So Much NEW at The Fall Event 2026
by Danny Summers
When I first thought of this message, I asked myself... "Where do I begin?"
Even if you cannot be with us at The Fall Event 2026... this can be of real interest to you. And if you will be with us, this is a preview of what to see, who to connect with and what to dive into learning more about. Back to where to begin...
New for The Fall Event 2026 is on Monday morning, September 28th...
Coming to an IGC Near You!
Featuring Our Partners for Success
Facilitated by John Kennedy, BoomerWrangle
Join our Partners for Success for an exclusive preview of the new plants, products, programs, promotions, and opportunities designed to help drive garden center sales in 2027. Think of it as a movie trailer or a preview of the season ahead—it’s an action-packed showcase where some of the industry’s leading brands take the stage to reveal what’s new, what’s next, and what they believe can make a difference in your garden center.
From exciting new introductions to fresh marketing ideas and programs created with the independent garden center in mind, this session is designed to spark ideas, create connections, and get you thinking about how you can connections, and get you thinking about how you can build an even stronger Spring 2027.
Don’t just hear about what’s coming—be among the first Center Group to see it, ask questions, make connections, and start planning for your next planning for your next blockbuster season.
Partner for Success Participants
- Ball Seed
- Epicor Epicor
- The Espoma Company
- Greenleaf Nursery
- Monrovia Monrovia
- Plant Development Services (PDSI)
- Prides Corner Farms
- Proven Winners
- Sunrise Marketing
- Willoway Nurseries
Our Partners for Success understand that independent garden centers are unique—and that strong retailer/vendor relationships can make a real difference. Through open dialogue, new product introductions, innovative programs, and special opportunities when available, these partners are committed to helping Group garden centers discover new ways to grow.
Your next great season may be closer than you think!
Here's an outline of recent Innovations and others coming soon...
New Leadership Styles Benchmarking Project
Deadline to Participate- September 22
Last week, Group Owners and Managers were introduced to The Group's New Leadership Styles Benchmarking Project.
Group Owners and Managers...If you were not with us last week… here’s more details:
Introducing The Group's Leadership Styles Benchmarking Project—a simple 10-minute survey that can identify your leadership style that will provide helpful tools and techniques to become more well-rounded as a leader/owner. We are in a quest to answer the following questions...
- Is there a certain style that the most successful Garden Center Owners and Managers of The Group have in common with the most profitable Garden Centers?
- Does a Team and Garden Center need a direct approach for success or a more inviting approach for success?
- Is there wisdom in strategy or reaction? Is there a benefit to being a great listener or a strong leader?
- Does being a cheerleader always work or do we need to be more of a coach?
This began during the September 8th GROUPtalk LIVE Session where this program was unveiled, and Group Owners and Managers were invited to participate and will receive their personal LQ. The results will be summarized and studied and revealed at The Fall Event 2026 to answer the ultimate question:
What is the ideal leadership style to become the Best Performing Center?
Or is there one at all?”
The correlation between Best Performing Centers in the Annual P&L Study and the Leadership Style is an area we don't know yet, but we hope to explore and find answers.
Be a part of this new effort… together!
Deadline to participate - September 22 (a week from tomorrow)!
See Invitation Link sent to the Owners-Only eList last week.
As we reimagine The Group and The Fall Event, we’ve created a new Innovation Team for The Fall Event 2026!
We’ve brought together a group of bright, forward-thinking young Group Owners and Managers from across The Group—people who are challenging the status quo, trying new things, and bringing fresh ideas to their garden centers. They bring a different perspective, a willingness to think differently, and a vision for what’s next.
Their ideas and experiences can benefit others throughout The Group while helping shape the future of The Fall Event and The Group.
Meet the People Behind The Fall Event 2026 Innovation Team:
You’ll see the Innovation Team taking an active role throughout The Fall Event 2026, developing content for the Tuesday Morning Jam Session, Tuesday Afternoon Breakout Sessions, and other activities during the event.
They’re here to challenge ideas, share what’s working, bring new perspectives, and help us imagine what’s next...
That’s what our new Innovation Team is all about!
Have Great Week and I hope to see you soon... in Cleveland!
Sharing is at the heart of The Group and your ideas are very important. If you have any trouble logging into The Group WebSystem, please let me know. Are you and your staff all subscribed to our eLists such as GroupEs, Retail-Grower, Retail-Landscape, Owners-Only, and a number of others? Need help subscribing? Let me know so I can show you how you can sign up.
Danny Summers
[email protected]
Tel: 678-909-7770
Cell: 678-761-7145
REMEMBER: Your interaction (by phone and email) with Group Service Providers such as Tim Quebedeaux, John Kennedy, Seawright & Associates, and of course Danny Summers are included in your retainer!
