ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Grand Rapids 2026 | |
Get Ready for the 2026 IPPS Eastern Region Annual Conference!
Registration will open soon! Stay informed for your chance to register early by checking the official conference for updates on registration and hotel reservations.
| | Conference Highlight: Keynote Speaker | | | | |
Dr. Tom Ranney
Garden Innovations: Breeding Plants for Flair and Fortitude
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION
Sure, we want to breed and market plants that have spectacular appeal and beauty. But we also want them to be durable, resilient, pest resistant and non-invasive. Modern breeding programs are up to the challenge using diverse and novel techniques to develop new cultivars that not only beautify but enhance the environment too. In addition to advances in conventional breeding, new plant biotechnologies and applications are developing rapidly and offer tremendous potential for crop improvement. Integrating these technologies, including gene editing (e.g., CRISPR), expands the potential to develop the next generation of ground-breaking nursery crops
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Become a Sponsor for the 2026 IPPS-ER 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 IPPS Eastern Region Foundation announces that applications are now being accepted for the Early Career North American Exchange Program. The Exchange is open to IPPS Eastern Region Members up to 35 years old or new to the industry. This year a single Exchange Delegate will receive up to $2,000 toward travel and hotel expenses to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting of either the Southern or Western Region. The deadline to apply is June 15th, 2026. Applicants will be notified by early July. Please address questions to Brian Maynard, IPPS ER Foundation Secretary/Treasurer at ippserfnd@gmail.com.
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LAST CALL! IPPS-ER Foundation Academic Scholarship
There is still time to apply! IPPS Eastern Region Foundation will be awarding several academic scholarships worth up to $2,000 each for students working towards a degree in a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate program in horticulture or a related field. Students must have completed at least two semesters (terms) by the end of the Spring 2026 semester.
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Please share this opportunity with your friends in horticulture or related fields. The application deadline is June 1, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by August 2026.
Questions? Contact Dr. David L. Sanford, IPPS-ER Foundation Academic Scholarship Chair: DLS30@psu.edu; 610-823-5776
The IPPS Eastern Region Foundation was established in 2004 to support research and education in ornamental horticulture.
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HRI INVESTS $516K IN 18 GREEN INDUSTRY PROJECTS
The Horticultural Research Institute, the research affiliate of AmericanHort, is investing $516K supporting new work designed to strengthen every stage of the horticulture supply chain. The selected projects address a wide range of industry priorities, including plant propagation and production efficiency, pest and disease management, landscape plant performance, and consumer engagement with horticultural products. Together, the projects reflect the breadth of challenges and opportunities facing growers, landscapers, retailers and allied businesses.
| | MEMBER UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES | |
2025 Proceedings Uploaded
The 2025 IPPS Proceedings have been completed by International Editor, Dr. Robert Geneve, and are now available on the IPPS website. This milestone marks the release of our 75th volume, a testament to decades of shared knowledge, collaboration, and commitment to advancing plant production.
This year’s Proceedings feature a wide range of insightful articles, research findings, and practical experiences from members around the world. Each contribution reflects the strength of our “Seek and Share” mission, continuing the tradition of learning from one another and supporting innovation across our industry. We encourage all members to explore the latest volume and take full advantage of this valuable resource
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3rd Annual Happy Hour at Cultivate ’26
The 3rd Annual IPPS North American Happy Hour, is taking place during Cultivate '26 on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Big Bar on Two inside the Hyatt Regency Columbus.
This highly anticipated event has quickly become a cornerstone gathering for horticulture professionals across North America. Designed to foster meaningful connections in a relaxed and welcoming setting, the IPPS Happy Hour brings together growers, propagators, researchers, students, and industry leaders for an evening of networking and collaboration. For additional information including sponsorship opportunties, click on the below.
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Bring Your Talent to Our 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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Newsletters Archive
Need to reference a previous newsletter or did you miss a few because it's spring and we're all a bunch of busy bees! Not to fear -- newsletters are now archived on the IPPS Eastern Region website.
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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.
| | THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS | | | | |
