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STEVE'S TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Contemplating coming to the Annual Conference? Need some convincing? Well here are Steve's top 10 reasons that should help you decide!
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ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Grand Rapids 2026
September 22 - 25, 2026
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REGISTER TODAY & SAVE!
There is still time to register but important deadlines are approaching! Don't miss out! Act now!
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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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OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
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Silent Auction — Submit your items now! Plants are always a big auction hit, but donations do not have to be plants.
Ship to:
Spring Meadow Nursery
Attn: Ginger Thursston/IPPS ER
12415 120th Ave
Grand Haven, MI 49417
If you will be bringing items with you, please fill out the form ahead of time to avoid a data crunch at check in.
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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 less than a month away! We’re counting down the days and couldn’t be more excite-d to welcome our attendees for an incredible journey through the Midwest.
A huge THANK YOU to all of our tour stops and sponsors for their generous hospitality and support. Their enthusiasm, expertise, and generosity are what make this experience possible!
| | INTERNATIONAL TOUR SPONOSRS | | We are incredibly grateful to each of you for helping make the 2026 International Tour possible. We can’t wait to see everyone soon! 🌱✈️ | | |
IPPSER FOUNDATION AWARDS 4 SCHOLARSHIPS & SUPPORTS INTER-REGIONAL EXCHANGE
The IPPS Eastern Region Foundation has awarded four academic scholarships this summer. From among 34 applications the following students were recommended for scholarships:
| | Anna Cleckler of Auburn University. Anna just completed her undergraduate degree & is starting on a Master’s in Horticulture. Her research focus will be on plant growth regulator uses for growth control in woody ornamentals. Anna has served as a Teaching Assistant for Woody Plant Identification and as Vice President of the Auburn University Landscape Nursery Association. | | Layne Krug is an undergraduate at Purdue University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture with a minor in Plant Biology. She has maintained an outstanding 3.98 GPA while completing rigorous coursework in plant science, consistently earning honors and recognition within the College of Agriculture. | | Charles Smith is a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. at Michigan State University, where his research focuses on floriculture and greenhouse production. His career goal is to obtain a university faculty position with integrated teaching, extension, and research responsibilities. | | | | Margot Bridgen Scholarship recipient Alyssa Headley is a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, where her research focuses on developing a reliable somatic embryogenesis protocol for hybrid hazelnut callus tissue. She previously earned her M.S. from the University of Minnesota, where her research addressed production bottlenecks affecting emerging nursery crop species in the Upper Midwest. Alyssa has been an active participant in the International Plant Propagators' Society (IPPS), presenting her research at IPPS meetings and contributing to the exchange of knowledge within the profession. | | |
The Foundation also awarded an Early Career North American Exchange Program travel grant to IPPS ER member Sathwik Manjunath, who recently completed a Master's Degree in Controlled Environment Agriculture at Cornell University. Sathwik will be attending the Southern Region Annual Meeting and will report on his experience to the Eastern Region in 2027.
More scholarships and travel grants will be awarded next year. Please watch next spring for announcements in the newsletter.
| | | AUTOMATING NUSERY INVENTORY THROUGH DRONE APPLICATIONS | | Find out how the latest advances in RFID and drone research can be applied to nursery inventory management in this recent artcile in Nursery Magazine. | | MEMBER UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES | |
VOTE FOR INCOMING BOARD MEMBERS
Please be advised that during the Annual Conference in Grand Rapids - membership will vote on incoming Board members. The names proposed for service on the board are as follows:
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Jeff Kurtz, Executive Committee 2nd VP
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Matt Frederickson, Director
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Gladys Opiyo, Director
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International Alternate Director (pending)
Questions? Please contact Nominations and Recognition Chair Shelby French at sfrenchdoerun@gmail.com.
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LESS THAN 1 WEEK LEFT TO APPLY!
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 28th.
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.
- Candidate must be a Student Member of the IPPS Eastern Region. Student membership is free.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Spring Meadow
Nursery Assistant Manager - Propagation Production
Nursery Production Intern
McKay Nursery
Plant Propagator
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 | | | | |
