August 2023

Image courtesy of Tracy Walsh Photography

Good Day Friends,

I’m about to date myself here, but as I leave the Twin Cities, and as silly as it sounds, the line, ‘We’re back’ from the Kiss song New York Groove keeps replaying in my head. Because yes, GardenComm was back in person in Minneapolis, and it was FABULOUS.

It was so GREAT to see everyone in person, reconnecting with both old and new friends and those who came from near and far (I’m talking about you Michael Perry, Andrea Whitely and Perla Sofia Curbelo-Santiago!). There were outstanding educational talks from both familiar and new faces. The gardens on the tours were outstanding! I think everyone left energized, enthusiastic and inspired (at least until their flights were delayed!).

As is customary, the conference grand finale was the GardenComm Media Awards, Honors and In Memorium at the ‘closing’ banquet. Congrats to our honorees:

• Jim Wilson Mentoring Award - Larry Cipolla and Heidi Heiland
• Green Medal Sustainability - Doug Tallamay
• Emergent Communicator - Acadia Tucker
• Wilfred J. Jung Distinguished Service - Spring Meadow Nursery, Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs
• Fellow Honors - Mary-Kate Mackey and Nan Sterman
• Hall of Fame - Bill Johnson

Congrats also to the Silver and Gold Laurel Media Awards Winners. A complete list of the Gold winners have been posted online under 2023 Media Awards. A special thanks to C.L. Fornari, with help from Ellen Zachos and pictures from Randy Schultz, for putting together a 75^th anniversary retrospective.

Once again I have to give a shout-out and BIG thank you to the Local Arrangements Chairs – Ryan McEnanney, Gretchen McNaughton, Tracy Walsh – and their volunteer team for welcoming us to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. And to Bailey Nurseries for a spectacular production tour  and dinner in their show garden (sorry but ya’ll missed something extraordinary).

Image courtesy of Keri Byrum

Thanks to our staff – Chris and Virginia Sabaresse for pulling off their first in person conference for GardenComm! And to members, Sean and Allison McManus for stepping up and assisting Chris with registration and on-site needs.

Of course, a special thanks to all of our sponsors for supporting us in so many ways, not only at this event but for over our 75 year history! And last but not least, thank you to all the attendees for making the trek to Minnesota. I think they’ll agree the trip was more than worth it. I heard from several attendees after day one that the event had already exceeded their expectations and provided a positive ROI.

As I mentioned in last month’s president’s letter, conference attendees receive FREE admission to our virtual conference this fall and as such, will get access to the recordings from the annual conference. They’ll also get first call for scheduling Pitch the Editors session slots. Those who could not make it to MN will be able to purchase a ticket to the virtual conference and then they too will receive the recordings.

The virtual conference is tentatively slated for October 18-20, so mark your calendars today! This event will also include the ever popular Pitch the Editors sessions, the Story Slam as well as some additional live events and education. More will be forthcoming as plans are solidified.

What leaves me most excited about last week's annual conference, is hearing how so many attendees are looking forward to next year's conference and beyond. We're dreaming bigger and better, so keep some time open on your calendar next year to join us in 2024!

PS - ICYMI, we're beginning to plan the Virtual Conference for October 18-20 and sponsorship opportunities are now available. From new presentations to education session sponsors, discover how GardenComm can help get your message out to the Green Industry's top communicators. Contact info@gardencomm.org for more details.

Upcoming Events