Conference 2010 Christchurch 28-29 July

Planning continues by the Committee and more detail will be in the March newsletter. The committee are looking for the best speakers and events to make this conference memorable and value for money.

Conference will start at 8.30am on the Wednesday morning at Rydges Hotel. Delegates should arrange to arrive the day before and a dinner venue will be organised for a casual pre-conference get-together. The conference officially finishes with the Awards dinner on the Thursday evening. However, on Friday, tours of member retailers and nurseries will be available to round off the conference experience.

There will be a full programme of speakers and workshops plus, there will be the annual industry awards presentations of the Scotts Innovation finalists, the HortFert Young Achiever finalist Hortisports and, this year, the Yates Garden Retailer of the Year. Peter Whitehead from Australia has been invited to make the final judging of the Retail finalists and will present them in a session during conference.

Sponsor and Trade support is vital to the success of Conference so please consider now your involvement, whether it is as a major sponsor or with the hiring of a Trade site. Full details on Sponsorship and Trade opportunities will be available later this month. Please contact Frances 04 9183511 if you wish to discuss your options sooner.

It will be a conference with wide appeal for all members, and although it is still 6 months away, plan now to be there.