Iowa Garden Named Fastest-growing Show

RJ Promotions President Kevin Hummer may believe he already had a winning formula in place with his two dozen or so existing consumer shows when he decided to launch a new version in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2001.

But he never expected the 387-percent growth over three years that made the Iowa Flower, Lawn & Garden Show & Sale the overall winner of the TSW Fastest 50, announced Nov. 13 during Tradeshow Week's Celebration of Success held in Dallas.

"It's sticking with a formula that works and enjoying consistency," said Hummer, of the success that led to the show's victory.

Besides being named the overall fastest-growing show in the United States and Canada in 2003, the Iowa Flower, Lawn & Garden Show & Sale won in the fastest-growing consumer/hybrid category. The awards were presented during a black-tie dinner and ceremony at the Wyndham Anatole Hotel.

Honored as the fastest-growing trade show was the New York Gift Cash & Carry Show: Gifts to Go (Fall). The fastest-growing association show was TELECOM.

"I congratulate all the winners, as leaders in the industry and in their respective categories," said Tradeshow Week Publisher Adam Schaffer. "And the fact that we have the Iowa Flower, Lawn & Garden Show & Sale as our overall winner underscores the emerging opportunities in the consumer show sector."

Announcement of the TSW Fastest 50 overall winners was the culmination of a weekend that included an executive-level conference, talk by Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban and a round of receptions for the more than 200 participants who traveled to Dallas for the event.