Graphic design is the process of visual communication and problem-solving using a combination of typography, photography, and illustration. At public gardens design spans many disciplines and includes event materials, interpretive signage, websites,...

Events are becoming increasingly important fundraisers and friendraisers for gardens of all sizes. This session will cover the nuts and bolts of creating a new event from the perspectives of three very different gardens—a large garden with a history of...

When done thoughtfully, family programs can be a great way to expand your audience and visitorship, as well as increase Family Memberships and revenue. Among the topics discussed will be: a three-pronged approach to a family program (theme, tour, make-...

As cultural attitudes and mindsets shift ever more rapidly, how do botanical gardens stay relevant? Our collections, from living plants to herbarium specimens, represent an intrinsic part of botanical garden DNA. However, these collections are not...

Learn about new botanical gardens projects under development in Fort Collins, Pittsburgh, and Santa Fe, cities of diverse populations, geographic regions, and cultural histories. Executive Directors from these institutions will discuss strategies for...

Public gardens contain fundamental ingredients necessary to be sites of healing and growth. For several years, The University of Tennessee Gardens in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been the site of Therapeutic Horticulture programs with great success for...

Any garden or organization can benefit from a diversified volunteer corps with differing skill sets as well as being a welcoming and supportive space. Panelists will share successful stories, workplace/onboarding strategies, and offer resources for...

Providing alcohol can be a big draw for development events, but did you know it can also increase your audience base as well as attendance numbers for mission-based education programs? This session will help you determine whether alcohol should be the...

Let's face it. We are a public garden first, a venue second. Yet, events bring people to the beauty of the gardens, as well as bring much needed earned revenue to support our missions. Whether you want to have 1 wedding per weekend; 15 weddings in one...

We are living in a day and age where big data is discussed in every newspaper, trade publication, or blog we read. Public gardens need to connect more with our customers, deepen loyalty, and generate more earned revenue. But how? This 60-minute, multi-...

Orchid, holiday, and other types of big shows and festivals are becoming increasingly popular ways to draw in visitors to public gardens. Pairing displays with interpretive messages under a theme allows us to tell a cohesive story with strongly...

Events are becoming increasingly important fundraisers and friendraisers for gardens of all sizes. This session will cover the nuts and bolts of creating a new event from the perspectives of three very different gardens—a large garden with a history of...

Seasoned Volunteer Managers will offer advice for staff members who work with volunteers. How can you make the most of this valuable resource while helping staff build leadership skills? What strategies and practices will offer the greatest success for...

You CAN maintain your gardens to a high level while still delivering a great guest experience. Three institutes will share their thoughts and practices as to how they complete their daily work while maximizing the guest experience. Disneyland, Niagara...

Hear stories that embrace the theme of “Cultivating Your Creativity." Several presenters from different public gardens shared a 5 minute story on a program or project their institution is embracing. 

What is the role of advocacy at public gardens? Can a public garden advocate for conservation legislation? Should you engage your members and visitors in advocacy, and if so, how? If you or your staff have grappled with any of these questions, this...

After opening the Lena Meijer Children's Garden in 2004, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park saw a 25% increase in membership and observed that more young families were visiting Meijer Gardens than ever before. Staff were presented with a new...

How do gardens creatively bring new life to their annual exhibitions? Each year gardens across the country feature annual experiences that have become a staple for their organization. These exhibitions might manifest themselves as an annual orchid show...

Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Atlanta Botanical Garden have engaged in successful capital campaigns to grow their gardens. Learn how to build and think creatively about a robust capital campaign from their successes and lessons learned. This presentation...

How can we captivate audiences through the bounty of our gardens? Food crops are one of the most approachable plant-related topics and can be a gateway to broader plant conservation discussions. Yet, how can we use these food crops and tell their...