Jul 21, 2022

Snapshots from Cultivate’22

Industry members gathered in Columbus, Ohio, from July 16-19, 2022, for no shortage of education sessions, trade show exhibitors, new product launches, production tours and much more. Coverage will continue for a long time, but here are some highlights. 

The second annual Women in Horticulture luncheon featured happiness practitioner Jean Steel speaking on embracing change and really staying positive. The packed house had everyone leaving uplifted and full of laughter. 

In this year’s State of the Industry address, Ken Fisher, AmericanHort president and CEO, welcomed the large crowd with a mostly uplifting report and a “proceed with caution” attitude.

Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort vice president of advocacy, research, and industry relations, took us inside Washington and warned of changes to the rules of H-2A on the horizon.

Charlie Hall, AmericanHort chief economist, provided an economic update including increased sales industry-wide but with increased input costs and a need to continue raising wages to remain competitive and attract good talent. 

GPN celebrated our 40 Under 40 Class of 2022 and the GPN/Prospiant Intern of the Year, Cole Bieker from Kansas State University, in a special reception. The house was packed for the first in-person celebration since the pandemic with nearly all 40 honorees making their way across the stage.

The trade show itself had approximately 650 exhibitors and plenty of takeaways for anyone walking the show floor. Cut flowers and houseplants were two categories on the green goods side that really jumped out more than in years past, while overwhelming positive business reports dampened slightly by supply chain woes were the main threads during conversations.