The opening bell on the 2024 Farwest Show rings at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 21. And from there, it’s ready, set, network!
On the expo floor, in the keynote presentation by James Robilotta about interpersonal relationships, and most of all at four essential networking gatherings, networking is the focus. That’s rightfully so, because the nursery industry is all about relationships.
“Networking is essential to success in any kind of business, and it’s even more true with the nursery industry,” show director Allan Niemi said. “The Farwest Show will give important insights into networking, and it will provide immediate opportunities to put those into practice.”
The four major networking and social events at the Farwest Show are the following:
- NexGen Networking Event, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 21 — This free event is open to all horticulture professionals and focused around the NexGen group. NexGen is a new OAN Nursery Professional and Leadership Group open to all members of the trade, with a special focus on those who are new to the industry or rising in their careers.
- Farwest Happy Hour, 5 p.m., Wednesday, August 21 — This end-of-day gathering allows attendees to mix and mingle with friends and colleagues to celebrate the completion of the first day of the show. Farwest exhibitor booth awards will also be announced during Happy Hour festivities, including the winner of Best of Show!
- Women in Horticulture Networking Event, 3:30 p.m. Thursday, August 22 — This gathering is an inclusive event where any advocate for women in horticulture is welcome, regardless of gender! Since its inception in 2010, the Women in Horticulture networking event at Farwest has been a place for women to share their experiences, build connections and strengthen career skills.
- Farwest Pub Crawl, 5 p.m., Thursday, August 22 —This Farwest tradition offers a fun-filled night of witty banter and laughter, where attendees can socialize and network with new and old friends while snacking and relaxing. There are three stops: venerable taphouse Spirit of 77, new cider house Bauman’s on Oak, and the Roof Deck at concert venue Revolution Hall.
Farwest takes place August 21–23, 2024 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. Registration is available online and at the door.
This year’s show floor will be packed with more than 300 exhibiting companies, including wholesale growers, re-wholesalers, garden centers, landscape designers and service providers, allied service providers and suppliers, and more. More than 4,000 attendees and guests will browse the latest plants, products and services available to horticultural businesses.
The three-day show kicks off with a Farwest Keynote from leadership author, motivational speaker and improv comedian James Robiolotta to jack up the energy and set a positive and uplifting mood. It’s free for all registered Farwest attendees.
Educational seminars will take place all three days of the show, featuring various “treks” for different professional areas (Business Trek, Grower Trek, Landscaping Trek, Pest Management Trek). There are sessions suitable for arborists, breeders, business leaders, designers, growers, landscapers, marketers, municipalities, retailers, pest control and more, with an additional focus area on sustainability.
The seminars will be augmented with Solution Center mini-sessions right on the show expo floor during open hours (10 a.m.¬–5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Friday). These will cover marketing to new generations, pruning demonstrations, solar grants, brand programs and more. Between the seminars and Solution Center, there are more than 45 sessions in all.
The show also offers its traditional New Varieties Showcase featuring gorgeous and useful new plant introductions, and New Products Showcase offering clever and problem-solving technologies to help businesses and gardeners.
“We designed Farwest to offer continuous benefit for exhibitors and attendees from sunup to sundown and beyond,” Niemi said. “Everything at the show can help feed your success, from the exhibitors to the seminars to the tours and show features, and definitely the networking. A year of planning has gone into making the show transformative for those attending.”
Oregon is a nationwide nursery industry leader, with more than $1.2 billion in sales during the most recent year tallied. It’s the leading state for coniferous evergreens, deciduous shade trees, deciduous flowering trees, bareroot nursery products, B&B nursery products and cut Christmas trees.
Complete details on events, daily schedules, speakers and education for Farwest are all available at www.FarwestShow.com
