IGCA 2026
Germany Welcomes the World
After 14 years, the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress returns to Germany—and we couldn’t be more excited to host this extraordinary event! Organized by the Verband Deutscher Garten-Center e.V., the congress is powered by a dedicated team of board members, staff, and numerous entrepreneurial garden centre families from across the country. Since 2023, we’ve been working passionately on the concept and execution, supported by generous sponsors who help make this industry-defining event possible.
The IGCA Congress is a global platform for inspiration, exchange, and innovation. It brings together garden professionals from around the world to share ideas, discover trends, and shape the future of green retail. Our last congress in Germany took place in Cologne in 2012—and in 2026, Munich will become the vibrant heart of the international garden centre community.
Our Team
With hearts dedicated to the horticultural industry and eyes firmly set on the future, our planning team embodies the spirit of IGCA 2026 – passionate, collegial and united. It comprises committed members of the VDG Board, staff from our head office and, above all, current and former garden centre entrepreneurs who bring their experience, energy and vision to the table. What drives us? The joy of international exchange, dynamic networking and the opportunity to bring together people from all over the world who share a love for plants, design and customer care.
We are thrilled by the spontaneous enthusiasm of the garden centres we invited to be part of IGCA – their eagerness to contribute to something extraordinary is deeply inspiring. This sense of unity and shared purpose forms the foundation for an event that aims to touch hearts and spark ideas.
The project is led by our wonderful colleague Susanna Forst, who played an active role in the planning team for our last congress in Germany in 2012. Her passion and dedication are a driving force behind the preparations. She is supported by Ms Eveline Frank, whose commitment and organisational talent elevate the planning to a whole new level.
At the helm, our President Martina Mensing-Meckelburg brings extraordinary dedication and heartfelt enthusiasm to the realisation of IGCA 2026. Alongside her, our Vice President Norbert Langens contributes the valuable insight of many IGCA congresses he has attended over the years, helping us build bridges between generations of congress participants.
Our Managing Director Thomas Buchenau takes responsibility for all technical matters – including the website, online shop, finances, sponsorships and the event app.
Nadine Hermann, our association’s dedicated event manager, oversees the hotels and travel programme with great care and attention to detail.
Together, we are one team. “Together” is more than a motto for IGCA 2026 – it is the way we work, the way we connect, and the way we grow.
Our journey begins with the pre-tour
With great anticipation, we set off on Thursday, 12 August, in Frankfurt am Main for the exclusive Pre-Tour of the IGCA event. Delegates arrive and ease into what promises to be an inspiring week.
A small travel tip: for the smoothest experience, we recommend flying into Frankfurt for the pre-tour and booking your return flight from Munich.
From 13 August, we embark on a journey through renowned garden centres of the region, complemented by cultural gems such as the charming old town of Heidelberg and the scenic wine country around Rüdesheim on the Rhine.
Our path leads southwards, and by Sunday lunchtime, the pre-tour group arrives at the congress hotel – ready for the next chapter of this memorable experience. From 16 August, we all gather in Munich. From our congress hotels, H4 and H2, we explore Bavaria – its inspiring garden centre landscape and rich cultural life in Germany’s vibrant southern region.
This week is more than just an event – it’s a celebration for the IGCA family. A tribute to plants, culture, innovation, and the spirit of community.
We love it. And we can’t wait!