HISTORY AND CONCEPT
{ Who } The original idea for a trade
show in conjunction with educational sessions was the dream
of more than one branch of the green industry. In 1992, the
federal and provincial governments were still quite heavily
involved with funding this kind of event, but the level of
participation from this quarter was dropping steadily
- the writing was on the wall!
A perceived need brought together both the Atlantic Provinces
and the various aspects of the green industry and Hort East
was created at this time to take advantage of whatever funding
still remained. The objective was to become a self sufficient
organization, able to survive without outside funding.
The goal was reached when HortEast 01 balanced its books.
{
What } HortEast is a two day forum featuring
key industry speakers from our own back yard as well as
from across North America and beyond. Since 1993 we have
offered over 200 topics relating directly to operations doing
business in Atlantic Canada. Topics have included
marketing, growing, staff relations, pesticides and so
much more. Wherever possible the ideas come from within the
industry and the organizing committee has endeavoured to
respond to the changing needs of our delegates. Our trade
show currently has over 120 exhibitors
from across North America. Many of the exhibitors have
been attending the show since 1993 and have consistently
used HortEast as a marketing tool to reach their clients
all across Atlantic Canada. Delegate participation has grown
from 200 in 1993 to over 600 in 2003, and HortEast continues to remain as the "go to" event for industry in Atlantic Canada. On the trade
show floor, delegates have the opportunity to view the
latest in horticultural products and services–from
seeds to equipment and everything in between.
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{ Where } Where to hold HortEast was an issue which prompted much debate amongst the
original organizing committee members. Many meetings were
held at the Agricultural College in Truro before a decision
was made. Although Moncton was geographically the centre
of the area to be served, it could not at the time provide
a viable site. The decision was made to alternate between
Halifax and Saint John, the only two locations able to offer
the required facilities. The 1995 show was held in Saint
John, but was not viewed as being central enough and the
decision was made to stay in Halifax until Moncton was able
to offer HortEast what it required to be a success. The Moncton Coliseum Complex in Moncton is now the choice venue when the show is held in NB.
{ Why } The 2006 show in Moncton was a huge success and the Moncton Coliseum was a great location for the show. With a new venue in Halifax, the Cunard Centre, HortEast 2008 moved back to Nova Scotia with great success. The show is now offered on an annual basis, rotating between Moncton and Halifax successfully!
{ When } Timing was always a big issue. It was discovered there was no time during the twelve months of the year, when it was convenient for all concerned. The show used to be held in January, but this time of year was often affected by poor weather, and Landscape Ontario's Congress also took place during this month.
HortEast was moved to the end of November in 2006, which is a popular time of the year for all other provincial trade shows. The upcoming HortEast show will be held on November 19-21, 2012 in Halifax. We look forward to the opportunity to provide both delegates and exhibitor's with increased marketing and networking opportunities in the Atlantic region.
See you in Halifax!
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