IGCA Congress — Germany 2026
A Field Report for T5NP Subscribers
A Field Report for T5NP Subscribers
Hello YMM / T5NP Community friends!
In August 2026, a delegation of 23 subscribers and friends represented the USA at the IGCA Annual Congress in Munich, Germany, joining nearly 250 attendees from 21 countries. Your MarketMetrics was honored to serve as the USA Administration representative for 2026, and we're excited to share this field report with you.
German garden retail ranged from long-established, family-owned “classic” greenhouses to newer, large-format “home center” style operations, and every stop delivered outstanding merchandising inspiration alongside genuinely dazzling plant quality for August. Just as memorable: authentic German hospitality at every turn: dancing, lederhosen, song, beer, pretzels, spätzle, and wurst.
First-time attendee Sarah Davis (GM, Sunnyside Gardens – MN) put it best: “My biggest takeaway was the reminder to not lose your heart. (Garden center operation is a grind, no doubt.) Operate with your heart and customers will respond in kind.”
We came home inspired (and more than a little exhausted!), and already looking forward to IGCA's next trip: Japan, October 17-22, 2027.
Kellee O'Reilly (Your MarketMetrics, Minneapolis MN)
USA Administration Representative to IGCA, with contributions from Michael & Lisa Bracken, Scott Engh, Sarah Davis, Jay DeGraff, Campbell, and Mary Claire Bracken, and the entire 2026 USA delegation.