Each year, GROW! sets the stage for landscape professionals to connect, learn, and grow their businesses. But with record-high turnout in 2025, ensuring a seamless experience required strategic problem-solving.

Iron Peacock Events worked behind the scenes to navigate venue constraints, logistical hurdles, and last-minute challenges—delivering an event that left a lasting impact.

As a cornerstone event in the industry, GROW! provides business owners and their teams with hands-on learning, real-world solutions, and valuable networking opportunities.

This year, with over 900 attendees, the event pushed the venue’s limits, requiring innovative planning to keep everything running smoothly while maintaining the high-quality experience attendees have come to expect

Navigating Growth and Overcoming Challenges

With rapid growth comes logistical complexities, and this year’s record-breaking attendance put every inch of the venue to use. The event’s general session space had reached its limits, making seating and mealtimes a challenge.

The Hilton Columbus Downtown in Columbus, Ohio, provided a stunning yet complex setting for GROW! 2025. With the hotel’s general session space pushed to capacity, creative seating arrangements and strategic meal service planning were required to keep everything running smoothly. AudioVisual in the general session also had to be revised to improve visibility, including flying equipment overhead to maximize floor space for seating.

Spread across three floors, the event required careful navigation, especially when multiple escalators went out of service. Attendees were guided through alternate routes, ensuring minimal disruption. Extra signage, well-placed guides, and some creative wayfinding ensured everyone got where they needed to go.

Transportation to the host site presented its own hurdles—six of the nine hotel buses experienced delays arriving at the morning sessions. While this impacted schedules, adjustments were made in real time to keep the experience smooth for later groups.

The hotel’s inconsistent approach to planning presented unexpected challenges—initially enforcing strict limitations during pre-event planning, only to relax or change those restrictions once onsite.

While their approach created some frustrations, Iron Peacock Events’ flexibility and solutions-focused approach ensured that attendees experienced a seamless event despite the behind-the-scenes adjustments.

Session Highlights & Key Takeaways

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in deep-dive Q&As, game-changing breakout sessions, and discussions on lead generation strategies. The event's energy was fueled by interactive conversations where industry professionals shared real-world insights and practical solutions.

A behind-the-scenes tour of Hidden Creek Landscaping provided a first-hand look at how successful businesses operate, offering attendees valuable takeaways to implement in their own companies.

Networking played a huge role in the event, allowing landscape professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and discuss shared challenges. From structured sessions to casual conversations, the value of peer-to-peer learning was evident throughout the three days.

Event Highlights That Made an Impact

Beyond problem-solving, GROW! 2025 was packed with moments that reinforced why this event remains a must-attend for landscape professionals.

Engaging Q&A sessions sparked in-depth discussions, hands-on workshops provided real-world strategies, and industry leaders shared insights that left attendees with actionable takeaways.

Attendees also had the chance to tour a real-world business environment. The on-site visit of Hidden Creek Landscaping was a standout moment that showcased the daily operations and problem-solving strategies for driving long-term success.

Standout Moments & Unexpected Wins

Challenges aside, GROW! 2025 delivered meaningful takeaways and memorable experiences. Some of the highlights included:

VIP Dinner Success: The VIP dinner ran smoothly, with only a minor hiccup—locked doors upon arrival.

Small Tweak: A quick pivot turned a team member into an impromptu greeter until the venue was unlocked, ensuring a seamless welcome for guests.

Creative Seating Solutions: With attendance surpassing expectations, maximizing space without compromising the attendee experience became a priority.

Solution: Flexible seating arrangements, staggered meal service, and strategic flow adjustments ensured everyone had a place to sit, eat, and engage without overcrowding or disruption.

On-the-Spot Innovation: Even the best-planned events come with unexpected challenges, and GROW! 2025 was no different. From last-minute client requests to shifting logistical needs, quick thinking and strategic adjustments kept everything on track.

Modifications: Whether it was ensuring speakers had what they needed, adapting to real-time scheduling shifts, or addressing venue-related surprises, the team ensured attendees experienced a seamless event without missing a beat.

Culinary Discoveries: Between the fast-paced logistics and problem-solving, there was one unexpected delight—a local restaurant that became a hidden gem.

Great Find: Their standout grilled chicken wings became a favorite among the team, proving that even amidst the busiest schedules, great food and good company are always worth finding.

What Attendees Had to Say

Throughout the event, attendees shared their experiences and key takeaways. From seamless logistics to valuable networking, GROW! 2025 left a lasting impression. Here’s what a few had to say:

One attendee shared, "I've attended countless industry events, but GROW! stands out because of how well-organized and engaging it is. The seamless transitions, the way challenges were handled behind the scenes, and the overall experience gave me ideas to improve the way I run my own company events."

Another attendee noted, "I came here expecting to learn about growing my business, but I also learned how a well-planned event can completely transform how people engage and absorb information."

Yet another attendee commented, "The networking alone was invaluable—having the chance to talk with others who face similar challenges and exchange strategies made the trip well worth it."

Collectively, these insights highlight the impact of a well-executed event. Behind the scenes, the GROW team allowed Iron Peacock Events to ensure that every detail—from logistics to flow adjustments—contributed to an experience that left attendees with actionable takeaways, valuable connections, and inspiration to bring back to their businesses.

Scaling Your Event? Here’s Why the Right Partner Matters.

As events grow, so do the complexities of planning a seamless experience. From logistics to attendee engagement, every detail plays a role in creating an impactful event. Iron Peacock Events has been a trusted partner in bringing GROW! to life year after year, ensuring that each iteration builds on past successes.

If your company is expanding and needs a strategic event partner to handle the details and unexpected challenges, Iron Peacock Events is ready to help.

Let’s dive into your event needs. It all begins with a conversation. Connect with us today.

Scaling Up and Thinking Fast: Lessons from GROW! 2025