4 Reasons to Attend This Joint NRHA Event

Whether your operation focuses on the lawn and garden category or not, mark your calendar to attend the annual Independent Garden Center Show (IGC). All independent home improvement retailers can gain something from attending the show, held Aug. 13-15 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

This year, three other events will be co-locating at IGC: the Independent Home Improvement Show—Powered by NHS, the NRHA STIHL Foundations of Leadership Conference and the State of Independents Midyear Review, hosted by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA). Here are four reasons you should come to Chicago.

Hear From the Experts

One of the biggest perks of attending this lawn and garden event is the wide array of speakers tapped for the shows. With this kind of variety of experts on tap, you can fill all three days with information to take home. For a full schedule of speakers, visit nrha.org/nrha-at-igc. 

 

Tuesday, Aug. 13

11 a.m.
Through Your Customers’ Eyes: What Science Shows They See (And Ignore!) While Shopping Your Store
Bridget Behe, Ph.D., professor of horticultural marketing at Michigan State University

1:35 p.m.
A Changing Industry
Jim Robisch, senior partner, The Farnsworth Group

Wednesday, Aug. 14

9 a.m.
What Can a Classic Rock Star Do to Help You and Your Garden Centers? PLENTY
Jeff Baxter, rock musician and consultant to the U.S. Department of Defense

10 a.m.
The Power of Purpose: An Independent’s Advantage in All Seasons
Wil Davis, Ball State Innovation Corp.

Thursday, Aug. 15

9 a.m.
Cracking the Millennial Code: A Look at the Generation Who at Times Makes Us Laugh… and Tear Our Hair Out!
Mark Belling, radio talk show host and award-winning commentator

Network With Peers

While at the shows, there will be plenty of unique opportunities to meet different independent retailers. NRHA will also be hosting exclusive networking receptions after the events. To attend the receptions, you must register for the IGC Show through NRHA. Contact Katie McHone-Jones for more information at kmchone-jones@nrha.org.

Discover New Products

By attending the IGC show, you’ll have the opportunity to home in on the lawn and garden category and gain an edge against your lawn and garden competition. This year, you’ll also be able to discover hardlines items within the area of the showfloor dedicated to the Independent Home Improvement Show. Find new items ahead of your fall buying show.

Gain Insights From NRHA

One of the biggest benefits of attending the event is the chance to gain industry insights. Your association will be co-locating two of its popular events during IGC: the NRHA State of Independents Midyear Review and the NRHA STIHL Foundations of Leadership Conference. For a full list of the presentations you can attend from these sessions, click this link.