The biggest horticultural trade event on the Irish calendar has already come and gone: the Garden Landscape and Amenity Sportsturf (GLAS) trade show brought together the very best of the horticulture industry under one roof at Citywest Hotel on July 18th last.

GLAS has become synonymous with the trade as the place to do business: network with important stakeholders, and drive new business.

Some of the machines on display at GLAS 2019

In an effort to constantly evolve, GLAS 2019 saw the very welcome addition of students at the show, forming part of The Careers Hub. The Carrers Hub was an excellent opportunity for two key reasons: it introduced students to all facets of the horticultural trade under one roof; and it also provided for the trade to meet the up-and-coming talent that is currently being developed across Ireland’s institutions, colleges, and universities.

Some of the students joined John Mulhern, principal of the Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture on stage at the Teagasc sponsored Learning Theatre 2, at 12pm, to discuss education pathways and continuing professional development.

GLAS wouldn’t be GLAS without the exhibitors and attendees. Visitor attendance was higher than 2018 which showcases the dedication of the trade despite the challenges that Brexit has brought with it. With queues out the door and very busy aisles, there was no better proof that both GLAS and its attendees are there to do business.

From left: Annmarie and James Mulvey of Woodpecker Environmental Ltd at their exhibition stand

Every year at GLAS the quality of exhibitor stands seems to get better and better. In particular, the Machinery Park, which hosted 20 leading sportsturf exhibitors on the day, was well attended and, brand new for GLAS 2019, the Landscape Show, supported by the Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland (ALCI), the Irish Landscape Institute (ILI), and the Garden and Landscape Designers Association (GLDA) who were on hand to meet new and existing members.

As GLAS 2019 ends, so begins the planning for GLAS 2020, which has already been set as taking place on July 16, 2020 – be sure to mark your calendars.