events

Your Ultimate Guide to GISC 2026

16 September 2026September 16, 2026Kyla HardonLeave a comment

Rooted In Innovation: Growing Smarter for Tomorrow

The Green Industry is evolving—and so are we. Join us at the 2026 Green Industry Show & Conference as we explore cutting-edge solutions, smart practices, and innovative ideas that will shape the future of horticulture. Rooted in Innovation, we’re growing smarter for tomorrow—together.

What to Expect
100+ Exhibitors showcasing the latest in landscape and horticulture
25+ Educational Sessions led by industry thought leaders
1500+ Attendees from across the green industry spectrum

This event is a must-attend for industry professionals looking to expand their network. Our conference attendees can look forward to amazing keynotes and educational sessions that provide valuable insights and practical advice.

Early Bird Pricing Ends November 1 - Act Now to Save!

Can’t-Miss Social & Networking Events

Beyond the trade show floor, GISC 2026 offers four signature events designed to spark connections and celebrate our vibrant community:

Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Auction

Red Deer Resort & Casino

Tuesday, November 17

Enjoy a lively evening of bidding and camaraderie at this annual favorite, featuring both live and silent auctions plus a delicious dinner.

AGGA Garden Party

Red Deer Resort & Casino

Wednesday, November 18 at 5:30 PM

Celebrate excellence in horticulture with food, drinks, and networking. Awards for Grower of the Year, Meritorious Service, and the Herb Knodel Award will be announced.

GISC Kingpin Klassic

The Gutter, 5118 47 Ave, Red Deer, AB

Wednesday, November 18 at 5:30 PM

End the first day of the Green Industry Show & Conference with an evening of friendly competition, great food, and relaxed networking at The Gutter in Red Deer. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or just in it for the laughs, this social event is sure to be a great time!

Build a Team or Bowl Just for Fun!

More Ways to Engage

Job Board: Post or explore career opportunities right on the trade show floor.

Plant ID Challenge: Pick up your PLANT ID ANSWER FORM on-site. Visit all the participating exhibitors to check out their plant. Make a guess on your form, collect your stamp, and drop your form in the Plant ID entry boxes! Passports are available at the registration desk or at the Landscape Alberta booth.

Continuing Education Credits: Earn CEUs for ISA, LHCP, and Pesticide Applicator Re-certification through select sessions.

GISC is proudly managed by Landscape Alberta, a voluntary trade association committed to advancing the ornamental horticulture industry across Alberta and Canada. Connect with innovators, grow your vision, and help build the future of the green industry in Western Canada one professional at a time.

Applications and nominations are open for the 2027 CNLA Business Awards of Excellence

11 September 2026September 11, 2026Kyla HardonLeave a comment

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is accepting applications and nominations for the 2027 CNLA Business Awards of Excellence. The awards recognize Canadian companies and individuals whose leadership, ideas, business practices and service are making a measurable difference across the horticulture and landscape industry.

The 2027 program includes nine awards: Best Business Practices, Most Innovative Business, Sustainable Solutions, Outstanding Volunteer, Emerging Leader, Green for Life Industry, Landscaper of Distinction, Garden Centre of Distinction and Grower of Distinction.

Companies may apply directly for seven award categories or be nominated by others. The Outstanding Volunteer Award and Emerging Leader Award are nomination-only.

Applications and nominations close on September 30, 2026. Recipients will be recognized in Victoria, British Columbia, in March 2027 as part of the CNLA Leadership Summit and Business Awards of Excellence.

CALL TO ACTION

Review the award categories and submit an application or nomination here: [ Explore the Awards ]

ABOUT BAE

The CNLA Awards of Business Excellence celebrate Canadian companies and members who raise the bar for professionalism in the horticulture and landscape industry. These awards spotlight real results. Strong leadership. Smart innovation. Sound business practices. Lasting community impact.

ABOUT CNLA

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association represents Canada's nursery and landscape industry through a national network of provincial association partners. CNLA supports professional development, business growth and a stronger horticulture and landscape sector across the country.

MEDIA CONTACT

Stuart Service
Media Coordinator
stuart@cnla-acpp.ca
1 888 446 3499

GISC 2026 Attendee Experience

9 September 2026September 9, 2026Kyla HardonLeave a comment

Structural Pruning Workshop

26 May 2026May 26, 2026Kyla Hardon

May 25, 2026 - City of Edmonton worked with Landscape Alberta to offer members a structural pruning demonstration workshop. This has been an annual event for several years, but this year was described as 'best yet' by one attendee. The site this year include diversity of tree form and age to allow for fulsome conversation about how contractors and nurseries can support the urban forest as an asset for generations to come. Several times Landscape Alberta member nurseries were commended for their excellent on farm pruning practices and how that has led to an overall improvement in the quality of trees being planted across the city.

This is a wonderful example of a decade of effort to have meaningful conversation between our members and stakeholders like the City of Edmonton. The common ground forged over time has worked to create more value in Alberta grown trees, less pruning work by contractors and less rejections and/or replacements at CCC and FAC.

If you were unable to attend or misplaced your handouts please see the meeting guide here. If you have ideas for topics where we can connect policy and practice in a meaningful way please send your thoughts to joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com.

Skills Alberta Returns

21 January 2026January 21, 2026Kyla Hardon

After several years without fielding a team in Alberta, we are excited to announce that we are once again preparing to compete in the Skills Canada provincial event. This year, not only have we assembled a team of age‑eligible competitors, but they are also being supported by instructors from the Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship Program at Olds College, along with an exceptional group of industry coaches.

The team will hold regular training sessions throughout February and March, leading up to the final competition, which will take place in the Landscape Pavilion at Olds College on March 28–29.

We invite industry partners to attend the competition days to gain a deeper understanding of the Skills movement and to help build support for future participation. We are also seeking donations of materials and supplies, as well as financial contributions to help cover catering for the team and coaches. If you’re interested in supporting the Skills Alberta team, please contact Lisa Brick at lisa.brick@landscape-alberta.com.

Team Alberta will compete at the national Skills Canada event in Toronto, ON from May 27–29. With this renewed momentum, our goal is to return permanently to the main Skills Alberta competition each year in early May. While timing can be challenging for our industry, the opportunity to connect with more than 10,000 youth who are exploring careers in the skilled trades is invaluable. Being present at this annual event ensures we are represented as a trade of choice for youth and parents alike.

Our industry offers incredible career pathways and meaningful, rewarding work—we simply need to help teachers, parents, and young people connect the dots. Skills Alberta (Skills Canada) is a powerful way to do this. We encourage you to get involved; together, we can be the strongest ambassadors for our industry.

GROWTH MATTERS

24 November 2025April 10, 2026Kyla Hardon

Red Deer, AB – The Green Industry Show & Conference (GISC) 2025 concluded with remarkable success, solidifying its position as the premiere horticultural event in Western Canada. Favourable weather contributed to the enthusiastic atmosphere, allowing the industry to gather and connect in record setting numbers.

Key Performance Highlights

The 2025 event, hosted at Westerner Park in Red Deer, established new records across key metrics:

Attendance Record: GISC saw a substantial 8 percent year-over-year increase in attendance, reaching a final count of 1,726 visitors over the two-day event. This marks an all-time attendance record since the show's relocation to Red Deer in 2022, representing a more than 70 percent growth in visitors since moving to the new venue.
Exhibitor Expansion: The total number of participating organizations grew significantly from 110 to 128 in 2025, an impressive 16 percent increase, demonstrating strong industry confidence and engagement.
Conference Strength: The educational component was highly successful, with over 300 conference passes sold for the 24 sessions and two keynote speakers.
Fundraising Impact: The Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Annual Dinner and Auction hosted a record number of guests, raising over $28,000 for ongoing research and education initiatives in Alberta.

Industry Momentum

GISC 2025 has once again proven to be a pivotal event for horticultural professionals in Western Canada, reflecting the industry's upward trajectory.

"When the weather cooperates like it did this year, it truly makes all the hard work that much more satisfying," says Joel Beatson, Landscape Alberta Executive Director. "GISC is recognized as one of the largest tradeshows for the horticulture industry in Canada and continues to expand robustly following pandemic interruptions. With so many new faces at GISC this year, the future of the Green Industry is surely bright."

The organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to all exhibitors, participants, speakers, and sponsors for their unwavering support and vital contribution to the success of GISC 2025.

Looking Ahead

The Green Industry Show & Conference (GISC) 2026 will return to Westerner Park in Red Deer, Alberta, on November 18 & 19, 2026.

For more information, please contact: Landscape Alberta – Joel Beatson – joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com or Direct: 587-404-1328.

Category: events