Choice Marketing’s Annual Conference and Trade Show, held at the Chesford Grange in Kenilworth, has gone down as the group’s most successful event ever, achieving record-breaking attendance and engagement from members and suppliers. 

The event brought together 400 industry delegates, featuring inspiring speakers and valuable industry insights for its members, together with a bustling trade show that generated more than £300,000 in orders — making it the group’s most productive conference and trade show to date.

This year’s conference marked Choice Marketing’s continued growth, with the addition of new Members Bernaville Nurseries and Merry Harriers, as well as new centres from Fairways and Caulders. With these new Members, Choice Marketing is now a group of 60 independent garden centres, collectively generating a turnover in excess of £225 million.

The conference also highlighted the strength of Choice Marketing’s supplier network, featuring 130 trade stands and exclusive ‘Choice show deals’ from many suppliers.  Mike Cook, Group Services Manager, said” “We would’ve liked to include more of our suppliers, but the event sold out quickly, and we just didn’t have the space.”

A highlight of the event was the announcement of this year’s Supplier of the Year awards, voted on by Members and presented by the Group’s Non-Executive Director, Terry Maywood. 

The winners were:

• Plants Winner - Allensmore
• Plants Special Commendation – New Leaf
• Furniture & Outdoor Living Winner – Leisuregrow
• Furniture & Outdoor Living Special Commendation – Woodlodge
• Non-Retail Services Winner - Corby & Fellas
• Giftware Special Commendation – Cottage Delight
• Giftware Winner - Woodmansterne
• Sundry Supplier Special Commendation - Woodlodge
• Sundry Associate Supplier Winner - RocketGro
• Sundry Major Associate Supplier & the Peter Wilson Cup Winner – Westland

Additionally, a special industry award was presented to Trevor Pfeiffer of Garden Trade News as the Industry Champion Winner.

The evening gala dinner, featuring an Abba tribute band, was a lively end to the 2 day event. A raffle and auction held during the dinner raised over £4,000 in support of Dr. Gray's Oncology Unit, which recently provided vital care to Peter Wilson, a cherished, long-standing Choice Member and an industry friend to many, before his untimely passing. Proceeds will also support Cancer Research UK.

"This year, we saw our largest turnout and highest level of orders to date, and it’s fantastic to welcome new Members who strengthen Choice even further," said Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, Choice Marketing’s long-standing CEO. "We’re proud of how Choice Marketing is growing and supporting our Members, all of whom are independent garden centres, as well as working in partnership with our suppliers".

With attendance and engagement at an all-time high, this year’s conference has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both Members and suppliers. One Member shared, “From start to finish, the experience was fantastic. The team put together an incredible event, and we’re leaving inspired and equipped with new connections, products, and ideas to elevate our businesses.” Another commented, “That was the best conference yet. Such good energy, thought-provoking speakers, a great trade show, and good company as always.” Suppliers also praised the event, with one saying, “It was the best trade show I have attended so far, with numerous orders placed and great attendance from Members visiting our stand.”

Choice Marketing’s team is already planning for next year’s conference, building on the energy and success of this year’s event.

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the Conference Trade Show and Awards dinner below