The 2016 IPPS Eastern Region Conference is taking place Sept. 21-24 in Hartford, Conn. This year's theme is "The Yankee Way: Questioning, Learning and Sharing."
Program Chair Dale Pierson, of Pierson Nurseries in Biddeford, Maine has created an educational program that involves panel discussions and asks speakers to take questions and comments during their talks giving you the chance to actively participate. Topics include the latest on greenhouse coverings, foliar application of rooting hormones, marketing natives, propagation of Aronia, creating a system that works for propagating challenging plants, propagating for pollinators, evaluating Hydrangea performance and much more including some out-of-the-box topics like chestnut restoration, hops production and viticulture in New England. Panel discussions will tackle the hot topics of branding and the role of GMO's in horticulture.
There will be tours on three of the four conference days starting with a full day pre-conference tour on Wednesday, Sept. 21 that will allow you to tour the fantastic plant collections of The Arnold Arboretum and Mt. Auburn Cemetery in the company of fellow plant enthusiasts. Attendees will enjoy two half-day conference tour days giving them behind the scenes access to leading production nurseries in the state including Broken Arrow Nursery, Summer Hill Nursery and Casertano Greenhouses & Farms on Thursday and Prides Corner Farms, Canterbury Horticulture and The Plant Group on Friday.
The conference will finish up with plant auctions, a poster session and time to socialize. The host hotel, the Marriott Hartford Downtown, overlooks the Connecticut River and is in easy walking distance to restaurants, bars and local Hartford attractions. Come learn the latest plant production techniques from the pros and connect with those in the know. Register by Aug. 26 for a chance to win one of two gift cards to Ted’s Montana Grill near the host hotel and make your room reservation by that date as well to get the conference rate. Click here for more details and registration information.