If you’re a garden industry cataloger, online merchant, wholesaler, or garden center to whom web marketing is important, plan on spending the week of Aug. 16 in Chicago.
Not only is the popular IGC Show being held at the Chicago Navy Pier from the afternoon of Aug. 17 to Aug. 19 … but the Mailorder Gardening Association (MGA) is holding their Summer conference at the Chicago Doubletree from Aug. 16 to Aug. 18.
As many of you know, I’m actively involved in the MGA, and am this year’s program chair. We’re just putting the finishing touches on the program, and it promises to be information-packed.
A side note: I recently spoke with someone who had the mistaken impression – due to the “mailorder” in the name – that the MGA deals exclusively with catalogers. Not true! For instance, one of the speakers at the Summer Conference is the editor-in-chief of Internet Retailer magazine, giving us a peak at the future of web marketing. In addition, there will be sessions on social media, email marketing, affiliate marketing, and more. Plus our membership isn’t just catalogers; it also includes online-only merchants, wholesalers, and retailers that want to improve their web presence.
The association name undoubtedly needs to be changed to keep up with our changing membership; we’re just haven’t reached a consensus as to what to change it to. Suggestions welcome!
