September 11 @ 6:00 pm – September 25 @ 12:30 pm
Explore, Learn, and Connect: 2026 IPPS International Tour hosted by the Eastern Region
Join fellow plant enthusiasts on an unforgettable journey through the IPPS Eastern Region, traveling from the vibrant Twin Cities of Minnesota to the beautiful landscapes of Michigan. Choose from two exciting options: a comprehensive 14-day tour beginning September 11, or an 8-day condensed tour starting September 18 in Chicago, Illinois. Both experiences conclude at the IPPS Eastern Region Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Along the way, participants will enjoy exclusive access to renowned nurseries, inspiring botanical gardens, innovative production facilities, and iconic regional landmarks. Tour highlights include Bailey Nurseries, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, The Morton Arboretum, Chicago’s architectural treasures, Frederik Meijer Gardens, Epic Systems Gardens, McKay Nursery, Taliesin East, the Minnesota Sculpture Garden, Spring Meadow Nursery, and many more.
This is a unique opportunity to expand your horticultural knowledge, connect with colleagues from around the world, and experience some of North America’s most celebrated green spaces. Click below to explore the full tour brochure.
2026 International Tour Details
Tour costs are in US dollars and include all taxes and fees
VISAS & TRAVEL INSURANCE: International travelers are strongly encouraged to apply for visas well in advance and are REQUIRED to obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover potential cancellation costs related to changing U.S. policies. Please click the button below to learn more about the CURRENT international travel requirements for entering the US (January 2026).
WHAT IS INCLUDED: Accommodations (14 nights long tour; 7 nights short tour); Travel in coach; Full registration to the IPPS Eastern Region Conference; Specified meals and drinks; All special activity entrance fees.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: Items of a personal nature e.g. internet use, mini bar, laundry, etc.; On your own dining and beverages; Transfers to and from airports.
Laundry facilities available at ALL hotel locations.
Long Tour: Friday 11 September – Friday 25 September 2026
- Arrive in the Twin Cities, Minnesota (MSP) by 5:00 pm Central Time on Friday September 11
- Depart from Grand Rapids, Michigan (GRR) after 12:30 pm Eastern Time on September 25
- Single Occupancy: $5,995 per person
- Double Occupancy: $4,295 per person
The long tour begins with a welcome reception at the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at 5:00 pm Central Time on Friday, September 11. Guests should plan to arrive via Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Ground transportation to the hotel is easily accessible by rideshare services such as Lyft or Uber, taxi, or a direct bus departing from the MSP Terminal 1 Transit Station and arriving at 7th Street W & Chestnut Street. Bus service operates daily with departures every 20 minutes.
Short Tour: Friday 18 September – Friday 25 September 2026
- Arrive in Chicago, Illinois (ORD) on Thursday September 17 by 6:00 pm Central Time
- Depart from Grand Rapids, Michigan (GRR) after 12:30 pm Eastern Time on Friday September 25
- Single Occupancy: $3,995 per person
- Double Occupancy: $2,995 per person
The short tour officially begins on the morning of Friday, September 18. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) before 6:00 pm Central Time on Thursday, September 17, to join the group dinner that evening.
Transportation from O’Hare to the host hotel is convenient and flexible. Guests may take a direct train from the airport to Clark and Lake Street, with service operating every 10 minutes, seven days a week. Rideshare services such as Lyft or Uber, as well as taxis, are also readily available and provide an approximately 20-minute trip to the hotel.
2026 International Tour Registration
To register, please fill out the form below. All prices are per person. Each attendee must submit their own registration form.
- The International Tour includes all Eastern Region Annual Conference events plus lodging.
- Registration and full payment are due April 15, 2026.
- All prices are in U.S. dollars.
Payment can be accepted via secure payment through Stripe (credit cards, some countries also allow bank transfers through Stripe)
Pay by Check: Only U.S. Funds can be accepted
PAYABLE TO: IPPS – EASTERN REGION
Mail payment to:
- IPPS Eastern Region
- 1700 North Parish Dr.
- Southold, NY 11971, USA
- Tel: (631) 495-4115
- E-mail: ippseasternregion@gmail.com
QUESTIONS? For registration and tour questions contact:
Tour Coordinator Brie Arthur Brie@BrieGrows.com (919) 753-7264
International President Liz Erickson Liz@knighthollownursery.com (608) 333-7703
- Anyone wishing to extend their stay in Eastern Region can also contact Liz for suggestions.
2026 IPPS International Tour Registration
2026 International Tour hosted by Eastern Region North America
Thank You International Tour Sponsors for your Generous Support
- Bailey Nurseries
- Ball Horticultural Company
- BASF
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Garden Solutions
- GIE Media
- Harrell’s
- ICL
- IPPS Eastern Region Foundation
- Knight Hollow Nursery
- Johnson’s Nursery
- McKay Nursery
- Midwest Groundcovers
- RAYN
- Spring Meadow Nursery
Interested in sponsoring the 2026 IPPS International Tour? Contact Brie Arthur at Brie@BrieGrows.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Schedule at a Glance
Minneapolis —- Madison —- Chicago —- Grand Rapids
Friday September 11, 2026 LONG TOUR BEGINS
- Arrive at Host Hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton 12 6th Street Minneapolis, MN 55402
- 5-6pm: Happy Hour at Hotel
- 6-9pm: Group dinner in downtown Minneapolis, MN
Saturday September 12, 2026
- 6-8am: Breakfast at Embassy Suites Minneapolis
- 9-10:30am Bachman’s Floral, Home & Garden
- 11:30-1:30pm: Lunch on your own at Mall of America
- 2-3:30pm: Gerten’s Greenhouses
- 6-9pm: Group dinner on Paddleford Riverboat
Sunday September 13, 2026
- 6-8am: Breakfast at Embassy Suites Minneapolis
- 9-10am: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
- 11-5pm: Lunch and Tour at Bailey Nurseries
- 6-8pm: Group dinner at Bailey Nurseries
Monday September 14, 2026
- 6-8am: Breakfast at Embassy Suites Minneapolis
- 12-4pm: Lunch and Tour of Taliesin East
- 5:30: Arrive at Host Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn 770 Regent Street Madison, WI 53703
- Dinner on your own in downtown Madison, WI (attendees to cover cost)
Tuesday September 15, 2026
- 6-9am: Breakfast at Hilton Garden Inn Madison
- 9:30-1pm: Lunch and tour at Knight Hollow Nursery
- 2-4pm: Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- 4:40-6:30pm: Epic Systems
- 7-9pm: Group dinner at Sugar River Pizza
Wednesday September 16, 2026
- 6-8:30am: Breakfast at Hilton Garden Inn Madison
- 9-11am: University of Wisconsin Arboretum
- 11:30-12:30pm: Lunch at U of W Memorial Union
- 1-2:30pm: Allen Centennial Garden
- 2:30-3:30pm: DC Greenhouses
- 3:30-4pm: Babcock Ice-cream and Dairy
- 6-9pm: Group dinner at Red
Thursday September 17, 2026
- 6-8am: Breakfast at Hilton Garden Inn Madison
- 9-10:15am: McKay Nursery (snacks and coffee provided)
- 11:30-1:30pm: Lunch and Tour at Johnson’s Nursery
- 2:15-4pm: Harley Davidson Museum
- 6pm: Arrive at host hotel: Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile 511 North Columbus Drive
Chicago, IL 60611 - Short Tour Attendees Arrive
- 6-7pm: Happy Hour at Hotel
- 7-10pm: Group dinner in downtown Chicago, IL
Friday September 18, 2026 SHORT TOUR BEGINS
- 6-8am: Breakfast at Embassy Suites Chicago
- 9-11am: The Morten Arboretum
- 12-3pm: Lunch and tour at Midwest Groundcovers
- 3:30-7:30pm: Dinner and tour at Ball Horticultural Company
Saturday September 19, 2026
- 6-8am: Breakfast at Embassy Suites Chicago
- 8-1:30pm: International Board Meeting
- 8-1:30: Free morning for non-board members to explore Millenium Park, Lurie Garden, and more
- 2-3:30pm: Chicago River Architecture Tour
- 5-6pm Happy Hour at Hotel
- Dinner on your own in downtown Chicago, IL (attendees cover costs)
Sunday September 20, 2026
- 6-8am: Breakfast at Embassy Suites Chicago
- 9-1pm: Lunch and tour at the Chicago Botanic Garden
- 4pm: Arrive at FINAL hotel: Amway Grand Plaza 187 Monroe Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- 6-7pm: Happy Hour at Hotel
- 7-9pm: International Banquet
Monday September 21, 2026
- 6-8am: Breakfast at Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids
- 8-11am: International Committee Meetings
- 8-11am: Free morning for non-board members to explore Art Prize in Grand Rapids, MI and other sites
- 12-2pm: Lunch and tour at Garden Solutions
- 3-5pm: Tour at Hortech Inc.
- 5-8pm: Group dinner and stand-up comedy by Rick Vuyst at Hortech Inc.
Tuesday September 22, 2026 EASTERN REGION CONFERENCE BEGINS
- 6-8am: Breakfast at Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids
- 8-5pm: Eastern Region Pre-Conference Tours (lunch included)
- 6pm: Welcome Reception at hotel
- Dinner on your own in downtown Grand Rapids, MI (attendees cover cost)
Wednesday September 23, 2026
- 6-8am: Breakfast at Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids
- 8-5pm: Eastern Regional Annual Conference begins with all-day education sessions and silent auction (lunch included)
- Dinner on your own in downtown Grand Rapids, MI (attendees cover cost)
Thursday September 24, 2026
- 6-8am: Breakfast at Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids
- 8am-5pm: All day tours (lunch included)
- 5-8pm: Banquet and Live Auction at Spring Meadow Nursery
Friday September 25, 2026
- 6-8am: Breakfast at Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids
- 8am-12:30pm: Educational Sessions
- 12:30pm Conference Concludes
- Fly out of Grand Rapids, Michigan (GRR) after 12:30 pm Eastern Time
- Anyone wishing to extend their stay in Eastern Region can also contact Liz for suggestions Liz@knighthollownursery.com