DAY 1 

Wednesday, October 12

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST

GardenComm Welcome & Annual Business Meeting

1:30 PM - 1:45 PM EST

Sessions Break

1:45 PM - 2:30 PM EST

Regional Meetings

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM EST

Sessions Break

2:45 to 3:45 PM EST

Something Wicked This Way Comes - presented by Margery Daughtery

Plant Diseases, How to Identify and control with emphasis on non-chemical methods. A lighthearted but science-based session for everyone from newbie to the seasoned gardener. Attendees will learn about plant diseases, including problems for annuals, veggies, perennials, shrubs and trees. Enhance your knowledge of plant diseases, and learn how to share this information with the public.

2:45 to 3:45 PM EST

Marketing Magic for Freelance Garden Writers - presented by Ruth E. Thaler-Carter

2:45 to 3:45 PM EST

An Immersive Experience in Horticultural Videography - presented by Adriana Robinson

From simple plant features to drone footage, the world of video and its importance to our industry, and marketing in general, is rapidly expanding. Learn what Adriana sees on the horizon for video, what she thinks will be the next big things, and how you can prepare to meet that challenge. Learn what kinds of videos are the consistently most watched, and how to create them. Discover techniques that can change up your visual presentations, making your slate of videos an ever-changing info-buffet for your viewers, while maintaining the continuity of your brand. Hear about the equipment used at Spring Meadow Nursery, and some must-haves to create quality pieces.

3:45 - 4:00 PM EST

Sessions Break

4:00 to 5:00 PM EST

Sustainability Isn't Scary! Using the Power of Your Platform to Lure People to the Greener Side - presented by Amy Mullen

In this session, we'll talk about how to communicate about sustainability with those who are skeptical, dismissive, or feel overwhelmed by climate change. Hear about identifying pain points for homeowners and learn earth-friendly strategies for solving common problems. Find specific strategies for persuading people to take a green approach. Discover messaging for all types of gardeners, whether they are motivated by saving money, reducing work in the garden, building community, or trying to make a difference.

Sponsored by  Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp - Write For You! LLC

4:00 to 5:00 PM EST

Underground Information: The Rhizophagy Cycle and Endophytic Bacteria - presented by Jeff Lowenfels

Hear the latest dirt about the soil food web works. Learn how and why plants develop root hairs...and it isn’t to obtain nutrients! Discover what the future has in store for using biologics instead of synthetics in fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Find out about the Rhizophagy cycle and why it is important for helping plants thrive and survive.

4:00 to 5:00 PM EST

Word Play: How to Write Engaging Headlines and Captions - presented by Teresa Woodard

Powerful headlines count! Without them, your great content will go unnoticed, unread, unliked and unclicked. I'll show you how to turn that around with creative headline tricks I've learned from talented editors. We'll break down the elements of a magnetic headline, explore some winning examples and practice easy tricks for headline writing. Discover steps to writing catchy headlines that will make readers want to read on.

5:00 - 5:15 PM EST

Sessions Break

5:15 - 6:30 PM EST

Plant & Garden Story Slam 

Join in a festive evening of story-telling. Attend as a speaker or as an audience member. Think “The Moth goes horticultural!” If you’re not familiar with The Moth, check out the NPR program and podcast. To sign up to tell your story and for all the rules, visit the Story Slam page.

1:00 to 2:00 PM EST

Climate Resilient Gardens – Options and Solutions - presented by Debra Knapke

Climate Change is here, and our gardens are microcosms of what is happening around the world. What is our path for ensuring that our gardens can be resilient in this time of change, and how can we relay this to our listeners and readers? This session will offer ideas, practices and techniques for creating resilient gardens and landscapes.

1:00 to 2:00 PM EST

Photos With Thought & Emotion – Going Beyond Cliches - presented by Joe DeSciose

Whether you’re taking photos as a part of your garden center position, or for use in your own freelance communications, you can gain confidence and be more successful with photography tips shared during this presentation. We’ll discuss why some photos make better marketing pieces, and deliver a stronger connection to your work’s purpose, by combining ways to show botanical features and kindle emotional responses to your visual communication. Discover what is meant by “crop with your eyes” to increase focus on the intended strong point of your plant pictures. Learn more about how to share the backstory about your pictures, with inspiration gained by photography judges’ comments and feedback over the past four years. Let’s decipher the real story you want to tell with your nature, landscape and flower photos.

1:00 to 2:00 PM EST

Soil Fungi as Biofertilizers for Houseplants - presented by Sarah Emery

Hear about on-going research with soil microbes called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). While there are many commercial products that use AMF as biofertilizers, almost nothing is known about the potential for AMF to benefit foliage plants. Hear about the positive effects Professor Emery’s studies have shown on foliage plants including Aglaonemas, Sedums, and Coleus. Learn how AMF may help reduce plant maintenance costs, minimize the need for synthetic fertilizers, and improve plant owner experience.

2:00 - 2:15 PM EST

Sessions Break

2:15 to 4:45PM EST

Live Trade Show Exhibits & Networking

Come see what's new from the top growers and garden-related product brands during the virtual trade show and expo. Attendees can also request product samples and meet representatives from these companies. It's a great opportunity to visit the New Products Booth, vote for your favorite products and earn points towards a free GardenComm membership, a pass to the 2023 annual conference and raffle prizes. 

2:15 to 4:45 EST

Pitch Sessions - Meet the Editors Pre-Registered Event

GardenComm is excited to bring back Pitch Sessions at this year’s virtual conference!

Each pitch session consists of a fifteen-minute, one-on-one meeting in which participants pitch their projects and receive feedback from an editor. Feedback may include advice on improving your pitch, ways to refine your project, or a request to see your work.

4:45 - 5:00 PM EST

Sessions Break

5:00 – 6:30PM EST

BONUS New Plant Introductions - Direct from the Breeders - presented by Diane Blazek

Grab the beverage of your choice and sit back and come ready to be wowed by all the cool new stuff! National Garden Bureau's members represent the majority of North American breeding companies. In this session, Executive Director Diane Blazek brings you the newest of the new plants these breeders are introducing for the 2023 garden season. Be some of the first garden communicators to experience the excitement! Discover the new plant breeding trends and new varieties that result from those trends. This one-stop-shop can provide you with content and story-starter ideas for an entire year.

1:00 to 2:00 PM EST

Roadmap to Plant Introductions - presented by Ryan McEnaney and David Roberts

Journey with the Bailey Marketing and Communications Manager, and Bailey Innovations Manager/Head Breeder as they map out the process of bringing new plants from conception to introduction. Walk a step-by-step journey on how the Bailey team forecasts demands, decides what characteristics to breed for, what the breeding process looks like, how new plants are trialed and tested, what goes into marketing a new plant, and finally, what happens once a new plant is introduced. Attendees will leave with an all-encompassing understanding of what it takes to bring truly different and better plants to market.

1:00 to 2:00 PM EST

Show Me the Money! Increase Revenue From Online Content -presented by Nan Sterman and Noelle Johnson

In this presentation, veteran garden communicators Noelle Johnson and Nan Sterman share a three-pronged approach they have used to re-envision their businesses to better meet audience needs and create new revenue streams. Learn how to use/repurpose your knowledge and expertise to create digital products to meet audience needs/interests. See models for “knowledge products” to sell to audiences. Discover marketing strategies for reaching audiences. Hear about real-time examples of successful products, along with platforms used for their development.

1:00 to 2:00 PM EST

How Gardens Heal and Other Recent Trends in Youth Gardening - presented by Em Shipman

Hear about youth garden trends throughout the last 2 years, including the use of gardens to bring communities together and empower youth to use these as a force for good. Explore stories from across the country from schools, community gardens, families, and more. Attendees will learn how to share the critical importance of youth gardening programs in their communities as a way to heal, learn, and grow. Em will share strategies and ideas for blog topics, social media campaigns, and overall messaging to this key audience.

2:00 - 2:15 PM EST

Sessions Break

2:15 to 4:45PM EST

Live Trade Show Exhibits & Networking

Come see what's new from the top growers and garden-related product brands during the virtual trade show and expo. Attendees can also request product samples and meet representatives from these companies. It's a great opportunity to visit the New Products Booth, vote for your favorite products and earn points towards a free GardenComm membership, a pass to the 2023 annual conference and raffle prizes. 

2:15 to 4:45 EST

Pitch Sessions - Meet the Editors Pre-Registered Event

GardenComm is excited to bring back Pitch Sessions at this year’s virtual conference!

Each pitch session consists of a fifteen-minute, one-on-one meeting in which participants pitch their projects and receive feedback from an editor. Feedback may include advice on improving your pitch, ways to refine your project, or a request to see your work.

4:45 - 5:00 PM EST

Sessions Break

5:00 - 6:30 PM EST

Panel Discussion - Social Media

5:00 - 6:30 PM EST

Panel Discussion - Marketing

5:00 - 6:30 PM EST

Panel Discussion - How To Pitch Panel

10:00 – 11:00 AM EST

Siembra Tú Propio Campo de Oportunidades | Growing Your Own Field of Opportunities - panel discussion led by Eduardo Barba Gómez

Durante su intervención en la convención virtual de GardenComms, los miembros e invitados podrán conocer de primera mano la cultura y el interés hortícola en España; oportunidades de especialización en comunicación de jardines; y qué nuevas puertas se han abierto en el campo de la horticultura y la comunicación

Learn first-hand about the culture and horticultural interest in Spain; opportunities for specialization in garden communication; and what new doors have been opened in the field of horticulture and communication.

10:00 – 11:00 AM EST

Personal Branding: Standing Out From The Crowd - presented by Helen Battersby

Understand what a personal brand is and why it's important for all communicators. We'll look at how to map out your territory in a way that matters to your audience, and see how that works in a few case studies. Learn the difference between a logo and a personal brand. Hear how to narrow down all activities into a targeted brand message. Hear about guidelines for ensuring that your personal brand is authentic and meaningful. Discover how to stand out from the competition in ways that stick with your intended audience.

10:00 – 11:00 AM EST

Travel and Garden writing For Professionals - presented by Patterson Webster

Garden tourism is a growing business and the market for garden travel writing is growing along with it. So is the audience for speakers able to share their garden visits with others who dream of garden travel. Enlarge your market and learn the tips and tools you need to make each garden visit benefit you professionally. Discover how to get the most out of garden visits, for writing and speaking engagements. Help readers and listeners absorb a sense of gardens as a whole; convince audiences that this is a destination they need to visit; use photographs to do more than illustrate the garden.

11:00 - 11:15 PM EST

Sessions Break

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM EST

Networking Break & Exhibits

1:00 to 2:00 PM EST

Lessons From A Green Roof – Creating Habitats for Pollinators - presented by Louise Clarke

Find out how green roof habitat can replace areas lost to human development of land. Attendees will learn insect/plant interactions, insect habitat requirements, and construction techniques for habitat amendments. This presentation details a green roof habitat creation project in southeastern Pennsylvania that included late blooming native plants for pollen and nectar, an engineered seep for water retention, sand bank for burrowing insects, solitary bee nesting logs, and log and bark habitat to attract beetles. Target insect species as well as the plants used to entice them will be detailed. Ways to replicate these features in ground-level gardens will be explained.

1:00 to 2:00 PM EST

Translating Trends: Content Creator Tips for Taking 2023 Trends from Buzz to Blogosphere… and Beyond! - presented by Becky Paxton

Join Garden Media Group and gardener/social media content creator Laura Boissonnault of “How’s It Growing?” and Corrina Murray, Plant Development Services Inc. as we present the 2023 Garden Trends Report through the lens of content creation and planning for writers. Attendees will take a deep dive into the top takeaways beneath the trends: what are the plants, platforms, and perspectives you should know going into 2023? Glean tips for optimizing content by social platform, as well as which platforms you should have on your radar for content creation in the coming year. Learn how to translate the 2023 trends into topics that speak to your audience, convert them into social media content.

1:00 to 2:00 PM EST

Florece la variedad de narrativas sobre jardinería en medios y redes sociale | A Variety of Gardening Narratives Blooms in the Media Landscape - panel discussion led by Perla Sofia Curbelo

Durante este panel interactivo, los miembros de GardenComm tendrán la oportunidad de conocer a nuevos colegas de diversos orígenes cuyo trabajo es inspirador y está impulsando a las audiencias de habla hispana a dedicarse más a la jardinería. También compartirán sus procesos de creación de contenido en diferentes plataformas de medios; su experiencia construyendo comunidad; y su relación con las marcas.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet new colleagues from diverse backgrounds whose work is inspiring and is driving Spanish-Speaking audiences to garden more. They will also share their content creation processes on different media platforms; their experience building community; and their relationship with brands.

Panelists:
Angie & Ambrose Salazar
Cecilia Viteri

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST

Networking Break & Exhibits

2:30 to 3:45 PM EST

Awards & Honors & Preview of our 75th Anniversary Meeting in 2023

3:45 PM - 4:00 PM EST

Transition Break

4:00 to 5:00 PM EST

GardenComm Virtual After Party