HUGE SUCCESS AT TLA LANDSCAPE EXPO

Attendance exceeded expectations with over 800 people enjoying the large, trade-focused event, the first of its kind, hosted at TAFE NSW, Ryde Campus, on 6 September 2023.

Landscape professionals across the full spectrum of the industry (maintenance, construction, and design) enjoyed the 50 trade exhibits, product demonstrations and diverse speaker program as well as the buzz of catching up with industry colleagues and friends.

CEO of The Landscape Association, Jodie Dean, says the Expo was a huge success for the association, drawing in landscape professionals from right across NSW and the ACT and showcasing an impressive lineup of landscape products, services and industry-leading expertise.

“We loved welcoming both members and non-members to the event,” she said. “It was a program created by landscapers for landscapers and the partnership with TAFE NSW really met our core purpose of furthering the growth and professionalism of the landscape industry.”

TLA board member Shannon Decker, who chaired the Expo Steering Committee, was one of the experts at the event and said he felt encouraged by the passion for the industry from everyone he spoke to.

“The landscape industry is great to be part of and I think educational events like this organised by TLA foster networking and help to keep all industry members up to date with the latest ideas and products,” he said.

The expo was sponsored by some of the leading companies in the landscape industry, including major sponsor Arborgreen.

Marc Jarvis from Arborgreen said, “we’re thrilled to see a landscape industry event of this calibre back on in New South Wales, bringing industry suppliers and the trade together! Jodie and the TLA team did an outstanding job with creating this platform to educate members and showcase innovative solutions. We’re looking forward to supporting the next one."

TAFE NSW’s collaboration was central to the success of the day, both hosting the event and facilitating attendance by over 250 students studying landscape and horticulture qualifications – and encouraging them to bring their bosses as a way for everyone to connect with the industry.

Celebrity landscaper (and TLA ambassador) Charlie Albone of TV’s Better Homes and Gardens was one of the special guests at the Expo, saying that he welcomed the chance to return to Ryde TAFE, where he first studied horticulture.

Attendees accessed Expo deals and sponsor prizes throughout the day and TLA launched its new free student membership at the Expo, which is a great initiative for those beginning their landscape career.

For a list of all the sponsors, exhibitors, and the program of activities, visit landscapeassociation.com.au/2023-landscape-expo/. For information about student and landscape business membership of TLA contact team@landscapeassociation.com.au