IGCA Congress 2014
Welcome to the 56th International Garden Centre Congress Ireland, August 10th – 15th 2014
Welcome to Ireland and the 56th International Garden Centre Congress showcasing the best of our Irish Garden Centres, Gardens and Irish hospitality.
“A small country with a big reputation, helped along by a timeless, age-caressed landscape and a fascinating, friendly people, whose lyrical nature is expressed in the warmth of their welcome.” The Lonely Planet guide.
We have put together an exciting programme for the week, incorporating visits to some of our most beautiful and innovative garden centres, historic and stately gardens, historical sites and some of our best tourist destinations.
Our base at the historic Carton House Hotel in Co. Kildare, former home to the 1st Duke of Leinster and built in 1739, is just 14 miles (22.5 km) from Dublin city centre and 30 minutes from Dublin Airport – the perfect point from which to explore the destinations on our itinerary. The parkland setting with the Palladian Mansion, complemented by the contemporary hotel extension offers elegance and opulent modern luxury – an appropriate reflection of Ireland’s historical past and contemporary present.
As we travel to our various destinations, you will be enthralled by the scenery and the ‘forty shades of green’ that inspired Johnny Cash to pen the song of that title while touring here in the 1950’s. Of course, this wonderful variance in colour is a gift of our fine climate, and the soft rain we often encounter. But we won’t let that dampen our spirits and we are looking forward to showing you the result of this in our many amazing public gardens and spaces – whittling them down to fit into the programme was such a difficult job.
The same can be said for the award winning garden centres on our schedule, whose owners are busy preparing to welcome you in style. From small plant focused garden centres, to large home, garden and lifestyle centres, you will experience the diverse range of garden retailing on offer to Irish consumers.
As for the food – where do we start? Well suffice to say, with the greenest fields there will be no shortage of the best food and drink, reputed worldwide. And don’t forget the Craic, a visit to Ireland will always include the best of times.
So come and join us in Ireland in 2014 – you won’t want to miss it!
Visit www.igccireland2014.com to register today!
IGCA Congress 2013AUSTRALIA
October 6-11, 2013, Melbourne Australia |
IGCA Congress 2012GERMANY
August 26-31, 2012, Bonn Germany Visit www.igcc2012.org for more information. |
IGCA Congress 2011
ITALY
September 11-16, 2011, South Tyrol and Lake Garda Italy
Visit this website to register and find out more: www.igcacongress2011.com
IGCA Congress 2010
JAPAN
October 10-15th, 2010, Tokyo/Kyoto, Japan
Visit this website to find out more: www.igcacongress2010.com
The 52nd IGCA Congress will be hosted by Japan for the first time ever in Asia. We invite you into a world where ancient “Wabi-sabi” ascetics bring magnificent yet solemn Japanese gardens and Bonsai trees. Meanwhile, Japanese garden centre businesses show off orchids and many other plants grown through revolutionary breeding techniques.
Find out how authentic Japanese cuisine is really meant to taste and, more importantly, to look. Gain experiences you can get nowhere else in the world but in Asia’s only G7 superpower: ride the latest bullet-train then time-slip into the age of the Samurai and meet real Maiko entertainers. Only in 2010 will you be able to network with likeminded gardening professionals from not only Asia but around the world gathering here. Discover the unique combination of an ancient history of flower viewing combined with the art, tradition, modern technology, service, manners and friendships in JAPAN.
2010 Congress – brochure can be downloaded here.
View two promotional video’s here:
IGCA Congress 2009
UNITED KINGDOM
13-19 September 2009, England
IGCA Congress 2009 is an all-inclusive event. From the Sunday evening reception at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel, everything is taken care of during your five days with us. Early bird rate apply for bookings made before 30th April 2009 so book now to ensure best pricing and availability!
For the first time, IGCA is introducing a study tour at a special rate aimed at the next generation of Garden Centre Managers. By using good value accommodation at the Crowne Plaza, Manchester City Centre and through generous sponsorship, we are able to run this at a lower cost. The programme will be exactly the same as the main Congress but will involve extensive analysis of the centres visited – you will have your own tour leader and coach. Not only will it be educational, but great fun as well. This is a great opportunity and one not to be missed.