Immerse yourself in the world of botanical excellence at the APGA Open House at Myriad Botanical Gardens on February 20-21, 2024! Explore their stunning Conservatory renovation and learn about its innovative design, construction, and impact. Delve deeper into operational details with breakout sessions on community events, education, horticulture, and more. Explore the vibrant grounds and Scissortail Park and get a sneak peek at the soon-to-be-renovated Union Station. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired at one of America’s premier botanical gardens. Register now for the APGA Open House and unlock a world of botanical possibilities!
Hotel
Colcord Hotel Oklahoma City, Curio Collection by Hilton
Myriad Botanical Gardens has negotiated a discounted rate of $160 per night and have set up a room block for the event under APGA Open House. Below is the link that you can use to make reservations.
Please use this booking link for your reservation!
Schedule of Events
Monday, February 19, 2024
Suggested Itinerary for Participants Arriving Early to Oklahoma City
3:30 – 5:00 pm Tour of Scissortail Park and Union Station
Meet in the Visitor Lobby at Myriad Botanical Gardens
Find more things to do in Oklahoma City here.
Tuesday, February 20, 8am – 4pm
7:30 am – 8:45 am
Check In and Breakfast followed by Conservatory Tour with Conservatory and Education Teams
Visitor Lobby adjacent to Conservatory
8:50 am – walk to Park House
9:00 – 9:30 am
Intro and Welcome with Maureen Heffernan, President/CEO
Learn about the history of Myriad Botanical Gardens including the organization structure/Public Private Partnership model, signature elements of the Gardens, and background on Scissortail Park, the adjacent 70-acre public park, garden and arboretum space managed by the Gardens.
9:30 – 10:45 am Conservatory Session 1: A Conservatory Reimagined with Maureen Heffernan, Nate Tschaenn, and TBD speakers from other conservatories
Discover how our aging conservatory was completely renovated to create a reimagined space that better serves the public and education goals. We will discuss the need, planning, design, research, goals, construction, financing, plant collection, interpretation and results and visitor feedback after reopening in November 2022. Then, open for a group discussion about managing conservatories.
10:50 am – 12 pm Conservatory Session 2: A Conservatory Reimagined — ROI and Behind the Scenes with Maureen Heffernan, Nate Tschaenn, and TBD speakers from other conservatories
Hear key takeaways including income, gift shop management, and special installations all related to the Conservatory. Then gain a behind the scenes look at irrigation, HVAC, mechanics, water feature maintenance, lighting, acrylic panel maintenance, and more!
OR
11:00 – 11:50 am Using Public Art to Support Mission & Create Community with Emmy French
Conservatories not your thing? Join this discussion on the role of using art to support public events via music, performances, art, displays and partnerships with local artists and art organizations.
12:00 – 12:45 pm Lunch and Table Topic Discussions
12:45 – 1:30 pm Tour of Grounds
Track 1: Programming – This tour will showcase where and how various educational and special event programs are staged and managed.
Track 2: Horticulture – This tour will showcase plantings, how new gardens have been added, maintenance, special collections, challenges posed by our site/climate etc.
1:35 – 2:30 pm Breakout Session 1
Learn about more operational details in these departments:
Option 1: Community Events with Kristen Milburn, Emmy French, and Rachel McMichael
Option 2: Education with Kaitlin Bacon, Alahna Broadway, and Morgan Link
Option 3: Horticulture with Nate Tschaenn and Matt Janda
Option 4: Executive and Admin with Maureen Heffernan and Marlo Turner
Sponsored by Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.
2:40 – 3:30 pm Breakout Session 2
Option 1: Community Events with Kristen Milburn, Emmy French, and Rachel McMichael
Option 2: Education with Kaitlin Bacon, Alahna Broadway, and Morgan Link
Option 3: Scissortail Horticulture and Events with Lance Swearengin and Eric Himan
3:40 – 4:00 pm Closing Discussion with Maureen Heffernan
4:00 – 5:30 pm Optional Tour of Scissortail Park & Arboretum and Union Station
Union Station is a 50,000 sq. foot California mission/Art Deco style train station built in 1930 that is currently being renovated. When it re-opens in June of 2025, it will serve as a Visitor Center, Education and Event Space, Community Meeting Center and provide administrative and staff office space.
6:30 – 8:30 pm Optional cocktail reception and dinner – offsite near Gardens
