Flower Show Returns to Chicago
Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 1/29/2007
A bright spot in Chicago's formidable winter, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show at the Navy Pier, canceled last year, will bloom again March 10–18 with a new name, the Chicagoland Flower & Garden Show. It also has a new location, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, and a new owner, Special Events Management.
"It had been canceled, and we had looked at the show and the importance of it in the Chicago community and its entrance into spring, and we looked to resurrect it," said Tony Abruscato, president of Special Events Management.
A Chicago area radio station, WGN-AM 720, previously sponsored the event and has signed on again, but this time as a media partner for the new show.
Special Events announced the resurrection late last year, meaning a quick turnaround to fill the 140 booth spaces.
"For exhibitors, it was short notice," Abruscato said, "but sales are going quite well. We're anticipating being full."
Abruscato said he has reached out to past exhibitors, as well as new market segments, such as garden and landscape product companies.
The canceled show filled 170,000 square feet of space at Navy Pier, and the new show is expected to cover 220,000 sq. ft. at the Donald E. Stephens center.
"Navy Pier was a wonderful venue, but what we looked at was, a good number of people came from the suburbs for the show. Rosemont was easier to get to with more parking," Abruscato said.
The 2007 show touts several highlights, including theme gardens showcasing top landscapers.
