More Value

More Value. Whether it is the complete five-day experience or a single-day registration, this conference offers you more ways to create the conference experience you want within your budget.

Since I came to the U.S. from Republic of Korea (South Korea) in 2006, I’ve heard over and over how difficult a tough economy is for non-profit organizations, especially smaller gardens. Missing an APGA annual conference because of tight budget is not fun. Last year’s APGA Conference in Atlanta was my first. For me it was quite the American festival, with host garden events that included dancing and biking. If all conferences are like that, I don’t want to miss any.

Bill Thomas, Executive Director at Chanticleer, enjoys one of the 2010 APGA Conference dinner at Atlanta Botanical Garden (photo by Kate Baltzell)

Well, here’s good news. Each day at the 2011 Revolutionary APGA Conference in Philadelphia is full of adventure. By choosing one-day Conference registration for $199 (early-bird fee), you get sessions, in-conference meals, garden tours, networking opportunities, ideas, friends and MORE. Grace Chapman of the Landscape Arboretum of Temple University Ambler says, "Personally, I'm happy that I can send each of my horticulture staff members to one or two days of the conference. I think APGA is an important networking opportunity for them, but coming from a small garden, my budget wouldn't have allowed me to send them for the whole conference."

Dr. Michael Dirr shows his nursery at last year's APGA Conference (photo by Dongah Shin)

The Revolutionary Conference registration brochure is now available, and descriptions of every program look amazing. I am sure whichever date(s) you choose, it will be MORE than worth it.

Posted by Dongah Shin, Longwood Graduate Fellow Class of 2011

MORE Public Gardens Than Anywhere Else on the Continent!

We're so excited APGA is coming to Philadelphia! With over 30 public gardens within 30 miles of greater Philadelphia, you can enjoy MORE gardens here than anywhere else in the continent! Really. I put together a short slide show of Greater Philadelphia Gardens to help you "Discover America's Garden Capital". I hope you'll comment on which gardens you know and love most, and which lesser known gems you can't wait to see MORE !

Discover America's Garden Capital by Louise Eliason Slideshow: Greater’s trip from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States to 3 cities Wilmington, Kennett Square and Camden was created by TripAdvisor. See another United States slideshow. Create your own stunning slideshow with our free photo slideshow maker.

MORE Networking

More Networking. This will be the largest gathering of public garden professionals in North America this year! Meet and reconnect with fellow professionals from around the country.
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In a little more than four months (yikes-that's so soon!) I will dust off my name badge from last summer's APGA Conference in Atlanta (Atlanta Botanical Garden pictured to left) and zip up I-95 N to attend this year's MORE: The 2011 Revolutionary APGA Conference in Philadelphia. With MORE days to meet MORE people there's sure to be MORE networking.

By the time the Conference rolls around in June, I will have recently graduated from the Longwood Graduate Program in Public Horticulture so the Conference couldn't come at a better time. For me, the fabulous event will provide a chance to network with professionals from a great range of backgrounds and organizations. This year's gathering will offer even MORE time to interact during tours, meals, and sessions.

Dongah Shin, Longwood Graduate Program fellow, networking/talking shop with Brent Heath, Brent and Becky's Bulbs, at the 2010 APGA Conference

Not only do I look forward to meeting new professionals who could possibly be employers and future connections, but the chance to reconnect is important, too. Catching up with all the inspiring horticulture professionals (and friends!) I've met along the way will be manageable with MORE time at the Conference.

The networking opportunities are spectacular for a soon-to-be-graduate like myself. I can't wait to hear updates of what has been going on in the field and hopefully return with new friends...or a job. See y'all there for MORE networking!

Longwood Gardens' Conservatory

Post and photos by Kate Baltzell, Longwood Graduate Program Class of 2011

Top 10 Reasons to Attend

In these challenging economic times when every dollar counts, travel and professional development budgets are often among the first to be slashed. But this is exactly when opportunities to learn new ways to work smarter, more efficiently, and more innovatively are more precious than ever.

To help you, the soldiers in the field, make the case to your powers-that-be why you should attend the 2011 Revolutionary Conference in Philadelphia, we are happy to supply you with the below ammunition. With more relevant topics being covered, more networking opportunities, and more gardens to visit, there are more reasons than ever to justify attending.

Top 10 Reasons to Attend

(Imagine a Revolutionary War-era fife and drum corps playing in the background as you read on)

1. More Gardens. With one of the greatest concentrations of public gardens anywhere, the Philadelphia region is ready to roll out a week of unforgettable garden tours. Enjoy rarely seen private gardens and behind-the-scenes tours of some favorite public displays
   
2. More History. Not many APGA conference locations can compete with the historical offerings of Philadelphia. The conference has not been held in the city since 1998, and it’s unlikely it’ll be back here for at least another decade. Come enjoy this rare opportunity to experience the birthplace of horticultural innovation thanks to John Bartram and Ben Franklin.
   
3. More Networking. This will be the largest gathering of public garden professionals in North America this year! Meet and reconnect with fellow professionals from around the country.
   
4. More Time. The conference has expanded to five days, giving you more time to learn the latest trends in public garden administration, ideas for growing your membership base, innovative new ways to approach development, and more.
   
5. More Ideas. We have received more session and workshop submissions for this conference than any conference before, so get prepared to walk away with a record number of new ideas, tips, and tricks.
   
6. More Speakers. Get ready to hear from some of the best minds from outside the public garden world. Our lineup of speakers includes representatives from companies known the world over for their innovative ideas, their ability to turn new ideas into reality, and their ability to attract, hire, and retain creative thinkers who propel institutions forward.
   
7. More Options. Can’t commit to the five-day conference? Pick the one, two, three, or four days that are most relevant to you with new multi-day registration options. Just want to attend the keynote day? That’s fine! Want to pick two days? That’s fine, too. This conference offers you more ways than ever to tailor your experience to best suit your needs.
   
8. More Value. Whether it is the complete five-day experience or a single-day registration, this conference offers you more ways to create the conference experience you want within your budget.
   
9. More Connections. With sessions dedicated to informal idea-sharing, members of other garden-related associations in attendance, and staff from all facets of large and small public gardens, there is no better place to share and learn about latest trends and best practices.
   
10. More Cheesesteaks, Please…... Philly’s reasonably priced famous foods - soft pretzels, Italian sandwiches, hoagies, steaks, and other satiating fare - will keep you satisfied, without putting a big dent in your conference budget .