New England Grows broadens market scope, will feature more than 30 educational seminars

More than 30 ground-breaking educational seminars are planned for New England Grows, the Northeast's premier trade exposition and green industry educational conference, scheduled for Feb. 2-4, 2011 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

The New England Grows speaker lineup includes industry luminaries such as Stephen Stimson, Richard Hartlage, Dan Snow, John Stilgoe, Mark Chisholm, Whitney Cranshaw and many other noted presenters. In addition to a host of horticultural and design topics, important business issues such as effective marketing, social media and customer retention will be addressed at the event.

Also, a new educational feature, Garden Center Success, will offer exceptional education aimed directly at today's independent garden center operators. Garden Center Magazine Editor/Publisher Yale Youngblood will be part of this pertinent program for retailers.

"New England Grows offers top-line ideas, information and cost-effective solutions to meet today's tough business challenges," said New England Grows President Jim Abusamra, MCA of Hartney Greymont, Inc. in Needham, Mass. "Just about everyone in the green industry attends New England Grows. it is the place for all of us to connect and get business done."

Roughly 600 companies are expected to exhibit at New England Grows. Abusamra said booth sales have been strong, and that veteran exhibitors are expanding displays and many new vendors are joining the show's ranks.

There are special savings for early registration to New England Grows: $39 for all three days for those who register before Jan. 15. The price drops to $30 per person when four or more people from the same company register by the "early bird" date.

Here is the schedule for 2011 New England Grows:

Wednesday, Feb. 2
Seminars: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Exposition: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 3
Seminars: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Exposition: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 4
Seminars: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Exposition: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.