Conference Theme ‘Changing Perspectives, Planting for the Future’ Embodies Positive, Proactive, and Productive Change

The American Public Gardens Association announces its 76th annual conference in Miami, Florida beginning Monday, June 6 and ending Friday, June 10, 2016. While many of the 750+ professionals expected are from public gardens across the United States, those from every continent will gather for this highly-anticipated, five-day conference.

This year’s event boasts an unprecedented thirteen host gardens from throughout the greater Miami area. From gardens renowned for their conservation practices, to fruit growth and culture, and centers of outstanding design, these host gardens reflect the city famous for its warmth, culture, hospitality, and festive spirit.  

Keynote Speakers include two highly-respected professionals with nearly fifty years’ worth of industry experience between them. Raymond (Ray) Jungles, FASLA, is the founder of his own Miami-based landscape architecture firm that is recognized for excellence in melding artistic expressions evocative of great masters such as Roberto Burle Marx, combined with the science of horticulture. Professor and Director of Florida International University’s Institute of Environmental Studies, Dr. Evelyn Gaiser, will present a provocative look at the impacts of climate change on plants and diatoms from her internationally recognized perspective in wetland and aquatic ecology.

The annual conference is the culmination of best practices around the globe for public garden professionals representing arboreta, botanical gardens, community and display gardens, conservatories, historic landscapes, nature centers, research, and educational institutions from North America and beyond. At the conference, botanical educators, executive garden leaders, horticulturalists, marketers, and scientists will come together to learn and network within their professional area of expertise as well as discuss other valuable topics regarding public garden management. The industry will also recognize its best with a series of awards for outstanding individuals, programs and the singular institution worthy of the garden excellence award.

The 2016 agenda is rich with informative sessions, relevant workshops, unique local tours, and once-in-a-lifetime special events. To see a full schedule of speakers and conference activities, visit the 2016 Annual Conference website: 2016.publicgardens.org.

Tweet us at #PublicGardens16 or @PublicGardens!

 

The 2016 Annual Conference is generously supported by the Association’s Board of Directors, BackOffice Thinking, Bailey Nurseries, Bartlett Tree Experts, Berends Hendricks Stuit, Blackbaud, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Chanticleer, Florida International University: School of Arts, Sciences, & Education, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, GrowIt!, Guest Experience Management Services, Holbrook Travel, IrisBG: Botanical Garden Collection Management, Kittleman & Associates, LLC, Lake Flato, Leichtag Commons, Longwood Gardens, Moore Farms Botanical Garden, Mt. Cuba Center, Nameplate & Panel Technology, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University, Rough Brothers, Inc., The Garden Conservancy, The Huntington, The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, The Longwood Graduate Program in Public Horticulture, The Morton Arboretum, Tucson Botanical Gardens, University of California Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, and W. Gary Smith Design.

About the American Public Gardens Association
The American Public Gardens Association is the leading professional organization for the field of public horticulture. With over 75 years of commitment to increasing cooperation and awareness among gardens, the Association has built a membership of nearly 600 institutions located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and 24 other countries. Its members include, but are not limited to, botanic gardens, arboreta, zoos, museums, colleges and universities, display gardens, and research facilities. The American Public Gardens Association’s mission is to serve public gardens and advance them as leaders, advocates, and innovators. For more information, visit: www.publicgardens.org.

###

CONTACT:
Caitlin Simkovich
Communications Manager
csimkovich@publicgardens.og
Work: 610.708.3013