March 2010 Issue

What is the best koi, pond or plant event you hosted or attended?

Events can increase foot traffic, build enthusiasm and create good-will in the minds of attendees. Water Garden News asked pond and water garden businesses about the best industry events they hosted or attended, and what made it memorable. Here are their responses.

"We completed our 40th aquatic studies habitat (a school yard pond) as part of the Alabama Wildlife Federation's Outdoor Classroom Program. We are shaping the minds of students and the community to be more ecologically and environmentally aware.”
S. Lee Vought, Vought Water Gardens, Decatur, Ala.

"Pondemonium generates the largest group of professional contractors that share best practices and network with each other on how to grow their businesses. Many have developed long-term relationships with each other."
Cliff "Motel" McCready, Aquascape Inc., St. Charles, Ill.

"The best event for me this year was the San Angelo 'Covert' Build. Sixteen Certified Aquascape Contractors traveled to San Angelo, Texas, and donated their time to help a fellow CAC.”
E. Scott Hammond, Blue Creek Landscape Inc., Ellensburg, Wash.

 "Some of the best moments were the good old days of Pond College, when you were surrounded by great food, company and support. One of my most memorable koi event moments was at Kodama's First Annual Event in Hawaii. I was spellbound listening to Mamuro Kodama teach us how to assess koi, specifically kohaku, in Japanese while Taro Kodama translated. Passion for koi is a universallanguage that I easily understood as Kodama poured out his experience to us.”
Eric Triplett, Exotic Aquatics, Yucaipa, Calif.

 "The 2009 Info Tanza event provided quality information and the demonstration of practical field applications. From pond installers to store owners and product distributors, each attendee learned as much as he or she wanted. It feels like family, and its informal approach lets all attendees know that the event staff's agenda is to further the industry's common goals.”
John Olson, Graystone Industries Inc., Sunrise, Fla.

 Give us your opinion on
March 2010 Issue

Industry Professional Site: Comments from non-industry professionals will be removed.