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United by Proteas


Get ready to embark on an unforgettable five days of learning, exploring and networking during the highly anticipated XX International Protea Association Conference & XV International Protea Research Symposium taking place in California March 30 – April 4, 2025! Registration is now open for the conference, post-conference tour and for hotel lodging.


We're putting the finishing touches on an extraordinary lineup of educational and scientific sessions. Get ready to expand your knowledge and sharpen your skills as we prepare to deliver a truly enriching experience. The deadline for abstract submission is November 15, 2024.

Conference Venue - The Temecula Creek Inn is nestled in the rolling hills of Southern California wine country under the shade of broad oak trees, expect a true escape. Explore 300 acres of natural scenery where spacious suites, farm-to-table food, handcrafted cocktails, and picturesque views are par for the course. Reserve your hotel room before our block sells out which we expect will happen quickly.


TEMECULA CREEK INN

44501 Rainbow Canyon Road,

Temecula, CA 92592

(888) 976-3404


Any guests requesting to extend their stay outside of the contracted block dates may do so by speaking directly to a reservation agent. They can be reached by dialing (844) 382-7774 or emailing reservations@tciresort.com. Due to increased demand please allow at least 24 hours for a response.

Conference Farm & Nursery Tours - Embark on two-days of exploration while visiting local protea farms and nurseries to learn more about their growing and management practices. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how different sized farms with various growing tactics and specializations run their operations.


Start Monday off by exploring Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers, Kendall Farms and Rainbow Protea, scattered in and around the hills of Rainbow, 'America’s Protea' capital. Breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring a California Fresh flair will be prepared and served by exquisite Chef Flor Franco and her Indulge USA team.


On Thursday, learn how Altman Plant’s manages a nursery that maintains one of the largest inventories of protea plants in the country year-round. And see how Bandy Ranch Floral implements technologies and systems that maximize efficiency and sustainability into their bouquet business. Once again, breakfast and lunch will be prepared by Indulge USA.


Ask plenty of questions, network with the owners and staff, and take away new ideas for your own operations on these two days of exploration.

Post-Conerence Tour: Friday 4/4/24 - The Original Los Angeles Flower Market was founded in 1919 as the American Florists’ Exchange by a group of 30 enterprising European-American growers. In 1921, the first warehouse was built for The Original Los Angeles Flower Market.


Today, the expansive indoor floral marketplace features 32 vendors on a sales floor spanning 55,000 sq. ft., with an additional 20 vendors in surrounding buildings and supply houses. Open to the floral trade and the public, The Original Los Angeles Flower Market is part of the world-renown Los Angeles Flower District, the largest and most successful wholesale floral district in the country. Every in-season commercially sold variety of fresh-cut flowers are available from around the globe.


Gourmet Logistics Company is part of the Gourmet family of companies. They offer a full spectrum of services from logistics to flower and produce handling. With three strategically located facilities Gourmet logistics Company offer superior service for the food industry.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience! You'll soon be attending informative educational sessions, exploring local farms and networking with old and new friends. We'd love for you to join us for 'United by Proteas' in 2025!

Click below to secure your spot before they’re gone:

>> Register for Conference

>> Register for Post-Conference Tour

>> Book Hotel Accommodations

If you have any questions, feel free to reply to this email—We're here to help.

Mel Resendiz / IPA President

As spring 2025 begins in southern California we will gather for the XX International Protea Association Conference & XV International Protea Research Symposium. I am looking forward to seeing both familiar faces and some new ones. We have planned a fantastic week of activities for you, and I promise that you’ll go home with some incredible knowledge and great memories.


The conference theme is “United by Proteas” and our aim is to bring together floral industry colleagues to support our goal of increasing Protea awareness and consumption around the world. We have designed an invigorating lineup of activities including informative presentations, creative demonstrations, farm and nursery tours, savory meals and plenty of networking opportunities. Plus, April is springtime in Rainbow, California and the protea fields are lush and bountiful, and sure to captivate all attendees!


My best,

Mel

Kenneth Leonhardt / Convener

We are delighted to invite you to the 2025 International Protea Conference and International Protea Research Symposium in beautiful Temecula, San Diego County, California, the heart of protea production in North America. This esteemed gathering will bring together eminent industry professionals, researchers, breeders, propagators, marketers, producers and educators in an open forum for the discussion and disseminating of information on all aspects of crop production, farm management, handling of flowers, world-wide marketing and emerging trends.


IPA Conference abstract submission will open on 15 July 2024. IPA Conference abstract submission deadline is 15 November 2024. Send conference abstract submissions to Ken Leonhardt’s email at leonhard@hawaii.edu or the link below.


We look forward to welcoming you and your group to Temecula Creek Inn, and to the Conference and Symposium!



Sincerely,

Ken