Who We Are

We are a group of garden centers, growers, and suppliers that get together each year in late January for some world class education, networking, and fun.

The Garden Center Symposium was established in 1964 by Stan Foll. The Garden Center Symposium is held at the Country Springs Hotel, formerly known as the Country Inn Hotel & Conference Center, in Waukesha, WI. The trade show and educational sessions are in adjoining rooms.

Nationally and internationally renowned speakers are selected for the educational seminars. The topics are based on requests provided by the attendees and range from store layout or merchandising techniques to container gardening and new plant varieties.

Several popular sessions have become annual fixtures with the GCS: “The Garden Center Profile”, which highlights a successful retail operation, and “Tricks of the Trade”, where retailing ideas are exchanged among the attendees (the best idea winning $100).

The Trade Show, with over 50 booths available, is heralded by the exhibitors as the best buy in the industry. The intimate setting provides a unique opportunity for in-depth discussions and socializing between vendors and attendees. Coffee breaks and cocktail hour, including hors d’oeuvres, are courtesy of the exhibitors.

Scholarship funds in excess of $4000 are raised each year. Currently, the University of Illinois, The University of Wisconsin (Madison and River Falls), McHenry County College (IL.), and the Milwaukee Area Technical College each receive scholarship awards.

The GCS also awards scholarships to students majoring in Horticulture, with preference given to those being associated with a member firm.