I’m asking for a few minutes of your time – please – to read my president’s letter. Why? Because chances are, you might just be missing out. Out on what? Regardless of whether you are attending the annual conference or not (there is still time to sign up though), the fact is members asked, we listened, and I want to be sure you know the cool and quality content the staff, local arrangements committee and volunteers have spent hours of their time pulling together for attendees with member feedback in mind. And, so that if attending you know the perks you receive for signing up and if you aren’t attending, you can get a preview of what will be available virtually after the fact. For instance, did you know…
Those attending the conference will get the first opportunity to sign-up for our virtual Pitch the Editors Sessions coming this fall (yep, you’re special). The conference schedule continues to be tweaked and enhanced. Let me share a few examples:
Michael Perry, aka Mr. Plant Geek is our newest speaker! (I’m bringing my copy of Hortus Curious to get signed!)
PlantPOP is the ONLY horticulture cinema studio in the world. They will have a screening sample of their documentary films (they have made over 250) in MN at OUR event! Their horticultural producer Kendhal Huber will also be speaking on “Communicating the Relationship Between Plants and People”
Tracy Walsh, award-winning photographer, will take brand new head shots in the Bailey Nurseries garden for 7 lucky winners (I need this)
Bailey’s is hosting a mixed container contest at their evening dinner – won’t that be fun and different and who will you be rooting for? PS it’s in the show gardens that our very own Kelly Norris recently re-designed (and yes he’ll be there).
I am stoked to meet The Chocolate Botanist™, Derek A. Haynes, who is a new speaker for GardenComm. If you have not yet, check out his Instagram account (which is how I found him originally) where he scientifically addresses questionable hort advice and content on the internet (you tell ‘em Derek!)
FREE Continental Breakfast; before the early morning photoshoot and day one of the education sessions. When was the last time we had that at one of our conferences?
Lunch is on us! We’re having a sit-down lunch where our sponsors will make short presentations so you know who they are and what new and exciting plants or products they represent.
Our ED Chris Sabbarese will have a special, in person announcement in regards to Great Garden Speakers and ‘Circle’.
We are co-locating with the Garden Center Conference and Expo. Who cares you say? Well, let me put it to you this way:
We are invited on to their trade show floor to meet over 40 exhibitors plus enjoy beverages and appetizers on GardenComm (so are you seeing a theme here people – a lot of meals and food included in your registration yet the ticket price is the same as our 2019 event!).
The GCCE event is attended by higher level retail management – the decision makers. So come with your 1 page and elevator speech because our conference will put you in the same room with potential clients who could benefit from your communication skills. (You wanted business opportunities to make money, so here you go!)
There is a nice sized group headed to Minneapolis and I’m excited to visit and connect with friends new and old. My personal goal at any event is to come away with at the very least one tangible actionable item for me and my business. I know from past experience that this event pays me back in spades. I get way more than I give in dollars to attend. I’ll be there and if I can help your ROI in any way, just tap me on the shoulder and I’ll try my best.
Ohio Wrap-up
#Cultivate23 welcomed GCI members. It was a fantastic few days. I arrived early for the HRI board meeting where I continue to try and find connections between our organizations and contacts. Thanks to sponsor Spring Meadow Nursery, I attended the Women in Horticulture Luncheon who had a fabulous speaker. Bailey’s hosted another great product launch bash that many of our members enjoyed. There is so much to see at this event, Chris and I met with AmericanHort staff to see how we might further collaborate.
Additionally, VP C.L. Fornari, met with members in a brainstorming session about ideas for our organization. There is an online, MEMBERS ONLY, brainstorming meeting this coming Monday, July 24 at 6PM EST. Click here to register. You must be a current member to receive the meeting link.
Farwest
Will you be attending the Farwest Show the end of August? I’ll be there. You can find me on the show floor or in the Proven Winners® booth representing the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® tree program. Hope to see you on the left coast!
Thanks for taking the time to read my letter. I sincerely appreciate it. I hope to connect in person with you in MN and/or OR! Take care and be well.
PS - ICYMI, Annual Conference Sponsorships are still available. Come celebrate our 75th Anniversary in August and discover how GardenComm can help get your message out to the Green Industry's top communicators.
Register Now! 2023 GardenComm Annual Conference August 1-5, presented by Endless Summer® Hydrangeas
👀 📹 Want to get a sneak peek of what's planned for Minneapolis? Watch the video with Ryan McEnaney from Bailey Nurseries® to see what's on tap for this year's event. Check out the website for more details and we'll see you in Minneapolis.
