Grow West Coast Conference set to kick off at KPU Langley Campus

CANADA – The highly anticipated Grow West Coast Conference is set to kick off on September 27th, 2024, at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Langley Campus.

Organized by the British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association (BCLNA), this event is designed to bring together horticultural professionals for an exchange of ideas and insights.

The Grow West Coast Conference 2023 was a pivotal moment for the horticulture industry, providing professionals with an opportunity to share knowledge and collaborate.

Previously known as the Grow West Coast Horticultural Trade Show, the event has evolved into a conference format to meet the changing needs of the industry.

“Trade show attendance has been declining, and more attention is being paid to education,” explains Hannah Nicolle, Communications and Marketing Coordinator at BCLNA. “That’s why we opted for a conference format.”

The 2024 edition is expected to build on the success of last year’s event, offering a robust educational program and a platform for industry leaders to connect.

A central feature of the conference will be its seminar series, which covers a variety of topics that impact the horticulture sector.

From sustainable practices to innovative technologies and market trends, the sessions are designed to address the challenges and opportunities faced by growers, retail garden centers, and landscape professionals.

“We built the program based on feedback from our members,” says Nicolle. “There’s a lot of focus on labor, succession planning, and environmental topics.”

Several seminars have already generated strong interest, particularly “Quality Water for Quality Plants” by Ann Huber and Jeanine West, and “Temporary Foreign Workers” by Veronica Moreno and Mayrena Patko.

Additionally, sessions such as “Keeping Access to Greenhouse Chemicals,” the “Pesticide Panel,” and “Sprayer Calibration” will provide attendees with continuing education credits.

Networking is another key component of the Grow West Coast Conference, offering attendees numerous opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders.

Moderated panels, such as the Grower-to-Grower Panel and the Energy Transition Panel, will facilitate discussions and the sharing of best practices. “It’s nice to have an in-person event where different sectors of the green industry come together,” notes Nicolle.

In addition to the seminars and networking events, exhibitors will showcase the latest products, services, and technologies relevant to the horticulture industry.

The exhibition area provides attendees with the chance to explore new innovations and make valuable business connections.

The conference will also feature BCLNA’s Annual General Meeting, where key updates will be provided, and future plans for the association will be discussed.

This gathering of members allows for important conversations about the direction of the horticulture industry in British Columbia and beyond.

With approximately 150 attendees expected, the Grow West Coast Conference promises to be a significant event for the horticulture community. “We really want to bring value to the industry, both to members and non-members alike,” concludes Nicolle.

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