The Green & Growin’ Education Conference Where Learning Meets Networking and Growth

Are you a professional in the nursery and landscaping industry looking to “level up” your game? If so, the Green & Growin’ Education Conference is an event you won’t want to miss. This annual gathering brings together experts, innovators and enthusiasts from the green industry to share knowledge, inspire creativity and foster growth. While Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are a prime reason to attend, the benefits extend far beyond.

Before diving into the details of maximizing your conference experience, let’s talk about why attending the Green & Growin’ Education Conference is so important. If you are licensed or certified in fields like horticulture, landscaping, irrigation, pesticide application, or any related area (such as being an NC Certified Plant Professional), you are likely familiar with the CEU requirements. Attending this conference can help you earn the required CEUs, keeping your professional credentials up to date and valid.

CEUs are more than just a bureaucratic necessity, however — they represent your commitment to staying current in your field and continually improving your skills. Plus, they enhance your professional credibility, making you a more valuable asset to employers and clients alike.

However, the Green & Growin’ Education Conference offers more than just CEUs — it’s a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, gain insights into industry trends, and discover new products and services that can benefit your business. It’s also a place where you can recharge your passion for the green industry and find fresh inspiration for your projects.

Following is a guide on how to make the most out of your time at the Green & Growin’ Education Conference.

Thorough preparation is essential before stepping into the Sheraton. Begin by carefully examining the conference schedule to identify sessions aligned with your interests and professional goals, then craft a personalized agenda that includes sessions, workshops and networking events most valuable to you.

Also be sure to update your own professional materials. Bring an ample supply of business cards, since networking plays such a vital role in any conference, and consider creating a digital version of your resume or portfolio for easy sharing with potential employers or collaborators.

The Green & Growin’ Education Conference offers a diverse range of sessions, from hands-on workshops to enlightening keynote presentations. Although attending sessions relevant to your field is crucial, don’t shy away from exploring topics that could broaden your horizons. The horticultural industry continually evolves, and interdisciplinary knowledge can prove invaluable.

Get the most out of the program by actively engaging with presenters and fellow attendees during Q&A sessions and networking breaks. Ask questions, share insights and exchange contact information with those who share your interests.

Remember: You’re not merely absorbing information — you’re building connections.

One of the primary reasons to attend the Green & Growin’ Education Conference, of course, is to accumulate CEUs, which are required for maintaining industry licenses and certifications and indispensable for keeping with the latest developments. To ensure that you leave the conference with a substantial number of CEUs, consider these strategies:

• Plan ahead: Identify sessions offering CEUs, and confirm their approval status online at www.greenandgrowin.com to prioritize them on your agenda.

• Participate actively: Engage fully in sessions and workshops, participating in discussions, asking questions and sharing your experiences.

• Maintain records: Keep detailed records of the sessions you attend, including session titles, dates and presenter names. This information will prove to be invaluable when reporting CEUs to your certifying organization.

• Proof of attendance: Proof of attendance forms will be made available within 30 days of the trade show closing, attendees will receive all forms via email and will be responsible for confirming their attendance records are accurate.

One of the most significant advantages of attending an education conference like Green & Growin’ is the opportunity to network with peers, mentors and industry leaders, which can lead to new job opportunities, fresh collaborations and valuable insights. Here’s how to make the most out of conference networking:

• Attend social events: Participate in social events and receptions, found on page 33 — Schedule at a Glance.. These informal settings provide excellent opportunities to connect with fellow attendees on a personal level.

• Utilize social media: Follow the conference hashtag (#GreenandGrowin24) on social media platforms to stay updated on real-time discussions and connect with other attendees. Share your conference experiences to engage with a broader audience.

• Explore the sponsor exhibits: Visit the exhibit area to interact with vendors and discover the latest products and services in the industry.

• Engage with licensing board exhibitors to gather information: Take this opportunity to introduce yourself, get to know their representatives, and ask any questions or address any concerns you may have.

When the conference concludes, your journey is far from over! To ensure that the experience continues to benefit you, consider the following post-conference actions:

• Reflect: Take time to think about what you’ve learned and the connections you’ve made. Identify actionable steps to apply your newfound knowledge in your work.

• Follow up: Reach out to the contacts you made during the conference. Send personalized thank-you emails and connect on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn.

• Share insights: Share your conference insights with colleagues and superiors. Consider hosting a post-conference presentation or writing a summary report to disseminate key takeaways within your organization.

• Proof of attendance: Be sure to check you email 30 days after the event to confirm your attendance records are accurate. (Yes, this has been mentioned twice in the article, because it is that important.) Being part of the Green & Growin’ Education Conference can truly enhance your career. By preparing effectively, customizing your conference journey, maximizing CEU acquisition, networking actively and embracing the conference experience, you can make the most of this unparalleled annual gathering of green industry professionals. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of horticulture, connect with your peers, and experience personal and professional growth. The Green & Growin’ Education Conference awaits, and the opportunities are boundless!

Jan. 15-19, 2024 | Greensboro, NC

Please allow 5-7 business days for processing and confirmation.