Cultivate’18 — A Time for Introductions
I have just returned from Cultivate’18 in Columbus, Ohio, as this issue was going to press.
I’m still trying to sort through all of the new business cards I received, track down all of my receipts and wait for my feet to stop hurting after five incredibly busy days. While it may be exhausting, it also was exhilarating.
Cultivate is where the industry comes together to learn about the latest and greatest plant and new product introductions. It is also where we are introduced (and reintroduced) to new friends and business acquaintances.
It was also a time for introductions for us at GPN and Lawn & Garden Retailer.
INTRODUCING GPN’S 2018 CANNABIS CONFERENCE
On the Saturday prior to Cultivate’18, GPN introduced its first-ever Cannabis Conference. More than 80 horticulture professionals attended our inaugural event to learn more about what growers can expect if they are considering entering the cannabis business.
During the day-long conference, growers, breeders, suppliers, scientists, educators and so many more from our industry came together to expand their knowledge on this emerging and exciting horticultural category.
INTRODUCING THE CLASS OF 2018 (IN PERSON)
As we have done for the past six years, Cultivate is also where we introduce our current crop of 40 Under 40 honorees. This year, we had almost 75 percent of the Class of 2018 on hand for a special reception on Sunday evening. And then on Monday, many of them reconvened for a Mix n’ Mingle networking session on the trade show floor.
It is amazing to see what happens when you get this much young talent together all in one place!
INTRODUCING THE GPN/NEXUS INTERN OF THE YEAR 
Also during Cultivate’18, we had the opportunity to introduce Karen Schneck to the industry … again. Karen is the 2018 GPN/Intern of the year and was featured in our January issue for her internship at Skagit Horticulture in 2017.
As the Intern of the Year, Karen received a free trip to Cultivate’18 where she was able to sit in on educational sessions, walk the trade show floor and make those all-important industry connections as she prepares to graduate from Kansas State University later this year.
This summer, Karen is doing another internship at Plantpeddler in Cresco, Iowa, to gain even more hands-on experience. So, keep an eye out for her because I am pretty sure you will be seeing Karen in a future class of GPN’s 40 Under 40!
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