IGCA Congress
What is congress?
An annual congress is held for one week between August and October and is hosted by a different country each year. This event provides a key opportunity for association members to learn about international trends and network with peers from around the world. It comprises a business meeting, a concentrated tour of garden centres and an excellent social programme.
The IGCA Congress offers three different formats to delegates to choose from. The itinerary for all formats is virtually the same, but the level of interaction is the main difference between them.
Interactive Tour
There are daily topics that will be discussed on the buses throughout the course of the week. (Such topics typically include marketing, staff, finance, succession planning etc).
Delegates are expected to participate in discussions, to share information and ideas about their businesses and conduct garden centre reviews with feedback to best gain the most of this experience. The bus will have delegates from a mix of different countries, and discussions are in English.
Next Generation Study Tour (inc. Meet and Greet Activity Sunday afternoon)
This tour is only open to delegates between the ages of 18-40. It is a learning experience to encourage the younger generation into the garden retail industry and to connect new networks and contacts from delegates all around the world. Active participation is essential.
This tour also includes a bonus Sunday afternoon ‘Meet and Greet’ activity and Business Forum discussion before the official opening of the congress on Sunday evening. Get to know your peers by participating and sharing information about your garden centre, work experiences, successes, challenges and what you hope to learn during the Congress with other delegates during this forum and active discussions on the bus during the tour.
Non-Interactive Tour
This is a leisure tour where no formal engagement or discussions are organised for buses. It typically will include a range of delegates from different countries and is open to all groups.
Why should I attend an IGCA Congress?
Interactive Tour
The purpose of the interactive tour is to ensure that the congress is used as a learning opportunity. There are daily topics that will be discussed on the buses throughout the course of the week. (Such topics typically include marketing, staff, finance, succession planning etc).
Delegates are expected to participate in discussions, to share information and ideas about their businesses and conduct garden centre reviews with feedback to best gain the most of this experience. The bus will have delegates from a mix of different countries, and discussions are in English.
Next Generation Study Tour
(inc. Meet and Greet Activity Sunday afternoon)
This tour is only open to delegates between the ages of 18-40. It is a learning experience to encourage the younger generation into the garden retail industry and to connect new networks and contacts from delegates all around the world. Active participation is essential.
This tour also includes a bonus Sunday afternoon ‘Meet and Greet’ activity and Business Forum discussion before the official opening of the congress on Sunday evening. Get to know your peers by participating and sharing information about your garden centre, work experiences, successes, challenges and what you hope to learn during the Congress with other delegates during this forum and active discussions on the bus during the tour.
Non-Interactive Tour
This is a leisure tour where no formal engagement or discussions are organised for buses.
It typically will include a range of delegates from different countries and is open to all groups to enjoy.
Next Congress
Past Congress
2023
Italy
24 – 30 September, Baveno
2022
The Netherlands
28 August – 2 September, Amsterdam
2019
United Kingdom
September 1 – 6, Windsor
2018
Czech Republic
September 16 – 21, Prague
2017
Canada
September 17 – 22, Niagara Falls
2016
Switzerland
August 22 – 26 August 2016, Zurich
2015
DENMARK
August 9 – 14, 2015, Odense
2014
IRELAND
August 10 – 15, 2014, Ireland
2013
AUSTRALIA
October 6 – 11, 2013, Melbourne Australia
2012
GERMANY
August 26 – 31, 2012, Bonn Germany
2011
ITALY
September 11 – 16, 2011, South Tyrol and Lake Garda Italy
2010
Japan
October 10 – 15, 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.
Sponsored by:
Takasho Co. Ltd.
https://www.takasho.jp/japanesegarden/english.html (English) https://www.takasho.jp/japanesegarden/germany.html (German) https://www.takasho.jp/ (Japanese)
Sakata Seed Co.
View two promotional video’s here: Video One / Video Two
Past Congress Gallery
