Hosted by AmericanHort, Cultivate’23 is the place to be for anyone and everyone in the green industry. From July 15-18, the Greater Columbus Convention Center will be buzzing with thousands of professionals and enthusiasts from across the United States and beyond.
Whether you are a greenhouse grower, marketer, educator, researcher, or simply a plant enthusiast, this event is for you.
What’s New at Cultivate’23?
This year’s tradeshow is packed with opportunities to learn, network, and discover the latest innovations. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the highlights:
- New Plant Varieties: Discover hundreds of new plant varieties making their debut. This is your chance to see what's new and exciting in the world of horticulture.
- World-Class Speakers: Learn from industry experts who will be sharing their knowledge on the best practices in the industry today.
- Product Innovations: Explore cutting-edge tools and technologies designed to make your work more efficient and productive.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry peers, both old and new, to expand your network and foster meaningful relationships.
Don’t Miss These Events!
With a plethora of events scheduled, here’s a rundown of some of the must-attend sessions and activities:
Saturday, July 15th
- OSU Cultivar Trials (4:30 PM - 7:00 PM): Kick-off Cultivate’23 at The Ohio State University Cultivar Trials with a showcase of more than 300 annual and perennial varieties.
Sunday, July 16th
- Morning Jolt! Keynote Presentation (8:00 AM - 9:30 AM): Start your day with a jolt of inspiration from Kate Delaney as she shares her insights on attracting and keeping great people in the green industry.
- GPN 40 under 40 Reception (5:00 PM): Join the reception in Union Station Ballroom B recognizing the Greenhouse Product News' 12th annual 40 Under 40 honorees.
Monday, July 17th
- AmericanHort State of the Industry Address (8:00 AM - 9:15 AM): Learn where the industry stands today and what the future holds with insights from Ken Fisher, Craig Regelbrugge, and Charlie Hall.
- Retailers' Choice Awards: Keep an eye out on the Cultivate Live! Stage for the Retailers' Choice Awards by The Garden Center Group.
- Women In Horticulture (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): An empowering and inspiring networking experience at Union Station Ballroom. Tickets are required.
- Evening of Excellence (5:30 PM): Attend the Greenhouse Grower’s Evening of Excellence program in Union Station Ballroom B.
- Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens (5:00 PM - 7:30 PM): Experience the beauty ofColumbus' Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Shuttle rides available from the Convention Center.
- Unplugged (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Wrap up the day at Gaswerks for the Unplugged event hosted by the AmericanHort GenNext Community. Relax, network, and witness the presentation of the GrowerTalks/Ball Horticultural Company Young Grower Award and Green Profit/The Garden Center Group Young Retailer Award.
Conduct Business and Foster Connections
As the largest all-industry horticulture trade show in North America, Cultivate’23 is where business happens. With countless opportunities to conduct commerce, it’s a fertile ground for your business to flourish. Don't forget to bring your business cards and a friendly smile!
Plan Your Visit
With so much to see and do, it’s important to plan your visit wisely. Keep a close eye on the schedule, make note of the events and speakers you don’t want to miss, and allocate time for exploring the tradeshow floor.
Immersive Workshops at Cultivate’23
Alongside the exciting events and exhibitions, Cultivate’23 features an array of immersive workshops. These workshops are designed to provide participants with hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge in specialized areas. Here are the highlights of the workshops at Cultivate’23:
Essentials of Hydroponics Production – a tHRIve Symposium
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center - C170
- Registration: Cultivate Registration required, no additional fee for this program.
This symposium is designed for beginners as well as seasoned professionals to understand the essentials of hydroponic production. Topics covered include plant lighting, supplemental lighting technology, plant responses to the environment, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, hydroponics systems, nutrient and rootzone management, and crop production methods for leafy greens.
This three-hour program is followed by a Q&A session with nationally and internationally recognized scientists and engineers.
Greenhouse Back2Basics: Media & Fertility Workshop
- Time: 11:15 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: Ohio State University Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex*
- Registration Fee: Cultivate registration, plus $175/person, includes lunch and transportation.
This workshop takes participants through the basics of producing healthy crops with a focus on media and plant nutrition. Participants engage in seven hands-on learning labs covering soilless media production, monitoring soil health, plant nutrition, fertility management, plant health monitoring, interpreting test results, working with fertigation systems, and includes a tour of the OSU Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex.
Garden Retail Traveling Workshop: Turning Your IGC Into Your Customer’s Third Place – Their Home Away from Home
- Time: 7:45 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Various central Ohio retail venues*
- Registration Fee: Cultivate registration, plus $299/person, includes lunch and transportation.
This traveling workshop, led by garden retail experts, is designed to inspire attendees to transform their Independent Garden Centers into inviting environments that customers regard as a third place between work and home. Visit innovative retail environments in central Ohio and learn about retail strategies, merchandising principles, marketing mastery, and more.
The workshop includes visits to Flower Child Vintage, Easton Town Center, East Market, Chromedge Studios, 400 West Rich, and a hands-on team challenge at Planthropy.
Make sure to book your spot early for these workshops as they are likely to fill up quickly. Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge on hydroponics, improve your greenhouse operations, or create an unforgettable retail experience, the workshops at Cultivate’23 have got you covered!
See You There!
Cultivate’23 is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of horticulture. Whether you’re looking to grow your knowledge, your network, or your business, this event has something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this vibrant community.