GIMA has confirmed full details of its 2026 Day Conference and Annual General Meeting, taking place on Thursday 26th March at Stratford Manor Hotel, bringing the garden industry together to examine The Future of the Supply Chain for Garden Products.
Set against a backdrop of changing buying patterns, increasing commercial pressure and evolving routes to market, this year’s conference will unite GIMA members, industry leaders and supply chain specialists for a focused day of insight, discussion and shared learning. Voices from across the sector, including wholesalers, distributors, agents, logistics experts, suppliers and retailers, will come together to explore how supply chains are adapting and what this means for businesses across the industry.
Insight, discussion and real-world perspectives
Through a programme of panel discussions, keynote insights and interactive conversations, delegates will examine the shifting roles within the supply chain, the challenges businesses are facing today, and the trends shaping tomorrow’s models – from resilience and efficiency to collaboration and innovation. With dedicated time built in for networking, the conference also offers valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships and gain a clearer understanding of where the industry is heading.
The morning will begin with the GIMA Annual General Meeting, open exclusively to fully paid-up members. The AGM will include the confirmation of new Council members, with nominations invited from members interested in playing an active role in shaping GIMA’s future. The closing date for Council nominations is 25th February.
Bookending the day will be Mark Farnsworth of Yorkshire Garden Centres, the most recent member of the Tillington Buying Group. Closing the conference, Mark will offer a retailer’s perspective, sharing first-hand insight into how supply chain decisions are being shaped at retail level and what suppliers need to consider as routes to market continue to evolve.
This year’s event is supported by Toucan, GIMA’s newest Associate Member, as headline sponsor, alongside a strong presence from across GIMA’s Associate membership, many of whom will be exhibiting on the day.
Talking ahead of the Day Conference, GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall, said: “By bringing the industry together around one table, the GIMA Day Conference provides an important opportunity to share insight, challenge thinking and encourage collaboration. As supply chains continue to evolve, these conversations are more important than ever, and we look forward to welcoming members and guests in March.”
Book now
Anyone interested in attending isencouraged to book now to secure your spot. For more information or to register, visit https://gima.org.uk/events/gima-day-conference-2025/. Thecost of the event includes a buffet lunch and refreshments.
