SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 8, 2025 - BHB-GardenSummit: Where Strategy Meets Sustainability
When market conditions get tough, strategy becomes everything. For retailers in the garden and DIY sector, the BHB-GardenSummit has established itself as an essential touchpoint for fine-tuning brand strategies and staying competitive. Now in its 10th edition, this compact, high-impact event is once again rounding off the spoga+gafa trade fair. It’s set to take place on June 26 at 1:30 p.m. at the Congress Centrum Nord, Koelnmesse.
A Must-Attend Event for Garden Retail Leaders
Industry leaders from across the German-speaking region and neighboring countries will gather at this half-day event to gain valuable insights and explore future opportunities. The event is tailored for decision-makers in retail, industry, and service sectors, offering a sharp focus on current numbers, emerging trends, and areas of growth.
"From numbers to AI marketing – the BHB-GardenSummit covers a broad spectrum," organizers emphasize.
A Global Perspective on Garden Retail Collaboration
The summit opens with a welcome by Jochen Ludwig, a board member of BHB. He sets the stage for an international perspective delivered by Peter-Paul Kleinbussink, Managing Director of Dutch garden retail chain Intratuin. His presentation explores the potential of cross-border cooperation between cooperatives in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands—a timely topic as retailers seek to scale and innovate.
Barbecue Market in Focus: Innovation or Saturation?
Once a powerhouse category in garden retail, barbecue and grilling has recently shown signs of stagnation. Is the market oversaturated? Has it gone too premium-heavy? Or is it simply time for a new wave of innovation?
These questions will be tackled by Norbert Jedrau, Managing Director of the Grillverband BIAG, and Daniel Schellhoss, Managing Director of Santos Grills, in a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Peter Wüst. This session is sure to spark conversation among attendees looking to reignite growth in this previously booming segment.
Work Culture as a Business Driver
Company culture takes center stage next with Susanne Eidenberger, Managing Director of Austria’s bellaflora. She shares practical insights into New Work trends, cultural transformation, and aligning company values with business goals—a timely discussion for brands navigating generational change and shifting employee expectations.
AI Marketing for Garden Retailers
In the age of digital transformation, the summit doesn’t shy away from tech. Thorsten Moortz, founder of handwerk.live, breaks down how AI tools can supercharge target audience marketing for garden retailers. This session promises to provide practical tools that attendees can take back to their businesses immediately.
Retail Trends and Market Analysis
The event’s foundational pillar—market data—will be delivered by Sascha Kehrstephan from GfK/Nielsen IQ. His update includes the latest on consumer trends, sales development, and untapped market potential—an essential session for retailers aiming to benchmark performance and plan strategically.
Networking Meets Culinary Delight
As is tradition, the summit concludes with a gourmet barbecue in the courtyard of the Congress Centrum Nord. This informal setting allows for networking across retail, industry, and service providers, wrapping up the day with great food and even better conversation.
Discover More and Secure Your Tickets
All event details and ticketing information can be found at: www.gardensummit.de/start
About BHB – Handelsverband Heimwerken, Bauen und Garten e.V.
The BHB represents the economic interests of DIY, construction, and garden retail companies across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. As a key voice for the industry, BHB actively engages with political bodies, media, and supply chain stakeholders through its national and European partnerships. With over 210 supporting members and 25 retail organizations, the association covers a sector employing nearly 480,000 people in Germany alone. In 2024, the industry recorded a gross turnover of €20.92 billion.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the future of garden retail. Join the leaders shaping tomorrow—get your ticket today!