate new waters to success.
Special PGTA Membership Offer
Any industry company joining the Progressive Gardening Trade Association before the Annual Meeting will receive the member discount on registration immediately. Meeting participants registering at the non-member rate will receive a credit for the difference in the member and non-member rate (up to one full year's dues) if they join the PGTA within 30 days after the annual meeting.
2010 Annual Meeting - April 10th & 11th, 2010
Hyatt Regency Riverwalk
San Antonio, Texas
This year's PGTA Annual Meeting and Eco-Product Showcase will be held April 10th and 11th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas. Click on the brochure cover at right for an Adobe PDF copy of the 13th Annual PGTA Conference brochure, which details our 2010 Annual Meeting program and includes a registration form. Or visit our online registration page by clicking here.
Our exciting educational program focuses on the drastic changes occurring throughout the industry and across all major markets including:
Legal Issues
Where are retailers and manufacturers in the newly emerging legal issues over medicinal herbs? What is the probability of another major policy shift and its impact? How can we protect our businesses, our image, and our markets in a volatile political environment?
Regulatory Issues
Local zoning laws have recently sprouted as a method for municipalities to control medicinal herb operations. How proposed ordinances and zoning regulations could potentially impact you and what you should know to protect your business.
Internet Competition
Is the internet helping or hurting your business? Virtually anyone can open a hydroponic store online and run it out of their garage. Cheap knock-off products of inferior quality abound on auction and affiliate sites for a fraction of what the original sells for. How you can use your website to fight back, grow your online sales, and increase walk-in traffic to your retail stores.
These are just a few of the critical topics that will draw today's best progressive gardening retailers to San Antonio for the 13th Annual Meeting of the Progressive Gardening Trade Association. This is where the movers and shakers in the industry will be and why your company needs to exhibit. For complete exhibitor information, see the links for the exhibitors package and applications further down this page.
Today, we have a booming market. In April, we have an extremely exciting program to attract the industry. San Antonio is a new, very cool destination with loads of fun opportunities to unwind for a spring break.
Diversification
With competition in the industry heating up to levels never experienced before, it is important for retail store owners to find the proper balance of product offerings that uniquely and best serves their customer base. What makes you stand out from your competitors? Are you selling the same products as every other store in your community? Expanding your offerings to include newer, as well as time-honored, consumer interest activities such as aquaponics, lawn care, brewing supplies, spring and fall vegetable starts, houseplants, orchids and bonsai, can set your store apart from the crowd and give you the edge you need in a highly competitive marketplace.
Educational Seminars
Our program chair for 2010, PGTA Vice-President Evan Folds of Progressive Gardens in Wilmington, North Carolina, is developing an awesome lineup of educational seminars with an influential array of presenters covering many topics of interest to progressive gardening retailers. Confirmed speakers to date include:
- Tom Szaky
Founder & CEO of TerraCycle, Inc. - Bevan Suits
Founder of the Sustainable Design Group
Author of Access to Aquaponics - Bill Rittenberg
Rittenberg, Samuel & Phillips Law Practice - Jeff Edwards
Founder & Director of Internet Marketing at Home Harvest Garden Supply - Evan Folds
Founder, Progressive Gardens, Inc.
Tom Szaky is founder and Chief Executive Officer of TerraCycle, Inc. TerraCycle enables consumers to collect waste which it then upcycles into thousands of various consumer products that are sold at the world's biggest retailers from Wal-Mart to Whole Foods. TerraCycle has been named the producer of most eco-friendly products in America, has won over 100 environmental and social awards, received the Home Depot Environmental stewardship award twice, been featured in Wal-Mart's sustainability report and been repeatedly named the ultimate eco-friendly brand.
As a freshman, Tom left Princeton University to found TerraCycle, building a company that has doubled in size every year since inception becoming the 233rd fastest growing company in America. Tom has won over 50 awards for entrepreneurship, blogs for Treehugger and Inc. Magazine, has recently published a book called "Revolution in a Bottle" and is the star of National Geogrphic Channels hit TV show, "Garbage Moguls."
Today TerraCycle, through partnerships with virtually all major CPG companies from Unilever to Kraft, operates in over 5 countries, has over 10 million people engaged in its waste collection programs, has collected over 2 billion pieces of garbage and donated over $500,000 to charities to collect that waste. In addition, TerraCycle products are not only made from waste but are also available at over 20,000 big box stores globally sustaining sales of over 20 million dollars. TerraCycle has been featured in virtually every major media outlet from "60 Minutes" to the Wall Street Journal (5 times) and is on its way to help eliminate in the idea of waste!
Bevan Suits is an industrial designer, writer, and video producer with nearly 25 years of exploration of this idea known as "sustainable". He is the founder of the Sustainable Design Group, which is a multidisciplined team covering design, engineering, communication, science, and construction, with a focus on aquaponics.
Why? Aquaponics will bring a lot of value to our culture and our economy. It's the most sustainable way to grow food efficiently while saving and even purifying water. The efforts of his team have been responsible for the development of millions of square feet of new properties that define the cutting edge of sustainable development.
Bill Rittenberg is a graduate of Tulane Law School. He is a partner in the firm of Rittenberg, Samuel and Phillips, LLC, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has sat as a judge ad hoc for the Juvenile Court for the City of New Orleans. Mr. Rittenberg is a past president of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has handled over 50 cases resulting in the declaration of state statutes or municipal ordinances to be unconstitutional. He has successfully defended the rights of street musicians, marijuana farmers, Black Panthers, women’s right to choose, massage parlor workers, elected officials and school teachers from illegal drug testing, wrongfully institutionalized children and even some middle-aged white men. He has represented the PGTA for the past six years, as well as many industry members, and is uniquely familiar with the legal challenges experienced by the changing legal landscape.
Our Host Hotel
Hyatt Regency San Antonio
Our host hotel for the 2010 PGTA Annual Meeting and New Product Showcase is the Hyatt Regency San Antonio, where you can experience the heart of the Riverwalk in San Antonio. The Hyatt Regency is the only San Antonio Riverwalk hotel directly overlooking the historic Alamo and directly on the Riverwalk, connecting two of San Antonio's top destinations through their 16 story atrium lobby. Be the center of Hyatt's attention while you are in the center of the action by taking advantage of this unequaled location in the heart of dining and entertainment venues surrounding the Hyatt Riverwalk hotel in San Antonio. This four-diamond hotel includes contemporary guestrooms, the city's premier meeting and event space, Chaps restaurant, rooftop pool, Stay-Fit gym and a relaxing Spa. An experienced staff adds a genuine touch to world-class amenities, making Hyatt the preferred choice for San Antonio Texas Riverwalk hotels.
We have negotiated a special room rate for PGTA Annual Meeting attendees of $149.00 per night. To reserve at these rates through our dedicated Hyatt Regency of San Antonio room reservation web page, click here.
PGTA 2010 Media Awards
The PGTA will be announcing the requirements for the 2010 Media Awards Program in the near future. The purpose of the program is to recognize member efforts to create superior advertising, writing, web sites and other projects and materials aimed at promoting the image and understanding of earth-friendly, water-wise and organic gardening. Open to all PGTA members in good standing, the PGTA Media Awards Program highlights the efforts of your team, so be sure to submit your entries early.
2010 Sponsors
Confirmed sponsors for the 2010 PGTA Annual Meeting and Eco-Product Showcase include Grodan, Hydrodynamics International, Hydrofarm, and Sunlight Supply, with more to come.
Sponsor opportunities are one of the best ways for manufacturers and distributors to get their name in front of potential buyers. More information on sponsorships available for the 2010 meeting can be found by clicking here (or save to your computer by right-clicking and choosing Save Link As...).
Who Should Attend?
Garden supply retailers, garden center, and nurseries; eco-friendly product manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors; and those considering starting a business in the progressive gardening niche of the multi-billion dollar lawn and garden industry, especially those who are interested in expanding the knowledge and use of organic and water-wise gardening products and practices are welcome to attend and participate. By educating and building our own community, we hope to chart a course for a better, more prosperous progressive gardening industry and market for the future.
PGTA members receive special discounts for attendance, but both members and non-members are invited.
Our well attended and highly rated educational sessions cover a variety of important topics and issues relating to sustainable gardening practices and technologies, as well as topics that help you run your small business.
2010 Eco-Product Exhibition Information
The PGTA Eco-Product Showcase will be held at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio on April 10th and 11th, 2010.
Consumer interest in organic products and home gardening continues to grow, fueled at least in part by tough economic times. Water restrictions and drought are creating greater demand for new technologies. PGTA members are specialty retailers focused on solutions to these leading edge market issues. They are eager for the latest information and are the main point of contact with the end user market.
Exhibitors receive maximum exposure to this exclusive market of specialized gardening retailers featuring eco-friendly, water-wise and organic products for indoor, patio, backyard and hobby greenhouse gardening. Each member company full booth display comes with two (2) full meeting registrations and tabletop displays include one (1) full meeting registration, enabling exhibitors access to all program events to build personal relationships with key PGTA retailers.
No other meeting offers manufacturers a greater opportunity to build their business with such an exclusive and leading-edge market of retailers dedicated to promoting the latest in environmental gardening.
Click here for the complete Exhibitors Guide for the 2010 Progressive Gardening Trade Association Annual Meeting & Eco-Product Showcase. Or to save to your computer, right-click the link and choose (Save Link as...).
Click here for the Application for the 2010 Progressive Gardening Trade Association Annual Meeting & Eco-Product Showcase. Or to save to your computer, right-click the link and choose (Save Link as...).
2010 Confirmed Exhibitors
The following exhibitors have been confirmed for the 2010 PGTA Annual Meeting and Eco-Friendly Product Showcase!
Botanicare
Booths #16 & 17
6858 W Chicago St., Suite 3
Chandler, AZ 85226 USA
Phone: 480.777.2000 Fax: 480.777.2015
Web: www.botanicare.net
The future of hydroponics is available with the latest technological advancements developed by Botanicare. Our innovative and environmentally conscious products are extremely practical for both organic home gardening and people with busy lifestyles. We are excited to add CNS17 Coco and CNS17 Ripe; Botanicare Biologicals; and Organicare to our comprehensive collection of premium gardening products.
CF Group Inc.
Booth #38
2722 Hwy 3A
Nelson BC V1L 6L6 Canada
Phone: 250.825.2722 Fax: 250.825.2723
Web: www.canfilters.com
Ventilation experts - CFG provides the hydroponic industry with the best and most efficient carbon air filters and inline fans - made in North America, the Max-fan delivers the most FMS for the least amount of energy!
EYE Hortilux
Booth #11
9150 Hendricks Rd.
Mentor OH 44060 USA
Phone: 440.392.3606 Fax: 440.350.7001
Web: www.eyehortilux.com
EYE Hortilux™ branded product (manufactured by EYE Lighting International of North America Inc.) is a complete line of exclusive, High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps. These lamps, including High Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Metal Halide recreate the spectral distributions similar to natural sunlight and promote optimal plant growth. Used with both magnetic and electronic ballasts, HORTILUX lamps are favored in the industry among indoor growing enthusiasts and commercial greenhouses.
Garden Writers Association Foundation
Booth #26
Manassas, VA 20111 USA
Phone: 703.257.1032 Fax: 703.257.0213
Web: www.gardenwriters.org
The Garden Writers Associaton Foundation is a not-for-profit educational foundation. It was established by the GWA for the purpose of carrying out programs of value to the future of the green industry. The Plant A Row for the Hungry celebrates 15 years of supporting gardeners committed to alleviating hunger in the US and Canada. Over 14 million pounds of produce have been donated. The Gardening Trends Research reports are a special project of the Garden Writers Association Foundation. Our objective is to provide information on consumer attitudes on gardening and identify any consumer activity trends that will give GWA members insight into the public's need for gardening information and education.
Greenstar Plant Products / Grotek Canada
Booth #31
9430 198th Street
Langley, BC Canada
Phone: 604.882.7699 Fax: 604.882.7640
Web: www.getgreenstar.com & www.grotek.net
Greenstar Plant Products distributes quality products internationally and manufactures its own ISO certifief products branded as Grotek, Earthsafe™, Agrotek and their new import and giftware division, GardenStar. Greenstar is sectored into two primary markets: lawn and garden and indoor hydroponic gardening. We are 100% Canadian owned and wholesale a broad range of 125 brands and 1700 products.
High Caliper Growing
Booth #18
115 NW 44th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73118 USA
Phone: 405.606.2400 Fax: 405.606.2401
Web: www.smartpots.com
High Caliper Growing produces the SmartPot™ aeration container. It has a unique ability to air-prune and enhance and enhance a plants root structure. A highly branched, fibrous root structure is the key to growing a better plant with more flowers and fruits, and more resistance to insects and diseases.
Homegrown Hydroponics, Inc.
Booth #33
26 Meteor Drive
Toronto, ON M9W 1A4 Canada
Phone: 416.242.4769 Fax: 416.242.7205
Web: www.hydroponics.com
Homegrown Hydroponics, Inc. is proud to serve the industry for 25 years! Manufacturer of Dutch Nutrient Formula which has proven to be one of the most successful nutrients worldwide. As the operators of www.hydroponics.com, they are sure to benefit your growing experience.
Hydrodynamics International, Inc.
Booths #28 & 15
5711 Enterprise Dr.
Lansing MI 48911 USA
Phone: 517.887.2007 Fax: 517.887.2008
Web: www.hydrodynamicsintl.com
Hydroponics has become a global phenomenon. Innovation and technical progress are happening everywhere. Hydrodynamics International has trading offices in the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia, being uniquely situated to evaluate new products and emerging technologies. Our mission is to select the best and most suitable products for the U.S. market. Manufacturers of Clonex® Rooting Products, MotherPlant® Nutrients, Ionic® Premium Plant Nutrients, Nitrozime™, and many other fine horticultural products.
Hydrofarm, Inc.
Booths #13 & 14
2249 S McDowell Boulevard Ext
Petaluma CA 94954 USA
Phone: 707.765.9990 x 111 Fax: 707.765.3399
Web: www.hydrofarm.com
Hydrofarm is the nation's oldest and largest manufacturer of hydroponics equipment and grow lights. You can find our products in hundreds of stores and catalogs across North America. On the market since 1977, Hydrofarm brand products are the choice of more indoor gardeners and gardening retailers than all other brands combined. Hydrofarm products are available everywhere with 4 Distribution Locations to Serve You! (CA, TX, PA and FL)
Milwaukee Instruments, Inc.
Booth #30
2950 Business Park Dr.
Rocky Mt. NC 27804 USA
Phone: 252.443.3630 Fax: 252.443.1937
Web: www.milwaukeetesters.com
Milwaukee Instruments manufactures affordable, easy to use, precision meters, testers, monitors and controllers covering pH, EC, TDS, Brix, LUX, DO, and all types of photometers. With Milwaukee products you get fast, knowledgeable service, the highest quality of diagnostic equipment available and an excellent warranty/customer support support program all at competitive prices.
Mulch and Soil Council
Booth #25
Manassas, VA 20111 USA
Phone: 703.257.0111 Fax: 703.257.0213
Web: www.mulchandsoil.org
The Mulch & Soil Council is the only information exchange forum for bark and soil producers on issues like equipment, production, laws and regulations, marketing and supplier services. The goal of the MSC Product Certification Program is to provide the retail market with evidence of a company's commitment to quality. The MSC certification logo on product bags indicate that these bags meet uniform product guidelines established by the Mulch & Soil Council.
Mutual Harvest Marketing, Inc.
Booth #32
P.O. Box 540
Woodstock, NY 12498 USA
Phone: 845.825.7657 Fax: 845.246.2228
Web: www.mutualharvest.com
Mutual Harvest Marketing is the distributor of Einstein Oil, Cornocopia, and premium quality soil amendments.
National Garden Wholesale / Sunlight Supply, Inc.
Booth #19
5408 NE 88th Street #A-101
Vancouver WA 98665 USA
Phone: 615.6642.2014 Fax: 615.622.8221
Web: www.nationalgardenwholesale.com
Full line distributor of hydroponic/indoor gardening supplies. We offer a complete selection of HID and fluorescent lighting, nutrients, supplements, organics, propagation supplies, growing media, pest/disease control products and much more.
Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply
Booth #12
P.O. Box 251
Corfu NY 14036 USA
Phone: 866.599.4404 Fax: 585.599.4403
Web: www.ncwgs.com
Unique horticulture products including lighting, organics and sustainable growing media.
Sentinel Global Product Solutions
Booth #37
Santa Rosa, CA USA
Phone: 949.872.9097 Fax: 707.540.6097
Web: www.growgps.com
Sentinel Global Product Solutions is the world's leading developer and manufacturer of greenhouse and indoor gardening environmental controls. The all-digital Sentinel brand offerings of CO2 controllers, CO2 generators, environmental controls and specialty timers lead the industry for ease of use, accuracy, reliability and affordability.
Spray-N-Grow
Booth #29
20 Highway 35 South
Rockport, TX 78382 USA
Phone: 361.790.9033 Fax: 361.790.9313
Web: www.spray-n-grow.com
Spray-N-Grow is a leading manufacturer of organic-based hydroponic nutrients. We specialize in foliar nutrition, and are most well known for our micro nutrient complex Spray-N-Grow. Our other products include Bill's Perfect Fertilizer and Coco-Wet, an organic wetting agent. Spray-N-Grow products are widely available through hydroponics distributors and retail stores.
Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies
Booth #25
1020 Del Paso Road, Suite 130
Sacramento, CA 95834 USA
Phone: 916.285.8645 Fax: 916.285.8684
Web: www.tradewindsgarden.com
Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies distributes the best products on the market today, including Age Old Organics, Super Nutrients, Bio Bizz Nutrients, Ultra Grow & P.L. Lighting, Atmosphere Filters and Fans, Future Harvest Development products, Rambridge products, C.A.P. and Soletel controls and much more. We are #1 in reliability, service and products.
Urban Garden Magazine
Booth #25
Gabriola, BC V0R 1X0 CANADA
Phone: 415.508.3894 Fax:604.676.2581
Web: www.urbangardenmagazine.com
It's all about the growers! That's why Urban Garden Magazine has quickly become North America's favorite indoor gardening publication. Distributed through indoor gardening stores throughout the US, Canada and the UK, and now also available at Barnes & Noble, Booksamillion and Chapters, Urban Garden is at the cutting-edge of grower know-how and lifestyle.