Photo courtesy of Seed Your Future
While most trade shows focus on education and sales, Seed Your Future used AmericanHort’s Cultivate’25 to do something more transformative: inspire the next generation of green industry professionals.
This year, the nonprofit invited a group of high school students and teachers to the country’s largest horticulture trade show to observe, connect, ask questions and envision careers in horticulture. This blueprint shows how trade shows can become talent pipelines, opening doors to meaningful careers and sparking long-term interest in the green industry.
Led by Executive Director Jazmin Albarran, the group toured more than 25 booths, meeting with industry leaders from across the supply chain, such as founders, growers, marketers and scientists .
Makenzie Pellissier, intellectual property manager at Proven Winners, said, “The students were curious, engaged and asked great questions. We love sharing our passion and are eager to meet future groups at the shows we attend.”
Exploring horticulture career possibilities
For students like Sito, from East High School in Columbus, Cultivate was a rare opportunity to learn from professionals face-to-face.
“I was excited to network with people from across the industry and learn about their experiences,” he said. “I also learned about the latest trends and technologies in horticulture.”
For educators like Kristina Douglas, an intervention specialist focused on orthopedic impairments, the show offered a lens on what's possible for her students.
“As an intervention specialist, I can see how horticulture offers opportunities that reach students with a wide range of abilities, skills and interests,” she said. “It was eye-opening to see just how many different kinds of people can find meaningful, fulfilling roles in this field.”
And for Alex Henz, a 9th-grade STEM teacher at Global Impact STEM Academy and a recent participant in Seed to STEM, the experience reaffirmed the industry’s collaborative spirit.
“It’s often said that horticulture is the friendliest industry, and this tour proved it," Henz said. "Even competitors worked together and welcomed us with open arms. What stuck with me most was the depth of the industry, everything from genetics and pest management to advanced horticulture research. There truly is a role for everyone.”
Henz also joined Cultivate's Greenhouse Production Tour, visiting Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse, Green Legacy and The Ohio State University’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex. The immersive experience left him inspired to integrate horticulture into his STEM curriculum.
“We talk about aviation and engineering, but now I can show students that horticulture is just as high-tech and full of opportunity,” he said.
Exhibitor feedback reinforced how vital these interactions are to the future of the industry.
Heather Cannon, regional sales manager at CREO, said, “This is truly the best industry, and I’m happy to see the next generation interested and excited about the opportunities available.”
“We’re proud to be part of their learning journey,” added Bill Steen, sales manager at MasterTag. “Happy to support this project however we can.”
Green Career Week 2025
Douglas and Henz are integrating what they learned into their classrooms, where their influence will reach hundreds of students this year.
For companies that want to support the next wave of horticulture professionals, Seed Your Future’s Green Career Week, Oct. 6-10, is the next big opportunity. This nationwide initiative connects schools with green industry employers through classroom visits, career panels and workplace tours.
“Visiting events like Cultivate informs and inspires students to learn more about a career in horticulture,” said Terri McEnaney, board chair of Bailey Nurseries. “Engaging students in activities during Green Career Week is another great opportunity to reach a potential future grower or landscape designer, so find a way to get involved and be a part of Seed Your Future.”
To host a student group, speak at a school or sponsor outreach, email info@seedyourfuture.org.