Top Ten Reasons to Attend #GWA2018

GWA’s biggest event of the year is less than two weeks away! Whether you’re still on the fence about attending, or you’re in the midst of mapping out your sessions and tours, below are 10 exciting reasons you should join us in Chicago!

 #1 Networking Opportunities

At #GWA2018 you’ll have the chance to reconnect with friends and make new ones, or maybe you’ll meet a few of your horticultural heroes . Additionally, we have multiple receptions spanning across the four-day conference including the IGC Reception, the first-timer event, Sponsor & Exhibitors Reception and a wonderful dinner to celebrate all our honorees and media award winners at the Mid-America Club, located on the 80th floor of the Aon Building.

#2 Exclusive Garden Tours

This year’s tours will feature exclusive tours of Chicago’s finest public and private gardens, including Lurie Garden in Millennium Park , Garden of the Phoenix , Dearborn Park Private Gardens, Hyde Park Private Gardens , and many more. Learn more here

#3 Education Sessions

Whether you are looking for advice on building your business or honing your communication skills, we have a terrific line up of speakers and sessions for you including tips on blogging, starting a podcast, taking professional photos, and expanding into food writing. Learn more here

#4 New Product Reveals

You’ll see a variety of new products and plants at #GWA2018. During the breakout education sessions, Sue Trusty will introduce you to the world of soil-free sustainable gardening; Andrew Bunting will discuss the history and impact of plant exploration; and Maria Zampini and Kelly Norris will showcase the latest plant introductions, offing concise commentary and insights on new releases in virtually all product categories: bedding plants to trees, perennials to vegetables. Don’t miss out. Learn more here

#5 New Work

#GWA2018 opens the door for you to meet influential garden industry communicators, publishers and sponsors, which can lead to job opportunities. That face-to-face contact can be the first step to getting work.

Read about how GWA member Brie Arthur secured an opportunity with PBS TV show Growing a Greener World at a past GWA conference. Learn more here

#6 #GWA2018 Expo

Head to the #GWA2018 Expo and see plants, products and people that inspire new ideas. Monday and Tuesday evening will be exclusively dedicated to the trade show floor and opportunities to connect with new contacts and concepts.

#7 Resources for Work & Inspiration

Through new conversations and the garden tours, you’re bound to generate photos and story ideas that can be used throughout the year.

Read about how GWA member Louise Clarke uses material from the GWA Annual Conference.   Learn more here

#8 Special Access to IGC Show ’18

Attendees of the GWA conference will have an opportunity to also attend several exclusive IGC events, including the keynote session with Daymond John of ABC’s hit television series,  Shark Tank  and IGC’s Reception and Concert with the Marshall Tucker Band Tuesday night. GWA registrants are also invited to walk the IGC show floor on Wednesday, August 15 from 10AM -12PM. Learn more here 

#9 The Location, Chicago

Chicago is filled with more gardens, photo opportunities, networking, stories ideas and learning than can fit into our four-day conference. Consider coming early or staying late!

Read more about all of the exciting horticultural things to do and see in Chicago.  Learn more here

#10 GWA Awards & Honors Dinner

Join GWA for an evening of networking, friendship and celebration on Monday evening as we congratulate and honor our colleagues. During the Awards & Honors Dinner, the 2018 GWA Honors recipients will be recognized for their excellence and service in the green communications industry. Additionally, winners of the 2018 GWA Media Awards Silver Medal of Achievement will be recognized and the coveted Gold Medal winners will be announced.

Register Today!