The 2023 Conference Program

We had 20 sessions and 2 FREE keynotes of fantastic IGC business content. There was something for every attendee! We started each day with incredible keynote presentations, and continued with a full schedule of breakout sessions, in conference rooms and interactive show floor sessions, that allowed plenty of time for IGCs to discover something new and take away valuable information to bring back to their business.

2023 At-a-Glance Schedule

2023 Session Descriptions

2023 Speakers

2023 At-A-Glance Schedule

Tuesday, August 8
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Nicole Leinbach | RetailMinded.com | Rm 203-C

KEYNOTE:
What Will the Garden Center of Tomorrow Look Like
Join Nicole after this session in the L&GR Networking Lounge for "Ask the Keynote Anything"
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Lyn Falk | Retailworks, Inc. | Rm 203-D

Selling Through the Senses
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Moderated by Sue Markgraf | GreenMark Media. Panelists: Jennifer Brennan | Chalet Home & Garden; Michael Fiore | Smith's Gardentown; Amanda Thomsen | Aster Gardens; and Heidi Hornung | Shady Lane Greenhouse. | Rm 203-C

Panel Discussion:
How to Help Your Customers Become More Successful Gardeners Inside and Outside
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Joe Baer | ZenGenius, Inc. | Education Stage

Experiential Merchandising: Take on this Visual Merchandising Challenge
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.

Andrea Hill | Hill Management Group | Rm 203-D

How to be a Better Manager
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.

Sue Markgraf | GreenMark Media | Rm 203-C

10 of the Best Garden Center Event Ideas and How to Plan Them
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.

Lyn Falk | Retailworks, Inc. | Rm 203-B

Lighting, Color, Signage- Critical Elements to Creating an Effective Shopping Experience. Are You Doing Them Right?
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.

Jackson Madnick | Pearl's Premium | Education Stage

Exhibitor Showcase: Future Grass Technology

Wednesday, August 9
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Tom Shay | Profits Plus Solutions | Rm 203-C

KEYNOTE:
Stop Trying to be the Garden Center You Were 4 Years Ago
Join Tom after this session in the L&GR Networking Lounge for "Ask the Keynote Anything"
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.

Bridget K. Behe | Michigan State University | Rm 203-D

The Art & Science of Pricing Products
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.

Anne Obarski | Merchandise Concepts | Rm 203-B

"Undercover Boss": Clues to Create a Team of Superheroes!
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.

Michael Fiore | Smith's Gardentown | Education Stage

TikTok Competition
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Chris Cimaglio | BEST Human Capital & Advisory Group and PivotPoint Business Solutions | Rm 203-B

Succession and Exit Planning in Action: Your Exit Strategy
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Bridget K. Behe | Michigan State University | Rm 203-D

Keeping New Clients Acquired During the Pandemic
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Anne Obarski | Merchandise Concepts | Rm 203-C

9 Critical Points of Contact that Impact Customer Loyalty
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Mel Toellner | Songbird Essentials | Education Stage

Keys to Successful Birding: Spring & Summer
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.

Chris Cimaglio | BEST Human Capital & Advisory Group and PivotPoint Business Solutions | Rm 203-D

Value Acceleration: Command Top Dollar for Your Business
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.

Kenneth Lane | Hathaway & Lane | Education Stage

Get Better at Understanding and Acting on Your Financial Reports
3:00 - 3:45 p.m.

Mel Toellner | Songbird Essentials | Rm 203-B

Keys to Successful Birding: Fall & Winter

The 2023 Conference Program

2023 At-A-Glance Schedule

Tuesday, August 8

Wednesday, August 9

Speakers

Amanda Thomsen

Andrea Hill

Anne Obarski

Bridget K. Behe

Chris Cimaglio

Heidi Hornung

Jackson Madnick

Jennifer Brennan

Joe Baer

Kenneth Lane

Lyn Falk

Mel Toellner

Michael Fiore

Nicole Leinbach

Sue Markgraf

Tom Shay