ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Grand Rapids 2026
September 22 - 25, 2026
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Register today and Save!
Join us at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan for four days of tours, talks, networking, and learning.
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We have a block of rooms reserved at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids from September 22 - 25, 2026, but you must book by September 2 to receive the $199 group rate.
To reserve your room, use the booking link above or call (616) 774-2000 to make a reservation and to also include dates earlier or later than the dates of the conference. Be sure to reference IPPS Eastern Region Annual Conference to receive the group rate.
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Join your fellow plant professionals for inspiring talks, hands-on tours, networking opportunities, and plenty of time to connect with colleagues from across the industry.
Reserve your spot by September 2nd to lock in the discounted rate. After this date, registration increases by $50.
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Highlights include:
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Pre-Tour (Sept 22) — Explore Mast Young Plants, Countryside Greenhouse, Walter's Gardens, & Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
- Bus Tour (Sept 24) - Visit DeGrandchamp Farms, Farmhaus Farms, & Spring Meadow Nursery
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Silent Auction — Submit your items now!
Ship to:
Spring Meadow Nursery
Attn: Ginger Thursston/IPPS ER
12415 120th Ave
Grand Haven, MI 49417
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BECOME A SPONSOR FOR THE 2026 IPPSER ANNUAL CONFERENCE!
Showcase your commitment to the horticultural community and gain exceptional visibility by sponsoring the 2026 IPPS Eastern Region Annual Conference.
This premier event offers unique opportunities to connect with industry leaders, decision-makers, and dedicated plant professionals.
Sponsorship opportunities at various levels are available now—secure your spot early for maximum exposure!
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The 2026 IPPS International Tour, hosted by the Eastern Region, is now just over a month away! With participants traveling from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe, and across the United States, this promises to be an unforgettable opportunity to experience horticulture from a truly global perspective while building lasting professional connections.
All International Tour participants will conclude their journey at the Eastern Region Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan, creating a unique opportunity for members to meet colleagues from around the world. Be sure to introduce yourself, share ideas, and make new friends, one of the greatest benefits of IPPS is the chance to connect with passionate plant professionals from both near and far. We look forward to seeing you all in September!
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PLANT PRODUCTION EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Steve Foltz, President of IPPSER, has been working diligently to launch a range of engaging Educational Series opportunities specifically designed for IPPS members. With his innovative vision, he aims to not only enrich the IPPSER learning experience but also develop effective recruiting tools to grow the membership base. Click below to dive into Steve's vision and passion for uplifting the organization.
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WHAT TOPICS ARE YOU INTERSTED IN?
There's a wealth of knowledge waiting to be uncovered. What educational topics related to plant production spark your curiosity and ignite your passion? Click on the link below to share your thoughts.
| | | NAVIGATING INSURANCE FOR GREENHOUSES AND HORTICULTURE BUSINESSES | | Greenhouse growers face unique insurance issues, but there are ways to tighten up coverage, according to Casey Byrd, Agriculture and Natural Resource county agent with the University of Kentucky. Byrd discusses how greenhouse growers can better position themselves for disasters and the lesser-known insurance areas that tend to be overlooked. | | MEMBER UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES | |
STUDENT CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP
The IPPS Eastern Region is now offering scholarships for qualifying students to cover registration costs for this years conference that will take place at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. September 22 - 25, 2026. The deadline to apply is August 14th.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Candidate must be enrolled in a horticulture or other plant-related program of study and be an active student at the time of the conference.
- Candidate must fill out the application in its entirety, including a faculty reference.
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Candidate must be a Student Member of the IPPS Eastern Region. Student membership is free.DATES OPPORTUNITIES
| | 3RD ANNUAL HAPPY HOUR AT CULTIVATE '26 | Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 3rd annual IPPS Happy Hour at Cultivate! It was wonderful to reconnect with longtime members, welcome prospective members, and share an evening of conversation with colleagues from across the green industry. We extend our sincere appreciation to our generous sponsors, whose support made this event possible and helped create a welcoming atmosphere for networking and fellowship. The enthusiastic response reinforces the value of bringing the IPPS community together outside of our annual meetings, and we look forward to expanding these membership outreach opportunities at future trade shows and industry events. Together, we continue to strengthen our community by living the IPPS motto: “To Seek and To Share.” | |
BRING YOUR TALENT TO THE TABLE
We need YOU to consider joining the IPPS Eastern Region Board of Directors. The Board consists of 10 members (President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Past President and six Directors) and serves as the governing and policy making body of the Region. The International Delegate and Alternate International Delegate are non-voting members of the Board.
The IPPS Eastern Region Board of Directors is responsible for the well-being and future of the organization. The term of service for Directors is three-years. Two new Directors are added to the Board each year as two Directors rotate off the Board. Officers must have previously served as Directors.
Help shape the future of the IPPS Eastern Region: Contact Nominations Chair Shelby French for more information: sfrenchdoerun@gmail.com
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Spring Meadow
Nursery Assistant Manager - Propagation Production
Nursery Production Intern
McKay Nursery
Plant Propagator
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Assistant/Associate Professor - Plant Propagation
Have an opening? You can submit job openings to our Careers page—completely free!
Whether you're hiring or looking to spread the word, it's easy to participate. Just send a single PDF (under 500 KB) or a link to your job posting, including title, location, description, and contact details. Listings must be submitted to the regional IPPS site you’re registered with and are subject to approval by the IPPS Executive Committee.
Let’s help grow our community—share your opportunities today.
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NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
Need to reference a previous newsletter or did you miss the last issue? Newsletters are now archived on the IPPS Eastern Region website.
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| THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS | | We are deeply grateful to our confirmed sponsors for their incredible support of the 2026 Eastern Region Annual Conference in Grand Rapids. Their contributions are enabling us to deliver high-quality programming, valuable scholarships, and memorable experiences for all attendees. Please consider visiting their websites to learn more about their products and services. | | ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPONSORS | | | | |
