The Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) reached a reluctant decision to cancel The 2020 Landscape Show, scheduled for Sept. 17-19, 2020 in Orlando, Florida.
The organization says the following in their letter, signed by Martin Hackney (2020/21 FNGLA President, Hackney Nursery, Greensboro, FL) and JB Toorish (Chairman, The 2020 Landscape Show, Arborjet/Ecologel, Woburn, MA):
"Although we tried to make it happen, and wanted to make it happen, it was no longer feasible to hold The Landscape Show next month. As coronavirus numbers began rising again, exhibitor and buyer participation in The Landscape Show began diminishing. Rather than offer the industry an event which is not at FNGLA’s high standards, it was decided to forgo this year’s show. The next Landscape Show will be held in Orlando, Florida on Aug. 25-27, 2021.
It was understood attending the 2020 Landscape Show was not going to be feasible for everyone. For those who were counting on the show, there was always great value in gathering together, conducting business in person and showing care for one another. Closely following the protocols and guidance from health officials and government authorities, FNGLA was meeting weekly with the Orange County Convention Center to design and deliver a safe and responsible event.
Becoming increasingly concerned over the recent spikes in Florida’s coronavirus cases, it was determined FNGLA just could not assure the positive and rewarding experience our attendees and exhibitors have come to expect and enjoy each year at The Landscape Show. We knew a level of unease would get in the way of face-to-face business meetings, in-person networking and hands-on educational sessions and workshops. FNGLA thanks The Landscape Show exhibitors and attendees for waiting so patiently for this final decision.
Those who pre-registered for the show will be refunded automatically. FNGLA will soon send out more information to our exhibitors and supporters on several meaningful ways to continue investing in FNGLA’s efforts -- given the financial hardship on FNGLA in having to cancel The 2020 Landscape Show.
Some welcome and upbeat news: Plans are already underway by FNGLA’s Knowledge College to deliver to your office or home many of the educational sessions and workshops which were to be held at The Landscape Show. Stay tuned for details about when and how to participate in these convenient webinar educational opportunities!
Salutes go to our amazing 2020 Landscape Show exhibitors and sponsors for their continuing generosity and unwavering commitment to FNGLA. And, a special tip of FNGLA’s cap to The Landscape Show Committee volunteer leaders, and to FNGLA’s professional staff, who once again poured their hearts and souls into building what would have been a phenomenally successful industry show.
FNGLA’s volunteer leaders and staff all hope you, your families and employees are faring well and you carry within you a resolute determination that we will prevail through this pandemic. With FNGLA protecting and promoting the future of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry, we will push through these challenging times and emerge with a bright future ahead."
For more information:
Landscape Show
www.thelandscapeshow.org