Last week I attended the Social Media Marketing World, in San Diego, CA. To no surprise, the topic of AI and ChatGPT was part of the keynote. The question that Michael Stelzner of the Social Media Examiner, put to the audience, "Will AI replace content creators?" I've spoken to many members and heard their opinions on AI and acceptance of AI has been mixed. Considering that it's now the fastest adopted technology in the history of the world, AI will be in a majority of communications in less than 2 years. As he continued his keynote, the lightbulb switched on, as communicators, we can all benefit from all that AI has to offer if we embrace it.
Leaving SMMW, I flew to Mississippi for National Association of Landscape Professionals', 47th Annual National Collegiate Landscape Competitions held at Mississippi State University. Worlds collided when GardenComm President, Maria Zampini, was also attending the event so I was able to connect and meet with her. As a long time sponsor at NCLC, I had the opportunity to participate in the social media contest and award the best individual student posts. I observed that while the students were focused on the competitions, few were sharing their experience on social channels. As these students progress in their horticultural careers, it became clear that they are missing an opportunity to be green industry communicators that can lead to its own opportunity working for a brand, an industry influencer or promoting their tree care or landscape business.
Again, the lightbulb went on that GardenComm can work with NALP on a workshop on social media, not only to get social at NCLC, but also demonstrate the value of learning communication skills for their careers. I spoke to the powers that be at NALP and we'll have a conversation to have GardenComm at the 2024 event at BYU in Provo.
GardenComm is the communications hub for the industry and I'm looking forward to exploring new ways to make our jobs easier with AI and teaching communication skills to the next generation of horticultural professionals.
Last week's events also served as a reminder, that being at these kind of industry events, opens doors. It doesn't happen virtually. Experiencing them in person, having conversations, and sharing meals, all leads to fresh ideas and new opportunities. GardenComm's annual conference happens in August, so don't let these opportunities pass you by. Come see us, learn and create new opportunities for yourself in Minneapolis.
Chris Sabbarese
GardenComm | Executive Director
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🏆 Region 3, Carol Michel received a first place award from the Woman's Press Club of Indiana for her blog post "Growing Lettuce Like It's 1957." and her children's book, "The Halloween Hare", published in 2022. Both will now be nationally judged by the National Federation of Press Women. Congratulations and good luck.
🏆 Region 3, Carol Michel and Dee Nash recently received a First Place award from the Woman's Press Club of Indiana for their podcast episode called "Every Leaf Speaks Bliss to Me" published in October 2022. The podcast episode will now be nationally judged by the National Federation of Press Women. Good luck!
📹 R6 Virtual Meeting with Epic Gardening's, Kevin Espiritu, talks about their acquisition of Botanical Interests. Kevin shared his insights on seeds, content creation and more. Check out the replay.
Don't Miss Out on the Laurel Media Awards!
Submit Your Application Now
Ends Today!
Some stars win Oscars or Tonys. Starting in 2023, stars of the GardenComm Media Awards will win Laurels! Our new award nickname – with new graphics – gives the recognition behind the awards a suitably botanical twist, just in time to celebrate our 75th Anniversary.
Will you be a GardenComm laureate this year? Now’s the time to enter your best work in one of the widest arrays of award categories in the green industry.
GardenComm is randomly selecting members to post a profile to get to know a little about them. We'll feature them on the website and one each month in the Regions Newsletter.
Meet Susan Betz
Susan is a Region 3 GardenComm member from southern Michigan. She specializes in regenerative gardening, and her latest/favorite garden-focused content involves using phenology and citizen science to connect people-place & plants.
She is also a fan of Asknature.org, a site that “presents profiles of intriguing and inspiring strategies developed by various species to meet challenges of all kinds.” It also contains a searchable library of living things and the functions that their strategies are performing.
National Garden Bureau is hosting a variety of free webinars, called "Ask the Experts". Click Learn More to see dates, session topics and registration.
Spring Wildflower Walk & Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Tour | Pittsburgh, PA
April 21
Come take a walk on the wild side! Region 2 invites you to explore a trove of spring wildflowers at Raccoon Creek State Park, Wildflower Preserve, followed by lunch at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden and a guided walking tour of the garden.
$60 for members, non-members & guests. Space is limited to the first 20 guests to register.
Cultivate'23 is the largest horticulture trade show in North America! It is happening July 15-18, 2023 at the Columbus Convention Center. Thanks to AmericanHort, GardenComm members are eligible to receive the AmericanHort member discount pricing when registering for Cultivate'23.
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.
