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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260911T180000
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SUMMARY:2026 International Tour
DESCRIPTION:Explore\, Learn\, and Connect: 2026 IPPS International Tour hosted by the Eastern Region \n\n\n\nJoin 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. \n\n\n\nAlong 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. \n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nIPPS Eastern Regional Annual Conference Registration will be live in SUMMER 2026 \n\n\n\n\n2026 International Tour Brochure\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n2026 International Tour Details\n\n\n\nTour costs are in US dollars and include all taxes and fees \n\n\n\nVISAS & 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).  \n\n\n\n\nLearn More About International Travel Requirements\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWHAT 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. \n\n\n\nWHAT 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. \n\n\n\nLaundry facilities available at ALL hotel locations. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nTour organizers Liz Erickson (International president) and Brie Arthur (Tour Manager) join Nursery Management Magazine editor Matt McClellan to share details about the International Plant Production Society’s 2026 International Tour\, which runs from Sept. 11 to Sept. 25 and will visit locations throughout the Midwest U.S.\, from Minnesota\, Wisconsin\, Illinois\, and culminating in Michigan. \n\n\n\nThey also cover why the nearly 75-year-old organization changed its name\, why young horticulturists should consider attending their local region’s meeting\, or even the massive International Tour.Listen to the 2026 IPPS International Tour Podcast \n\n\n\n\nListen to the Tour Podcast\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLong Tour: Friday 11 September – Friday 25 September 2026\n\n\n\n\nArrive in the Twin Cities\, Minnesota (MSP) by 5:00 pm Central Time on Friday September 11\n\n\n\nDepart from Grand Rapids\, Michigan (GRR) after 12:30 pm Eastern Time on September 25\n\n\n\n\nThe long tour begins with a welcome reception at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Downtown in Minneapolis\, Minnesota (12 6th street Minneapolis\, MN 55402) 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. \n\n\n\nHost Hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton 12 6th street Minneapolis\, MN 55402 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShort Tour: Friday 18 September – Friday 25 September 2026\n\n\n\n\nArrive in Chicago\, Illinois (ORD) on Thursday September 17 by 6:00 pm Central Time\n\n\n\nDepart from Grand Rapids\, Michigan (GRR) after 12:30 pm Eastern Time on Friday September 25\n\n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nHost Hotel: Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile 511 North Columbus Drive Chicago\, IL 60611 \n\n\n\nTransportation 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nQUESTIONS?  For registration and tour questions contact: \n\n\n\nTour Coordinator Brie Arthur      Brie@BrieGrows.com   (919) 753-7264 \n\n\n\nInternational President Liz Erickson    Liz@knighthollownursery.com   (608) 333-7703 \n\n\n\n\nAnyone wishing to extend their stay in Eastern Region can also contact Liz for suggestions.\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThank You International Tour Sponsors for your Generous Support\n\n\n\n\nBailey Nurseries\n\n\n\nBall Horticultural Company\n\n\n\nBASF\n\n\n\nChicago Botanic Garden \n\n\n\nGarden Solutions\n\n\n\nGIE Media\n\n\n\nHarrell’s\n\n\n\nICL\n\n\n\nIPPS Eastern Region Foundation\n\n\n\nKnight Hollow Nursery\n\n\n\nJohnson’s Nursery\n\n\n\nMcKay Nursery\n\n\n\nMidwest Groundcovers\n\n\n\nRAYN \n\n\n\nSpring Meadow Nursery\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInterested in sponsoring the 2026 IPPS International Tour? Contact Brie Arthur at Brie@BrieGrows.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSchedule at a Glance\n\n\n\nMinneapolis —- Madison —- Chicago —- Grand Rapids \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFriday September 11\, 2026 LONG TOUR BEGINS \n\n\n\n\nArrive at Host Hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton 12 6th Street Minneapolis\, MN 55402 \n\n\n\n5-6pm: Happy Hour at Hotel \n\n\n\n6-9pm: Group dinner in downtown Minneapolis\, MN \n\n\n\n\nSaturday September 12\, 2026 \n\n\n\n\n6-8am: Breakfast at Embassy Suites Minneapolis\n\n\n\n9-10:30am Bachman’s Floral\, Home & Garden \n\n\n\n11:30-1:30pm: Lunch on your own at Mall of America\n\n\n\n2-3:30pm: Gerten’s Greenhouses\n\n\n\n6-9pm: Group dinner on Paddleford Riverboat\n\n\n\n\nSunday September 13\, 2026 \n\n\n\n\n6-8am: Breakfast at Embassy Suites Minneapolis\n\n\n\n9-10am: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden\n\n\n\n11-5pm: Lunch and Tour at Bailey Nurseries\n\n\n\n6-8pm: Group dinner at Bailey Nurseries \n\n\n\n\nMonday September 14\, 2026 \n\n\n\n\n6-8am: Breakfast at Embassy Suites Minneapolis\n\n\n\n12-4pm: Lunch and Tour of Taliesin East\n\n\n\n5:30: Arrive at Host Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn 770 Regent Street Madison\, WI 53703\n\n\n\nDinner on your own in downtown Madison\, WI (attendees to cover cost)\n\n\n\n\nTuesday September 15\, 2026 \n\n\n\n\n6-9am: Breakfast at Hilton Garden Inn Madison\n\n\n\n9:30-1pm: Lunch and tour at Knight Hollow Nursery\n\n\n\n2-4pm: Olbrich Botanical Gardens\n\n\n\n4:40-6:30pm: Epic Systems\n\n\n\n7-9pm: Group dinner at Sugar River Pizza\n\n\n\n\nWednesday September 16\, 2026 \n\n\n\n\n6-8:30am: Breakfast at Hilton Garden Inn Madison\n\n\n\n9-11am: University of Wisconsin Arboretum \n\n\n\n11:30-12:30pm: Lunch at U of W Memorial Union\n\n\n\n1-2:30pm: Allen Centennial Garden \n\n\n\n2:30-3:30pm: DC Greenhouses\n\n\n\n3:30-4pm: Babcock Ice-cream and Dairy\n\n\n\n6-9pm: Group dinner at Red \n\n\n\n\nThursday September 17\, 2026 \n\n\n\n\n6-8am: Breakfast at Hilton Garden Inn Madison\n\n\n\n9-10:15am: McKay Nursery (snacks and coffee provided)\n\n\n\n11:30-1:30pm: Lunch and Tour at Johnson’s Nursery\n\n\n\n2:15-4pm: Harley Davidson Museum\n\n\n\n6pm: Arrive at host hotel: Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile 511 North Columbus DriveChicago\, IL 60611\n\n\n\nShort Tour Attendees Arrive\n\n\n\n6-7pm: Happy Hour at Hotel \n\n\n\n7-10pm: Group dinner in downtown Chicago\, IL\n\n\n\n\nFriday September 18\, 2026 SHORT TOUR BEGINS \n\n\n\n\n6-8am: Breakfast at Embassy Suites Chicago \n\n\n\n9-11am: The Morten Arboretum\n\n\n\n12-3pm: Lunch and tour at Midwest Groundcovers\n\n\n\n3:30-7:30pm: Dinner and tour at Ball Horticultural Company\n\n\n\n\nSaturday September 19\, 2026 \n\n\n\n\n6-8am: Breakfast at Embassy Suites Chicago \n\n\n\n8-1:30pm: International Board Meeting\n\n\n\n8-1:30: Free morning for non-board members to explore Millenium Park\, Lurie Garden\, and more\n\n\n\n2-3:30pm: Chicago River Architecture Tour \n\n\n\n5-6pm Happy Hour at Hotel\n\n\n\nDinner on your own in downtown Chicago\, IL (attendees cover costs)\n\n\n\n\nSunday September 20\, 2026 \n\n\n\n\n6-8am: Breakfast at Embassy Suites Chicago\n\n\n\n9-1pm: Lunch and tour at the Chicago Botanic Garden\n\n\n\n4pm: Arrive at FINAL hotel: Amway Grand Plaza 187 Monroe Ave NW Grand Rapids\, MI 49503\n\n\n\n6-7pm: Happy Hour at Hotel\n\n\n\n7-9pm: International Banquet\n\n\n\n\nMonday September 21\, 2026 \n\n\n\n\n6-8am: Breakfast at Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids\n\n\n\n8-11am: International Committee Meetings\n\n\n\n8-11am: Free morning for non-board members to explore Art Prize in Grand Rapids\, MI and other sites\n\n\n\n12-2pm: Lunch and tour at Garden Solutions \n\n\n\n3-5pm: Tour at Hortech Inc. \n\n\n\n5-8pm: Group dinner and stand-up comedy by Rick Vuyst at Hortech Inc. \n\n\n\n\nTuesday September 22\, 2026 EASTERN REGION CONFERENCE BEGINS \n\n\n\n\n6-8am: Breakfast at Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids\n\n\n\n8-5pm: Eastern Region Pre-Conference Tours (lunch included)\n\n\n\nMast Young Plants\, Countryside Gardens\, Walter’s Gardens\, and the Frederik Meijer Gardens\n\n\n\n6pm: Welcome Reception at hotel \n\n\n\nDinner on your own in downtown Grand Rapids\, MI (attendees cover cost)\n\n\n\n\nWednesday September 23\, 2026  \n\n\n\n\n6-8am: Breakfast at Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids\n\n\n\n8-5pm: Eastern Regional Annual Conference begins with all-day education sessions and silent auction (lunch included)\n\n\n\nDinner on your own in downtown Grand Rapids\, MI (attendees cover cost)\n\n\n\n\nThursday September 24\, 2026 \n\n\n\n\n6-8am: Breakfast at Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids\n\n\n\n8am-5pm: All day tours (lunch included)\n\n\n\nDeGrandChamps\, Spring Meadow Production Tour\n\n\n\n5-8pm: Banquet and Live Auction at Spring Meadow Nursery\n\n\n\n\nFriday September 25\, 2026 \n\n\n\n\n6-8am: Breakfast at Amway Grand Plaza Grand Rapids\n\n\n\n8am-12:30pm: Educational Sessions\n\n\n\n12:30pm Conference Concludes\n\n\n\nFly out of Grand Rapids\, Michigan (GRR) after 12:30 pm Eastern Time\n\n\n\nAnyone wishing to extend their stay in Eastern Region can also contact Liz for suggestions Liz@knighthollownursery.com
URL:https://ena.ipps.org/event/2026-international-tour/
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SUMMARY:2026 Annual Conference - Grand Rapids\, MI
DESCRIPTION:Registration is now open for the 2026 IPPS Eastern Region Conference\, taking place September 22-25\, 2026\, in Grand Rapids\, Michigan! The four day event features a full day pre-conference tour on Tuesday the 22nd\, a full day educational session plus silent auction on Wednesday\, a full day conference tour on Thursday ending with a banquet and live auction at Spring Meadow Nursery and a half day of talks Friday to conclude the event. \n\n\n\nThe educational program will include sessions on Plant Breeding & New Plant Development\, New Technologies and Innovations\, and Herbaceous Perennials & Native Plants. Our keynote speaker is Dr. Tom Ranney presenting on Garden Innovations: Breeding Plants for Flair and Fortitude. \n\n\n\nConference regulars like the Welcome Reception\, Silent Auction\, and New Plant Session will take place at our beautiful host hotel\, the Amway Grand Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. Details about the Tuesday Pre-Conference Tour and Thursday Conference Tour can be found below! Register today to secure your spot and lock in the early rate. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE TODAY!\n\n\n\n\n\n  Full Conference Registration Pricing (by Sept. 2/after Sept. 2): \n  \n    4-day member pkg (includes Pre-Conference Tour): $600.00/$650.00\n    4-day non-member pkg (includes Pre-Conference Tour): $775.00/$825.00\n    3-day member pkg: $525.00/$575.00\n    3-day non-member pkg: $700.00/$750.00\n  \n\n  A La Carte Options (by Sept. 2/after Sept. 2): \n  \n    Tuesday Pre-Conference Tour only – member: $125.00/$175.00\n    Tuesday Pre-Conference Tour only – non-member: $150.00/$200.00\n    Wednesday only – member: $220.00/$270.00\n    Wednesday only – non-member: $300.00/$350.00\n    Thursday Conference Tour\, Banquet and Auction – member: $320.00/$370.00\n    Thursday Conference Tour\, Banquet and Auction – non-member: $350.00/$400.00\n    Friday only – member: $110.00/$160.00\n    Friday only – non-member: $125.00/$175.00\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram+\n\n\n\n\n\n  Monday\, September 21\n  \n    2:00–7:00 PMIPPS Eastern Region Board of Directors’ Meeting (Fine Arts Rm\, 1st Floor)\n    7:00–9:00 PMRegistration (North Concourse\, 2nd Floor)\n  \n\n  Tuesday\, September 22\n  \n    7:00–7:55 AMRegistration (North Concourse\, 2nd Floor)\n    8:00 AM–5:00 PMPre-Conference Tours (Buses depart from hotel lobby)\n    3:30–5:00 PMPoster Session Set-up (Governor’s Room\, 2nd Floor)\n    3:30–5:30 PMRegistration (North Concourse\, 2nd Floor)\n    5:30–7:00 PMWelcome Reception (Imperial Ballroom\, 1st Floor)\n    7:00 PMDinner on your own\n  \n\n  Wednesday\, September 23\n  \n    7:30–11:00 AMRegistration (North Concourse\, 2nd Floor)\n    7:30 AMSilent Auction opens for bidding (Governor’s Room\, 2nd Floor)\n  \n\n  General Session: Plant Breeding and New Plant DevelopmentModerator: Rachel Conley — Senator Vandenberg Room\, 2nd Floor \n  \n    8:00–8:15 AMWelcome and IntroductionsSteve Foltz\, President\, IPPS Eastern Region\n    8:15–8:45 AMGarden Innovations: Breeding Plants for Flair & FortitudeDr. Tom Ranney\, Professor\, NC State University\, Mills River\, NC\n    8:45–9:15 AMNDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program’s Process of Breeding & Developing Tough New TreesConnor Hagemeyer\, Research Specialist\, North Dakota State University\, Fargo\, ND\n    9:15–9:45 AMIn Vitro Techniques for Plant BreedingDr. Mark Bridgen\, Professor\, Cornell University\, Riverhead\, NY\n    9:45–10:05 AMIPPS Eastern Region Awards PresentationShelby French\, Recognition Committee Chair\n    10:05–10:25 AMBreak & Silent Auction Bidding\n    10:25–10:55 AMThe Golden Age of Plant BreedingTim Wood\, General Manager\, Spring Meadow Nursery\, Grand Haven\, MI\n    10:55–11:25 AMAround the World in Search of Shrubs: Sourcing and Developing New Woody PlantsDr. Judson LeCompte\, Product Development Manager\, Spring Meadow Nursery\, Grand Haven\, MI\n    11:25–11:55 AMThe Plant Trials Happening at Secrest Arboretum\, OSUPaul Snyder\, Operations Manager\, Ohio State University\, Columbus\, OH\n    11:55 AM–1:00 PMLunch (included in conference registration) & Silent Auction Bidding\n  \n\n  General Session: New Technologies and InnovationsModerator TBD — Governors Room\, 2nd Floor \n  \n    1:00–1:30 PMUsing Generative AI for Nursery GrowersDr. Paul Fisher\, Professor\, University of Florida\, Gainesville\, FL\n    1:30–2:00 PMJumping Worm Treatments in Container ProductionDr. Brandon Miller\, Assistant Professor\, Minnesota State University\, Saint Paul\, MN\n    2:00–2:30 PMTransplant Success of Container-Grown TreesDr. Bert Cregg\, Professor\, Michigan State University\, East Lansing\, MI\n    2:30–3:00 PMEnvironmental Conditions (Daily Light Integral and Root-zone Temperature) During Vegetative Woody PropagationOlivia Liebing\, Graduate Student\, Ohio State University\, Columbus\, OH\n    3:00–3:30 PMCoffee Break & Silent Auction Bidding\n    3:30–4:00 PMSupplying Landscape Plants for Middle Eastern Resort ProjectsPeter Lewis\, Nursery Director\, Wynn Al Marjan Island\, Ras al Khaimah\, UAE\n    4:00–4:30 PMApplications of Drones in the NurseryJim Robbins\, Owner\, Ornamental Hort Solutions\, Little Rock\, AR\n    4:30–4:45 PMReport on the 2025 IPPS International Tour in the UKBrayden Johnson\, 2025 IPPS Foundation Travel Award Recipient\n    4:45–5:00 PM2027 IPPS Eastern Region PREVIEW! Maryland!Alan Jones & Matt Palmieri\n    5:00–6:00 PMCocktail Hour with final Silent Auction bidding (bidding ends at 6 PM) (cash bar)\n    6:00 PMDinner on your own\n    8:00–9:30 PMAuction item pick-up\n  \n\n  Thursday\, September 24\n  \n    7:00–7:55 AMRegistration (North Concourse\, 2nd Floor)\n    8:00 AM–9:00 PMConference Tour\, Dinner & Live Auction (Buses load from hotel lobby)\n  \n\n  Friday\, September 25\n  \n    7:00 AMIPPS-ER Foundation Board Meeting (Room TBD)\n    7:30–11:00 AMRegistration (North Concourse\, 2nd Floor)\n  \n\n  General Session: Herbaceous Perennials & Native PlantsModerator TBD — L.V. Eberhard Center Room 215 \n  \n    8:00–8:15 AMAnnouncementsSteve Foltz\, President\, IPPS Eastern Region\n    8:15–8:30 AM2027 International Tour PreviewClive Larkman\, Larkman Nurseries Pty Ltd\n    8:30–9:00 AMAdvanced Practices for Bulking and Toning Finished PerennialsLaura Robles\, Regional Product Manager\, Walters Gardens\, Zeeland\, MI\n    9:00–9:30 AMIncreasing Perennial Propagation Yields and Quality with the Use of Bonded MediaMatt Fredrickson\, Vice President of Greenhouse Operations\, Hampshire Farms\, Hampshire\, IL\n    9:30–10:00 AMExciting\, New Native Perennial Plants for the GardenSteve Castorani\, Owner\, North Creek Nurseries\, Hockessin\, DE\n    10:00–10:20 AMIPPS Eastern Region Annual General Meeting\n    10:20–10:40 AMCoffee Break\n    10:40–11:10 AMAdventures in Native Plant Trialing and PropagationDani Parisi\, Manager of Bowyer Nursery\, Native Plant Program\, Bowyer Farm\, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden\, Cincinnati\, OH\n    11:10–11:40 AMMycorrhiza in Woody Cutting ProductionRobert Kuszmaul\, Owner\, D&B Plants\, Richmond\, MI\n    11:40 AM–NoonNew Plant ForumRachel Conley\, Broken Arrow Nursery\, Hamden\, CT\n    12:00 PMIPPS Eastern Region Board of Directors’ Meeting (Room TBD; lunch included)\n  \n\n  Meeting adjourns — see you in Maryland 2027! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeynote Speaker: Dr. Tom Ranney+\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  Garden Innovations: Breeding Plants for Flair and Fortitude \n  Presentation Description\n  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. \n  Speaker Bio\n  Tom has been a faculty member at North Carolina State University since 1989 and is the JC Raulston Distinguished Professor of Horticultural Science. He lives\, works\, and gardens in the mountains of Western North Carolina where he has the good fortune to lead a plant breeding program at the Mountain Crop Improvement Lab (https://mcilab.cals.ncsu.edu/) in Mills River\, NC. He and his team have introduced over 80 cultivars including mainstream crops like rhododendron/azalea\, dogwood\, flowering quince\, hydrangea\, deutzia\, spiraea\, and miscanthus to more obscure hybrids like desert orchid\, mountain gordlinia\, and mountain schimlinia ‘Schima Lina Ding Dong’. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPre-Conference Tour +\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  Mast Young Plants\n  3525 Bristol Ave NW\, Walker\, MI 49544 \n  www.mastyoungplants.com \n  Visitors to their trial garden will find their favorite plant series displayed side by side with competitor lines\, making it easy to compare performance and make confident selections. Their layout is compact and efficient intentionally so visitors can easily walk the aisles and evaluate many different options. We invite you to explore their wide variety of in-ground trials\, container trials\, and more than 500 unique combination planters. Looking for fresh inspiration? Use their trials to spark new ideas for your own combos! They love experimenting and seeing how different varieties “play” together\, which results in unexpected and beautiful results you may not have imagined. \n\n\n\n  \n  Countryside Greenhouse\n  9050 Lake Michigan Dr\, Allendale\, MI 49401 \n  www.countrysidegreenhouse.com \n  Countryside Greenhouse began as a wholesale greenhouse before expanding to include a retail outlet. Over the years\, they evolved into a fully retail operation\, proudly serving the West Michigan community. With six acres of plants to explore—all under one roof—shopping at Countryside Greenhouse is an experience. They have a carefully curated selection of flowering shrubs\, deciduous trees\, fruit trees\, and evergreens as well as hundreds of varieties of herbaceous perennials plus vegetables\, herbs\, houseplants and garden supplies and décor. \n\n\n\n  \n  Walter’s Gardens\n  1992 96th Ave\, Zeeland\, MI 49464 \n  www.waltersgardens.com \n  What began as a small\, family-run 5-acre farm growing perennials for local suppliers has grown into a 1\,500-acre operation with more than 750\,000 square feet of greenhouse space. Still family-owned\, the company remains rooted in the values that shaped its success. Walters Gardens is internationally recognized for its extensive breeding program\, developing thousands of new perennial selections each year with a focus on improved performance\, disease resistance\, and garden reliability. This commitment to genetics has led to an expansive portfolio of plant introductions\, long-standing customer relationships\, and a close partnership with Proven Winners®\, as the exclusive home of Proven Winners® Perennials. \n\n\n\n  \n  Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park\n  1000 E Beltline Ave NE\, Grand Rapids\, MI 49525 \n  www.meijergardens.org \n  Experience the harmonious blend of art and nature at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids\, Michigan. Spanning 158 acres\, this renowned destination features Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory\, diverse indoor and outdoor gardens\, and an impressive collection of over 200 sculptures by internationally acclaimed artists. Visitors can explore themed gardens\, including an 8-acre Japanese garden\, and enjoy seasonal exhibitions like the popular “Butterflies Are Blooming.” Whether you’re a horticulture enthusiast\, art lover\, or seeking a serene retreat\, Frederik Meijer Gardens offers an inspiring experience for all ages. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConference Tour+\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n    DeGrandchamp Farms\n    76241 14th Ave\, South Haven\, MI 49090 \n    degrandchamps.com \n    \n    DeGrandchamp Farms is a family-owned farm in southwest Michigan with a long history of producing high-quality blueberries and cranberries. The business includes commercial fruit production\, a large-scale blueberry nursery\, fresh fruit packing\, and a retail market. During the visit\, attendees will tour the Black River Nursery to observe the propagation of blueberry cultivars from tissue culture through greenhouse production and container finishing. The tour will showcase the nursery’s production systems\, irrigation and fertility practices\, and quality control measures\, while also providing an overview of how the nursery integrates with the farm’s broader fruit production and marketing operations. \n    \n  \n\n\n  \n    Farmhaus Farms\n    9265 Kenowa Ave SW\, Grand Rapids\, MI 49534 \n    farmhausfarms.com \n    Attendees will get to experience an 80-acre fruit orchard that grows apples\, cherries\, peaches\, pears\, plums\, and pumpkins. They will hear about the production process for these crops for their U-Pick operation and for supplying Farmhaus Cider. Time will be allotted to check out the bakery/store. \n  \n\n\n  \n    Spring Meadow Nursery\n    12601 120th Ave Grand Haven MI 49417 \n    springmeadownursery.com \n    \n    Established in 1981 by Dale and Liz Deppe\, Spring Meadow Nursery has grown into a leading wholesale propagation nursery specializing in shrubs\, vines\, and small trees. Located in Grand Haven\, Michigan\, the family-owned business offers over 400 cultivars to more than 3\,000 nurseries\, garden centers\, and mail-order companies across North America. As the developer behind Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Flowering Shrubs\, Spring\n\nMeadow has introduced popular varieties like ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea and Wine & Roses® Weigela. Their dedication to innovation and quality has earned them a reputation as an industry leader in new\, colorful flowering shrubs.\n\nWe will have tours of Spring Meadow Nursery and also their trial gardens at a second location plus dinner at the nursery followed by a brief live auction. \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTravel Logistics+\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n    \n    Overnight accommodations are available at the conference host hotel at a discounted group rate of $199 plus taxes and fees per night. This rate is available until Sept. 2\, 2026 or when the block fills. \n    To reserve your room\, please use the booking link below or call (616) 774-2000 to make a reservation and to also  include dates earlier or later than the dates of the conference. When calling to book a reservation\, be sure to reference IPPS Eastern Region Annual Conference to receive the $199 group rate. \n    RESERVE YOUR ROOM\n    Parking is available for overnight guests of the Amway Grand Plaza in our adjacent parking ramp at the current rates ($45 for self-parking and $49 for valet parking as of 6/25/26). Overnight parking does have unlimited in and out privileges\, but parking in the hotel ramp is not guaranteed. \n    The hotel does not provide a shuttle\, so Uber or Lyft are your best options for travel from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. \n    \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsor Opportunities+\n\n\n\n\nIPPS offers various opportunities to receive recognition for your company as a sponsor of regional and international events and the website. We appreciate your support! \n          Learn More & Become a Sponsor
URL:https://ena.ipps.org/event/2026-annual-conference-grand-rapids/
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