MANHATTAN, Kan. — The combined knowledge of plant growers, scientists and entrepreneurs from four continents will come together when Kansas State University hosts the International Plant Propagators’ Society’s North American Summit on Oct. 27-29.

Cheryl Boyer, the K-State Research and Extension state leader for horticulture and natural resources, is the host and facilitator of the digital event. She said the Summit is for anyone with an interest in the art, science and business of growing ornamental plants.

“This is an event that will allow many professionals to seek and share their knowledge in order to ensure the viability, efficiency and productivity of plant production systems and the people who manage them,” Boyer said.

The Summit is free to attend, but interested persons must pre-register online. Boyer said the meeting is limited to 1,000 participants. All sessions will be presented in English.

Each day is presented by one of three regions:

• Tuesday, Oct. 27 (Eastern region) – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (EDT).
• Wednesday, Oct. 28 (Southern region) – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (EDT).
• Thursday, Oct. 29 (Western region) – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT).

“These three regions are collaborating for the first time ever to host a multi-region Summit,” Boyer said. “That’s good for participants because they will be able to attend all of the sessions, and will be exposed to a much larger group of professionals in the plant production industry.”

The agenda for each day varies, but will include online tours to nurseries and public gardens; and presentations by many leading horticulture professionals in the U.S. and abroad. More information on several speakers is available on the Summit’s registration page.

IPPS has more than 1600 members in the U.S, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Europe, southern Africa and Canada, and an emerging presence in China and India. Boyer said she expects participants from around the world.

“This is a special treat to be able to see and hear from speakers across the globe and to showcase our world-class talent,” Boyer said. “No other professional nursery crop organization is so generous with knowledge, friendship and collegiality as members of IPPS, who wholeheartedly share their passions and lives with each other.”

Boyer added she is grateful for being able to host the event, even if online, during a time when in-person meetings are not reasonable.

“And,” she said, “there is the added benefit of learning new techniques and meeting new colleagues from regions whose meetings we might not otherwise be able to attend.”

More information about IPPS is available online.

— Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension

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