The Green Sector Trade Fair is 25 years old

Anniversary edition full of innovations

It started modestly with a few halls in Hardenberg. Now, 25 years later, De Groene Sector Vakbeurs has become the event where the green sector comes together. On January 7, 8 and 9, 2025, the fair will celebrate not only an anniversary, but also the many innovations and developments that have shaped the sector over the past quarter century. "This is a milestone for us and the entire sector," says Sanne de Vries, account manager at organizer Easyfairs. "The fact that we are still growing after 25 years shows the relevance of the event within the sector."

The success of the fair is undeniable. "A month before the doors of the anniversary edition open, we are already 100% sold out," says De Vries in late November 2024. And that is not surprising, because De Groene Sector Vakbeurs 2025 promises to be a very special edition. 

The three main themes 

The upcoming edition of the fair will focus on three themes determined from industry trends and developments. Sustainability is one of them. "Sustainability is no longer a choice, but a necessity," states De Vries. For example, zero-emission zones will apply from January 2025, which will have major implications for landscapers working within these zones. The fair will feature innovations that will help companies prepare for the future. "Think about the latest electric machines and sustainable solutions that are both ecologically and economically sound," he said.

In addition to the theme of sustainability, the fair also focuses on the themes of garden & park design and labor & education. "The demand for thoughtful and inspiring green spaces continues to grow," said De Vries. "Our exhibitors offer solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also contribute to a healthier living environment." 

The shortage of qualified personnel in the sector is also an important issue. Therefore, retraining programs are presented at the fair to encourage lateral entrants and show how much fun it is to work in the green sector. One example is the cooperation with Donker Group, among others. "From this cooperation, we are working hard to get these side-streamers to visit the fair, to show them there all the great things the sector has to offer."

A jam-packed program

This year, De Groene Sector Vakbeurs again has a packed program. Every day before the fair opens, several symposia will take place. On the first day the New Year's Meeting will take place in cooperation with the Association of Gardeners and Green Suppliers (VHG). The remaining days are devoted to relevant topics, such as the challenges in urban areas and new regulations. "We also have a focus on specific challenges within the Randstad area of the Netherlands this year, with specific sessions that address that," says De Vries.

In addition to the daily symposia for fair opening, during the fair, as a follow-up to the Sustainability Park, there is the Garden of the Future. This is the place where exhibitors will present their trends and technologies that will shape the garden landscape. "We are continuing this initiative with a networking terrace and innovations from BERA B.V. and Husqvarna, among others, which won the Innovation Award last year," De Vries explained.

An industry-wide celebration

The anniversary of De Groene Sector Vakbeurs will not only be an educational, but also a festive occasion. De Vries: "We will of course decorate the entire exhibition floor, it must be palpable that we exist 25 years. And we want to celebrate that with the entire sector." 

Besides all the novelties, you will of course also find the old familiar segments at the fair. Think of the National Gardening Competition, the Tunnel of the Future with the nominated innovations, beautiful exhibitions of major and emerging brands, and plenty of opportunities to network. The Green Sector Trade Fair 2025 promises to be an inspiring edition that looks back on 25 years of growth and innovation, as well as looking ahead to the future of the sector."