The 2008 OFA Short Course, sponsored by OFA — an Association of Floriculture Professionals — concluded on Tuesday, July 15, amid positive feedback from both attendees and exhibitors. Under the “Get Connected” umbrella slogan, U.S. floriculture’s premier event brought together business solutions, new products, industry peers and cutting-edge education.
Held in Columbus, Ohio, from July 12 to 15, the 2008 Short Course attracted approximately 10,000 floriculture professionals from across the United States and around the world to shop the 1,500-booth trade show, learn new techniques during more than 130 educational sessions and take advantage of numerous networking opportunities. New attractions at this year’s event focused on sustainability, merchandising and community support.
The garden center sessions began with a tour on Saturday, July 12. This year’s tour visited Ohio nurseries: Cahoon Nursery, Westlake; Garden Village, North Ridgeville; Pandy’s Garden Center, Elyria; and Petitti Garden Center, Avon.
Over the next several days, retailers were treated to a full educational track covering topics such as consumer trends, customer loyalty, running a profitable business and selling in small spaces. And back by popular demand, Sunday evening’s Retailer Idea Exchange was a big success with a packed house.
The 2009 OFA Short Course will be take place July 11 to 14 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. For additional information, visit OFA at http://www.ofa.org or call (614) 487-1117.
