Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Great Lakes Trade Exposition - GLTE is set for January 19, 2027, at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, MI. This annual event, presented by the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association, brings together over 3,000 professionals from the Green Industry.
Attendees can expect a vibrant trade show featuring the latest products and services, along with numerous educational sessions tailored to various segments of the industry. Great Lakes Trade Exposition - GLTE takes place in Okemos, USA.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for over 3,000 professionals in the Green Industry.
- 2Organiser: Hosted by the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association, details can be found at glte.org.
- 3Buyer Authority: Attendees include landscape professionals, nursery owners, and horticulture specialists.
- 4Entry: Registration is available online, with various educational sessions and networking opportunities.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from networking with industry leaders, gaining insights from educational sessions, and discovering new products and services tailored for the Green Industry. Attendees include landscape professionals, nursery owners, and horticulture specialists. Registration is available online, with various educational sessions and networking opportunities.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products to a targeted audience of over 3,000 Green Industry professionals, gain visibility in the market, and connect with potential buyers. Attendees include landscape professionals, nursery owners, and horticulture specialists.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Landscape professionals seeking new products and services
Nursery owners looking for industry insights
Horticulture specialists interested in networking
Garden center managers exploring supplier options
Landscape architects seeking innovative solutions
Green industry educators looking to connect with peers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Suppliers of nursery plants and materials
Manufacturers of landscaping equipment
Providers of irrigation solutions
Distributors of garden supplies
Companies offering landscape design services
Vendors of outdoor furnishings and decor
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Nursery plants and horticultural products
Landscaping equipment and tools
Irrigation systems and components
Garden supplies and accessories
Outdoor furniture and decor
Landscape design services
Location & Facilities
Venue
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
Okemos, USA
Facilities
Parking
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI in Okemos 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: DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI in Okemos 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 DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Okemos, USA
Why it matters
On 2027-01-19 to 2027-01-19, Great Lakes Trade Exposition - GLTE in Okemos covering Nursery plants and horticultural products, Landscaping equipment and tools, Irrigation systems and components, Garden su gives agriculture 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.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
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
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Serves the Grand Rapids area with domestic connections and limited international service. Rental cars and rideshare pick-up are the usual onward options
TBA
to venue
West Michigan's commercial airport; exact road time depends on traffic and winter conditions - confirm the transfer before travel
by car
Capital Region International Airport
Smaller regional airport with fewer daily flights, so check connections carefully before choosing it over Detroit or Grand Rapids
TBA
to venue
Lansing's commercial airport and the closest option to the East Lansing and Okemos hotel corridor; confirm transfer times locally
by car
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Widest choice of domestic and international flights into Michigan. Best value for long-haul travellers who can absorb an onward drive
TBA
to venue
Michigan's largest gateway; it requires a longer road or connecting transfer to the venue city, so allow a weather buffer in January
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Staybridge Suites Lansing-Okemos by IHG
midscale
Okemos4.3
USD 175–220 / night
Candlewood Suites East Lansing by IHG
midscale
East Lansing4.2
USD 175–220 / night
Courtyard by Marriott East Lansing Okemos
upscale
Okemos4.2
USD 175–236 / night
TownePlace Suites by Marriott East Lansing
midscale
East Lansing4.4
USD 175–220 / night
Residence Inn by Marriott East Lansing
upscale
East Lansing4.6
USD 175–236 / night
Residence Inn by Marriott Lansing West
upscale
Lansing West4.2
USD 175–236 / night
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forCATA Route 22 (MSU - Haslett - Okemos)
CATA route 22 connects Michigan State University, Haslett and Okemos.
Bus
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forCATA Route 23 (MSU - Okemos - Haslett)
CATA route 23 timetable and stop list published on Moovit and RideSchedules.
Bus
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forDetroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
Intercity bus connection from Okemos to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forOkemos and East Lansing hotels to the Okemos Conference Center
Short in-town trips between the University Park Drive venue and nearby Okemos/East Lansing hotels.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from LAN to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forCapital Region International Airport (LAN) to DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from GRR to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forGerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
Weather
January is deep winter in Michigan. Typical daytime highs sit near -1 C to 1 C (30-34 F) and overnight lows near -8 C to -6 C (17-21 F), with overcast skies dominant and precipitation falling mostly as snow. Lake-effect snow bands can deliver sudden heavy bursts and cut visibility on the I-96 and US-127 corridors, and pavements stay icy between snowfalls. Snow clearing is routine, but allow extra time for airport transfers, park in covered or cleared areas where available, and wear insulated, waterproof footwear for the walk from car park or bus stop into the venue. Forecasts beyond about ten days are unreliable, so check a local forecast in the week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm for technical and trade audiences in the Midwest. A jacket without a tie works for meetings; January weather means a heavy coat is worn over it and checked at the venue rather than carried on the floor.
Greetings and introductions
A firm handshake and first-and-last-name introduction are standard. Small talk usually starts with travel and weather before moving to business, and conversations tend to be direct once the introductions are done.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in the United States: 15-20 percent on restaurant bills, a dollar or two per bag for hotel staff, and a tip on taxi and rideshare fares. Card terminals usually offer a tip prompt.
Sales tax and prices
Michigan adds a 6 percent state sales tax at checkout, so displayed prices are not the final amount. Budget for it on meals, retail purchases and hotel incidentals.
Winter logistics etiquette
Locals treat snow as normal and events rarely stop, but lateness caused by a snow squall is understood if you message ahead. Build buffer into meeting times on the day of a forecast storm.
Punctuality
Meetings and sessions are expected to start on time. Arriving five minutes early is normal; arriving late to a scheduled meeting is noticed, especially in a one-to-one booth appointment.
Cards and payments
Card payment is accepted almost everywhere, including taxis and venues, and contactless is common. A small amount of cash is still useful for tips and vending.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Book to LAN for the shortest ground transfer, or compare GRR and DTW if fares are lower; allow extra time for the road or coach leg to Okemos. Hotel sample rates on Google Hotels were quoted in INR for a 19-20 January 2027 stay, so re-check prices in USD at booking.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Gerald R. Ford International Airport: West Michigan's commercial airport; exact road time depends on traffic and winter conditions - confirm the transfer before travel; Capital Region International Airport: Lansing's commercial airport and the closest option to the East Lansing and Okemos hotel corridor; confirm transfer times locally; Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport: Michigan's largest gateway; it requires a longer road or connecting transfer to the venue city, so al
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI: Okemos: Staybridge Suites Lansing-Okemos by IHG; East Lansing: Candlewood Suites East Lansing by IHG; Okemos: Courtyard by Marriott East Lansing Okemos.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Okemos; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Okemos is served by Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) bus routes 22 (MSU - Haslett - Okemos) and 23 (MSU - Okemos - Haslett), which link the Okemos and Michigan State University areas. Route timetables and stop maps are published by CATA and mirrored on Moovit; the venue sits on University Park Drive in Okemos.
Parking: On-site parking is available at DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: Approx. -8 C to 1 C (18 F to 34 F) as the typical daily range in Michigan in January, with colder snaps possible. Treat this as a planning band, not a forecast - check the show-week outlook about seven days before departure.
Seasonality: January is a snow season rather than a rain season here: precipitation mostly falls as snow, often in narrow lake-effect bands, and overcast days dominate. Ice on pavements and car parks is common, and road or flight delays are possible, so add a weather buffer around arrival and departure days.
Packing: Approx. -8 C to 1 C (18 F to 34 F) as the typical daily range in Michigan in January, with colder snaps possible. Treat this as a planning band, not a forecast - check the show-week outlook about seven days before departure. January is a snow season rather than a rain season here: precipitation most
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Great Lakes Trade Exposition - GLTE usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-14
confirm that your registration has been accepted and save the confirmation, since badge pickup depends on it.
T-14
open the organiser schedule page and shortlist the sessions and stands you want to see; note the daily hall opening hours.
T-12
book flights into a Michigan gateway - Grand Rapids (GRR), Lansing (LAN) or Detroit (DTW) - and check the connection time before confirming.
T-12
reserve accommodation in the venue district. Sampled January rates for East Lansing and Okemos hotels sit at roughly USD 175-236 per night; book early because mid-winter inventory is limited.
T-10
arrange the ground transfer from the airport. Rental car and rideshare are the practical options; confirm winter tyre policy if you self-drive.
T-10
international visitors should verify ESTA approval or B-1 visa status and carry printed confirmation in hand luggage.
T-7
check a local Michigan forecast for the show week. Averages are only a guide and January extremes can be 10 degrees colder than the mean.
T-7
pack insulated, waterproof boots, a heavy coat, gloves and a hat; pavements and car parks stay icy between snowfalls.
T-5
if you plan to use public transport, download CATA route maps for the MSU, Okemos and Haslett corridor and confirm the stop nearest your hotel.
T-4
build a slide-in day for weather delays, since lake-effect snow can cancel regional flights at short notice.
T-3
charge devices and pack a power bank; a full day across a large hall drains a phone quickly and lead capture often happens on mobile.
T-2
confirm hotel check-in and check-out times against your flight arrivals and departures.
T-1
re-check the schedule for any change to opening hours or badge desk times, then plan your route to the venue.
T-14
Day one: arrive 30-45 minutes before the doors for badge collection, drop coats at the cloakroom and walk the floor plan before the first session.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Great Lakes Trade Exposition - GLTE registration concourse
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Great Lakes Trade Exposition - GLTE fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Great Lakes Trade Exposition - GLTE, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
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 Nursery plants and horticultural products and Landscaping equipment and tools solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Great Lakes Trade Exposition - GLTE in Okemos.
Min. budget
$622.00
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 Nursery plants and horticultural products and Landscaping equipment and tools products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,799.00
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 Okemos show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Where is the Okemos Conference Center located?
The Okemos Conference Center is at 2187 University Park Drive, Okemos, MI. The Okemos Event Center publishes a floor layout for the conference center on its official site.
Which airport should I fly into for an event in Okemos, Michigan?
Capital Region International Airport (LAN) is the local gateway referenced in Okemos transfer listings. Gerald R. Ford International (GRR) is roughly 1 hour 7 minutes away by road, and Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) is connected by intercity bus from Okemos.
Is there public transport between Okemos and Michigan State University?
Yes. Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) routes 22 and 23 link MSU, Haslett and Okemos, with published timetables and stop maps.
Where can I park near the Okemos Conference Center?
The venue is on University Park Drive. Several nearby Okemos hotels advertise free parking, and Parkopedia and ParkMe list public lots and garages in Okemos.
Glossary
- Advance registration
- Registering online before the show instead of at the door. It shortens badge collection on arrival and is the usual route for trade visitors travelling to Michigan in January.
- Badge pickup
- The on-site desk where your registration is converted into a printed or digital badge. Bring photo ID and the confirmation email; hall access is not granted without it.
- Exhibit hall
- The indoor area where exhibitor stands are located. Hall opening hours, move-in windows and session times are published on the organiser schedule page rather than on the travel booking.
- CATA (Capital Area Transportation Authority)
- The public bus operator for the Lansing region. Routes 22 (MSU - Haslett - Okemos) and 23 (MSU - Okemos - Haslett) connect the Michigan State University campus, Okemos and Haslett, and are the usual transit option for visitors staying in that corridor.
- Lake-effect snow
- A Michigan winter pattern in which cold air crossing Lake Michigan produces narrow, intense snow bands inland. Squalls can reduce visibility on I-96 and US-127 within minutes, so road transfers need a weather buffer.
- ESTA / B-1 visitor visa
- US entry authorisation for international attendees. Visa Waiver Program travellers normally use ESTA; everyone else needs a B-1 visitor visa. Apply well before travel, since processing is outside the organiser's control.
- Michigan sales tax
- Michigan levies a 6 percent state sales tax on goods; quoted retail prices usually exclude it, so the amount at the till is higher than the shelf price.
- Coat check
- A staffed counter where winter coats and boots are stored during the show day. Common at Michigan venues in January, when outdoor temperatures make heavy layers impractical on the floor.
- Trade-only access
- Admission limited to people working in the sector rather than the general public. Registration usually asks for company details and job role, so have those ready when you sign up.
- Show floor plan
- The map of hall layout and stand numbers issued by the organiser. Download it before arrival to plan a route between exhibitors and session rooms instead of walking the hall blind.
- Ground transfer
- The leg between your arrival airport and the hotel or venue. In Michigan this is typically a rental car, rideshare or hotel shuttle rather than rail, so book it before landing in winter.
- Follow-up window
- The days immediately after the show when leads and business cards are still fresh. Teams that send quotes within the first week after the closing day usually convert a larger share of contacts.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Great Lakes Trade Exposition - GLTE 2027
- Great Lakes Trade Exposition - GLTE Okemos 2027
- Great Lakes Trade Exposition 2027
- Great Lakes Trade Exposition Okemos 2027
- Okemos USA
- Agriculture and Horticulture Okemos 2027
- Nursery plants and horticultural products
- Landscaping equipment and tools
- Irrigation systems and components
- Garden supplies and accessories
1 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.