Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Join us at the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show from February 13 to 21, 2027, at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. Explore over 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest in home improvement and gardening.
Dates
13–21 Feb 2027
City / country
Columbus, United States
Venue
Ohio Expo Center
Are you the organiser of this event?
Companies exhibiting at Central Ohio Home & Garden Show include 360 Painting, 3rd & Spoon, A Taste for Life, Absolute and ADT Authorized Dealer Program.
Event overview
The Central Ohio Home & Garden Show is the largest event of its kind in the region, taking place from February 13 to 21, 2027, at the Ohio Expo Center. This year, the show features over 300 exhibitors, including local experts in home improvement, landscaping, and gardening.
Attendees can explore beautifully themed indoor gardens, attend workshops, and connect with professionals to gain insights for their home projects. Central Ohio Home & Garden Show takes place in Columbus, United States.
TL;DR
Attendees will benefit from expert advice and hands-on workshops designed to inspire home improvement projects. The show features themed gardens and a variety of exhibitors, making it a one-stop destination for all home and garden needs. Visitors can connect with local experts and discover new products to enhance their homes.
Exhibiting at the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show provides unparalleled access to over 100,000 qualified attendees. This event features over 300 exhibitors showcasing home improvement, landscaping, and gardening solutions. Attendees include homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and gardening professionals looking for inspiration and products.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211
Ohio Expo Center in Columbus typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Ohio Expo Center in Columbus typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Ohio Expo Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
General admission
General admission
Who runs the show
USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures
Dispatch Media Group
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
On 2027-02-13 to 2027-02-21, Central Ohio Home & Garden Show in Columbus covering Home improvement tools and materials, Landscaping services and products, Indoor and outdoor plants, Garden decor and acc gives trade buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
COTA bus
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Taxi
Parking
taxi
Weather
February is deep winter in Columbus. Expect cold days with highs commonly in the mid-30s to low 40s F (about 2-5 C) and overnight lows in the 20s F (about -5 to -2 C). Snow, sleet or freezing rain can affect transfers, so pack insulated layers, a warm coat, gloves, a hat and waterproof boots for the walk between parking and exhibit halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Major U.S. mobile networks including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile operate in Columbus. International visitors should confirm roaming or buy an eSIM before arrival. Venue Wi-Fi may be available in some areas but should not be relied on for payments or lead capture; bring a portable battery and charging cable.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers typically receive 15-20 percent; bartenders and taxi drivers are also tipped. Rideshare tips are optional but common through the app.
Business dress
Business casual is typical in Columbus. Contractors and trade exhibitors often wear jeans, polo shirts or branded workwear; visitors should dress for cold weather and comfortable walking.
Sales tax
Ohio sales tax applies to many goods and some services. Show discounts may not include tax, so ask exhibitors for the out-the-door price before comparing quotes.
Contractor meetings
Ask for written estimates, proof of license and insurance, a project timeline and a clear change-order process. Show-floor quotes are starting points, not final contracts.
Show-floor payments
Card and mobile payments are common, but some smaller exhibitors may prefer cash. Bring a backup payment method and keep receipts for deposits.
Accessibility
Service animals are generally welcome under U.S. accessibility rules. Ask the venue about ADA parking, accessible entrances and mobility scooter rentals if you need assistance.
Weather etiquette
Wipe wet boots on entry mats and keep aisles clear when stopping for demos. Halls are heated but entry areas and parking walks can be cold.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Google Flights captures for a 13 Feb 2027 departure show Dallas-DFW from USD 264 and New York-JFK from USD 331, with Chicago-O'Hare and Los Angeles-LAX offering nonstop services of roughly 1.5 hr and 4.4 hr. For LAX the capture notes the cheapest booking window is usually 1 Nov to 30 Jan. Fares include taxes and fees for one adult; bag fees are extra. CMH is the primary airport for Columbus, so confirm current schedules and winter weather advisories before booking.
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2027-02-13
Check-out (recommended)
2027-02-21
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Columbus; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Ohio Expo Center / State Fairgrounds: Holiday Inn Express Columbus - Ohio Expo Center by IHG is the closest captured hotel, with a short rideshare or walk depending on gate access. Downtown Columbus: Holiday Inn Columbus Dwtn-Capitol Square by IHG works for restaurants and evening activities; plan a rideshare, taxi or COTA trip to the fairgrounds. Worthington: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus - Worthington by IHG suits travelers with a car or rideshare budget. Airport area: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus Airport by IHG is convenient for early flights but requires a longer transfer to the venue. Dublin: Holiday Inn Express Columbus - Dublin works best with a rental car or rideshare. Confirm current travel times locally.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in the Columbus metro area. At CMH, follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup zone. For the Ohio Expo Center, confirm the current rideshare drop-off gate with the venue or organiser. Expect surge pricing around opening and closing times, especially on weekend days.
Public transit: COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) operates the Columbus bus network. Use the COTA trip planner to check routes serving the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds; some trips may require a transfer. The approximate single-ride fare is USD 2.00, and exact fare payment rules should be confirmed on cota.com. There is no light rail or subway link to the fairgrounds.
Parking: The Ohio Expo Center has large on-site parking areas used by fairground events. Expect an event-day parking fee and possible lot assignments; confirm the current rate and accessible parking locations with the venue. Arrive early on busy weekend days and consider rideshare if snow or freezing rain is forecast.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027
Temperature: February normal highs are commonly in the mid-30s to low 40s F (about 2-5 C), with overnight lows in the 20s F (about -5 to -2 C). Cold snaps can drop lower, so check the forecast three days before travel.
Seasonality: Winter precipitation in Columbus usually arrives as snow, sleet or freezing rain rather than a steady rainy season. Snowy mornings can slow airport transfers and parking, so allow extra time and watch local weather advisories.
Packing: Pack an insulated coat, gloves, a hat, a scarf, waterproof boots and layers for heated exhibit halls that can vary in temperature. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a compact umbrella for mixed sleet or rain, a reusable water bottle and a portable charger for a full day on the show floor.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Central Ohio Home & Garden Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
13 days out - Buy admission tickets online if available and save confirmation to your phone.
12 days out - Book a hotel if traveling; compare Ohio Expo Center, downtown Columbus and airport-area options.
11 days out - Book flights into John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and check baggage rules.
10 days out - Decide on airport transfer: rideshare or taxi for direct trips, COTA bus for lower cost with possible transfers, or rental car.
9 days out - List the projects you want to research and bring room measurements, photos and inspiration images.
8 days out - Set a realistic budget and gather any financing pre-approval or contractor questions.; 7 days out - Review the exhibitor list or floor plan if published, and shortlist must-see booths and demo times.
6 days out - Schedule any planned contractor or design consultations and note questions about licenses, insurance and timelines.
5 days out - Check the Columbus forecast and pack insulated layers, gloves, a hat, waterproof boots and comfortable walking shoes.
4 days out - Download COTA, rideshare and parking apps, and confirm payment methods for show purchases.
3 days out - Confirm parking, accessibility needs and mobility rental options with the venue if required.
2 days out - Pack a tote for brochures, a portable charger and a reusable water bottle; keep digital tickets handy.
14 days out - Confirm 2027 show dates, daily hours and hall locations on dispatchshows.com/home-and-garden-show/schedule.; 1 day out - Review your floor plan priorities, set a meeting point for your group and plan to arrive early on show day.
Registration and hall orientation at Ohio Expo Center
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
Central Ohio Home & Garden Show registration concourse
Ohio Expo Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Ohio Expo Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 5 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 5 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether Central Ohio Home & Garden Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Central Ohio Home & Garden Show, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Home improvement tools and materials and Landscaping services and products solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Central Ohio Home & Garden Show in Columbus.
Min. budget
$505.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Home improvement tools and materials and Landscaping services and products products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,272.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Columbus show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.