Sep 23, 2016

AmericanHort Announces Results of Cultivate’16 and Plans for 2017

Nearly 10,000 individuals attended AmericanHort’s signature event Cultivate’16 this past July in Columbus, Ohio. Attendees came from 34 countries and represented all 50 U.S. states.

A record number of emerging professionals — more than 1,000 -— attended this year’s event. Additionally, numerous industry groups such as Garden Writers Association, ECGC Distributors, Society of American Florists, America in Bloom, Royal Netherlands Embassy, CropLife America Group, and CalPoly Alumni convened at Cultivate.

Besides networking, doing business, and exploring new products, seeing new varieties was top of everyone’s list. More than 740 new varieties made their debut at Cultivate — from annuals to trees to tropicals.

In addition, attendees at the 130+ education sessions earned continuing education credits for pesticide applicator licenses (for 40 states), LA CES credentials, and Landscape Industry Certified credentials.

The Greater Columbus Convention Center is in the midst of a $125 million dollar renovation. The renovation will add over 30,000 square feet of exhibit space, multiple session rooms, and additional parking. The redesigned center will celebrate local artists through art showcases and will feature local food vendors in the Food Court and Cafe.

“The convention center expansion has perfect timing. Cultivate’16 featured 623 companies and had a wait-list of companies wanting to exhibit,” says Sherry L. Johnson, AmericanHort’s vice president of knowledge and business development. “The expansion will allow more companies to participate in this industry-wide event, enriching the experience for everyone who attends. With the event going on its 87th year, it’s important to us that it keeps bringing the entire industry together.”

The convention center expansion will not only allow for a larger exhibit hall but will provide space for each industry segments to gather, network, and share ideas.

Additional new features include a new product pitch stage, a centrally-located Member Center, increased meeting space, and upgraded New Products and New Varieties Zones.

Ken Fisher, AmericanHort president and chief executive officer, who experienced Cultivate for the first time this year, was impressed by the industry at large. “Cultivate’17 is the industry event that brings the entire professional community together to make an even greater impact. The horticulture industry — from retailers, to producers, to installers, and suppliers — is a powerful force,” Fisher said.

Cultivate’17 is July 15-18 in Columbus, Ohio. Registration opens March 2017.