Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show Moves to Pennsylvania CC from Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

September 16, 2012

The Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (PANTS) will make a big move in 2013 from its current home at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa., to the newly expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia.

The move is part of an effort to give PANTS more visibility, according to show officials.

“We want to put the sizzle back in this show and make it an event that no one in the green trades will want to miss,” said MAC Events partner Kevin McLaughlin.

He added, “Attendees who come to PANTS will not only find new ideas, products and educational programs on the show floor, but also will be able to plug into resources that have made the city a hot spot for horticultural innovation for more than 250 years.”

Earlier this summer, MAC Events struck a partnership agreement with the show’s founder, the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association (PLNA), and took over production of the event.

“The PLNA is excited about the move to Philadelphia,” said Jim McKenzie, chairman of PLNA’s board of directors.

He added, “All other successful and nationally important green industry shows are located in major metropolitan cities and Philadelphia has always been a great historical and cultural hub. In recent years, the local scene has just exploded around the convention center with opportunities for socializing and networking beyond the show.”

This isn’t the first time PANTS has moved venues in order to keep up with the show’s growth; it has moved a half-dozen times since 1973 in order “to put the show in the top tier of industry events nationwide,” company representatives said.  

PANTS, which caters to businesses responsible for designing, constructing and maintaining outdoor spaces, is on tap July 31-Aug. 1 at the Pennsylvania CC.

“We are thoroughly delighted to welcome PANTS to Philadelphia in 2013,” said Jack Ferguson, CEO and president, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau.

He added. “As a city committed to green initiatives, Philadelphia and our LEED-certified convention center is an ideal choice for PANTS as the show’s attendance continues to grow.”

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