2024 Farwest Show announces instructional seminars

This year, the Farwest Show will offer more than 36 hours of instructional time across a variety of essential subject areas. Topics include green marketing, consumer trends, succession planning, pest issues, spray drones, climate change, talent recruitment, landscaping, partner programs and more.

“Our seminar schedule is designed around the green industry professional,” said show director, Allan Niemi. “We’ve made it our mission to help them power up their careers, and even their businesses, with engaging seminars on the cutting edge of thought leadership. They’ll get actionable, game-changing ideas they can take home and put to work immediately.”

Farwest takes place Aug. 21–23, 2024, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. Registration is now open.

Educational seminars will take place all three days of the show, featuring various “treks” for different professional areas (Business Trek, Grower Trek, Landscaping Trek, Pest Management Trek). There are sessions suitable for arborists, breeders, business leaders, designers, growers, landscapers, marketers, municipalities, retailers, pest control and more, with an additional focus area on sustainability.

The seminars will be augmented with Solution Center mini-sessions right on the show expo floor during open hours (10 a.m.­ to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday). These will cover marketing to new generations, pruning demonstrations, solar grants, brand programs and more. Between the seminars and Solution Center, there are more than 45 sessions in all.

When learning opportunities wrap up Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, on-site networking gatherings will directly follow. At the NexGen and Women in Horticulture socials (all are welcome at both), professionals can exchange ideas, share what they learned, reflect on the day’s offerings, even talk about something cool they found on the show floor, all while enjoying drinks and light bites.

Complete details on events, daily schedules, speakers and education for Farwest are all available at FarwestShow.com. For further questions, contact Jamie Moore, OAN events and education coordinator, at JMoore@OAN.org or 503-582-2010.

2024 Farwest Show keynote speaker announced

James Robilotta is a nationally known leadership author, motivational speaker, emcee and trained improv comedian, and is giving the show’s keynote address, entitled “Do You Even Know Me? How Curiosity Creates Community in the Workplace.”

The keynote is free to all registered Farwest participants.

“We’re thrilled to host James at Farwest,” said Jamie Moore, events and education coordinator for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which produces the Farwest Show. “He’s going to share key insights on adopting a mindset of curiosity. We all can benefit by asking better questions of others, and changing how we listen to people so we understand their stories and insights. The nursery industry is built on connections, and so is Farwest. This keynote will really set the tone for a productive show that offers lasting take-home value and impact.”

Attendee and exhibitor registration is now open for the 2024 Farwest Show, which will be held August 21–23, 2024 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon.

The three-day trade show and conference is produced by the Oregon Association of Nurseries, the trade group representing Oregon’s nearly $1.4 billion nursery industry. Folks can purchase their expo and seminar passes and get early bird discounts at FarwestShow.com/Register.

Hotel registration is now open for the 2024 Farwest Show this summer. The show will be held Aug. 21–23, 2024, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon.

There are four host hotels this year: Hyatt Regency Portland, Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown Convention Center, Doubletree by Hilton Portland and Hotel Eastlund.

All are within easy walking distance of the Oregon Convention Center. When booking through Farwest, attendees and staff receive reduced room rates and free WiFi when they check in at the hotel. Discounted or free parking is also available.

“Farwest is where the green industry makes connections, learns together, does business and moves forward,” said Allan Niemi, OAN director of events. “There’s so much to do at Farwest, from the Tuesday tours, to the Wednesday keynote, the trade show expo and seminars Wednesday through Friday, and the signature Farwest social events Wednesday and Thursday night, including Pub Crawl. Staying in a host hotel, near all the action, is the best way to do it all.”

To secure a hotel room within the discounted hotel room block, visit the Farwest Show website at farwestshow.com/hotel and follow the reservation instructions provided by each hotel. Attendees may also call their hotel of choice to book a room or make their reservation online. The special, discounted room block rates will be available through July 31, 2024.

The Farwest Show has not partnered with any travel agency for the 2024 show. Be advised that event organizers have not arranged for any business or individual to be directly contacted for lodging reservations. Visitors are urged to avoid scammers, and to not give credit card information to anyone claiming to be a Farwest travel agent.

Major airlines serve Portland through the Portland International Airport (PDX). Traveling to and from the airport and other citywide destinations by Portland MAX Light Rail and Streetcar lines is convenient and cost-effective for all visitors.

Consider extending your stay to enjoy the city’s fine dining and wineries experiences, food truck and microbrewery options, and abundant opportunities for verdant hikes and family fun. Many of the fun options for things to do in Portland and beyond can be found at farwestshow.com/portland.

For questions, contact Jamie Moore, OAN events and education coordinator, at jmoore@oan.org or 503-582-2010.