The Farwest Show and the Oregon Association of Nurseries announced today that the prestigious 2015 International Trials Conference will be held this year in conjunction with the 2015 Farwest Show in Portland, Oregon.
The cutting-edge conference focuses on the latest research and techniques for trialing annual, perennial, and woody plants. Set for Monday through Thursday, August 24-27, 2015, the conference will lead up to the trade show, which opens Thursday, August 27.
The trials conference, attended by plant professionals and industry leaders from around the world, convenes biannually to share ideas on evaluation strategies, develop trialing standards, and explore the plant characteristics demanded by plant buyers and growers. Its ongoing mission is to encourage the creation of universal evaluation criteria and collaboration among plant trial locations, resulting in more meaningful trial data.
The four-day agenda includes a welcome reception for networking and dialogue at the Lan Su Chinese Garden, a second day devoted to learning sessions and panels at the host hotel, a third day touring area trial sites and premier nurseries, and a fi nal day of educational sessions held in conjunction with Farwest education seminars. Evenings will be fi lled with dining in small groups including conference speakers.
“The International Trials Conference has become the epicenter for ideas and innovation for plant trialing worldwide,” said Allan Niemi, director of events and education at the Oregon Association of Nurseries, producers of the Farwest Show. “It’s a natural fi t with Farwest. Their work impacts our audience, from nursery to greenhouse to retail, in so many important ways. We’re thrilled to have them in Portland this year to lead off the show.”
The conference is open to all industry professionals who have interest in plant trialing. Registration is required and will begin on March 1, 2015. For questions and immediate information, email TrialsConference@oan.org. High-visibility corporate sponsorship packages are available to support the 2015 International Trials Conference.
