The public (yes, Road Trips Gardeners too) are welcome to register for the Midwest Green Industry Xperience, which opens today in the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio.

A tradeshow, MGIX is sponsored by the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA). It runs today through Wednesday (January 15 through 18, 2017).

More than 90 education sessions led by national speakers cover topics from business and marketing “best practices” to design, irrigation, and lighting trends. Educators from The Ohio State University lead 24 sessions focused on horticulture, pest and disease management, and industry research.

Pre-conference sessions today include Perennial Plant Association’s Annual P.L.A.N.T. Seminar, Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement Specialist Course by ICPI, and Landscape Business BootCamp by Greenmark Consulting.

The 2017 show floor features nearly 300 exhibitors, a new product showcase, and a new garden lounge. Also on the show floor, education sessions on arboriculture and climbing techniques are offered in Climbers’ Corner, while hands-on training with equipment and tools takes place in the ONLA Garage.

The Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association “leads, promotes and facilitates the success and growth of green industry businesses. More than 1,300 members comprise nursery stock growers, garden center operators, landscape contractors, landscape design and grounds maintenance firms, arborists, students enrolled in landscape and horticulture programs in the state and allied suppliers”.