Photo courtesy of OAN
Green industry consultant and speaker John Kennedy will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Farwest Show.
In “Plant Your People,” he will share innovative approaches to employee investment and team development, offering a four-step plan to nurturing and supporting well-rooted teams, so they are ready to grow on day one.
“When green industry professionals need guidance on strategic planning, benchmarking, workplace culture, onboarding, retention, teamwork and leadership development, they turn to John Kennedy,” said Jamie Moore, events and education coordinator for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which produces the show. “We are thrilled to feature him as our keynote speaker at Farwest on the opening day of the show. His inspiring presentation will provide the ideal launch point for three days of making and renewing connections, recharging knowledge, finding great plant material, enjoying great company and adding to your toolbox of success.”
Over the past 25 years, Kennedy has presented to nearly 500,000 audience members worldwide. His client list includes Proven Winners, Willoway Nurseries, Everde Growers, AmericanHort, Louisiana Nursery, Manor View Farm, The Garden Center Group, Maryland Wine Association, Cape May Brewing Company, NAFDMA, Meadows Farms Nurseries, Summer Winds Garden Centers, Prides Corner Farms, Walters Gardens and more than 100 state associations, landscapers, growers, farms, nurseries and independent garden centers throughout North America.
The Farwest Show will take place Aug. 20-22, 2025, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. Kennedy’s keynote is at 11 a.m. Aug. 20. The same session will also include an update on the state of the nursery industry from OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone.
“For the well-rounded nursery professional, Farwest provides a supercharging boost for your business and your career,” Moore said. “A nonstop set of experiences awaits, from when you walk through the door in the morning, on through the seminars and expo hours, straight through to the end of the day, including our evening social events on Wednesday and Thursday.”
Farwest registration is now open at farwestshow.com/register. A variety of passes are available. Early bird rates are available through July 31.
Official Farwest hotels located within walking distance of the Oregon Convention Center are also available for booking. Discounted room rates are available through the Farwest room block at farwestshow.com/hotels.