An open letter to members of HMAA from Colin Fruk, CEO, Greenlife Industry Queensland.
The Queensland Garden Show has always been more than an event — it is a celebration of gardening, shared knowledge and community spirit that has grown over more than four decades through the collective efforts of industry, media, volunteers and a deeply committed delivery team.
In recent months, Greenlife Industry Queensland (GIQ) has taken steps to ensure the Show’s long-term sustainability while preserving its unique character. Following a competitive process and a formal Board resolution, GIQ has appointed TLC Events Co to manage the operational delivery of the Queensland Garden Show from 2026.
This decision was made with great care and respect for the Show’s history. The current form of the Queensland Garden Show exists because of the dedication, professionalism and passion of the previous internal management team, who have stewarded the event through periods of growth, disruption and change. Their contribution is significant and enduring, and it is important to acknowledge that the Show’s strong reputation today is built on their work.
Over the past five years, however, the realities of staging a major event have changed. Costs have increased, expectations have grown, and the operational complexity of delivering a safe, high-quality experience has intensified. As a not-for-profit industry association, GIQ has a responsibility to respond to these pressures responsibly. The move to an outsourced delivery model allows GIQ to achieve necessary economies of scale, reduce financial risk, and create capacity to thoughtfully refresh the Show so it continues to resonate with new generations of gardeners — without losing what makes it special.
Importantly, the Queensland Garden Show remains by industry, for industry. Any future surpluses generated by the Show will continue to be reinvested back into GIQ and, in turn, into programs that support the greenlife industry — including advocacy, biosecurity, skills development and industry engagement.
The 2026 Show will incorporate a number of subtle, considered refinements, designed to enhance both the exhibitor and visitor experience while reinforcing the Show’s core gardening focus:
- A redesigned central oval featuring a main speaker stage with covered seating, creating a stronger focal point for learning and storytelling.
- A modest reduction in non-garden retail stalls, sharpening the horticultural emphasis of the event.
- A refreshed and expanded kids’ zone, helping families connect with plants and gardening from an early age.
- Exploration of a Sunday “Locals Day” to acknowledge and celebrate the community that has supported the Show for so long.
- Increased marketing, particularly to the drive market, encouraging greater visitation from across Queensland and northern New South Wales.
- Investigation of additional parking and access options to improve the overall visitor experience.
In keeping with the Show’s community roots, GIQ will also look favourably in 2026 on interest from local garden clubs wishing to participate in the Show. Where appropriate, this may include low-cost or no-cost opportunities to exhibit, recognising the important role that garden clubs play in inspiring and educating local gardeners.
GIQ recognises — and deeply values — the contribution that members of the Horticulture Media Association of Australia have made to the Queensland Garden Show over many years. Your promotion of the event, your presentations, on-ground reporting, and the operation of the Plant Health Clinic have played a vital role in educating the public and reinforcing the Show’s credibility.
As we look ahead to 2026, GIQ sincerely hopes that HMAA will continue to support the Show: by promoting it to the plant-loving public, contributing expertise through presentations and media engagement, and again operating the Plant Health Clinic during the event. Your involvement remains not only welcome, but genuinely valued.
Registrations for the 2026 Queensland Garden Show are now open. Anyone interested in exhibiting is encouraged to register early.
For stallholder enquiries, please contact:
Jack Williams, Stallholder Coordinator, TLC Events Co
📱 0431 091 056
The Queensland Garden Show is entering a new chapter — one grounded in its history but focused firmly on the future. With continued collaboration between industry, media and community, we are confident the Show will continue to grow, inspire and serve Australian gardeners for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Colin Fruk
Chief Executive Officer
Greenlife Industry Queensland
