Conference Schedule - Day 2
Tuesday, September 24, 2024

7:30am - 8:30am

Breakfast
The hotel serves complimentary breakfast in the lobby each morning.

Hotel Lobby

8:30am - 9:15am

Welcome, Introductions, and Warm-Up Session
Every attendee will briefly re-introduce themselves to the group.
Each attendee will be asked to share one challenge faced over the last year.

The Terrace Terrace Room

Moderated by New York
(NYSNLA President Liz Snyder)

9:15am - 10:15am

Industry Session:
Mergers & Acquisitions: Impact on the Industry & Your Association
The last several years have brought about a surge in mergers and acquisitions in the Green Industry—brought on by a challenging economy, retirements, no interest in inheriting the family business, and growth opportunities.  M&As make an impact on how our members do business or find employment, as well as affect association membership and sponsorship opportunities.     

The Terrace Terrace Room

Moderated by Ohio
(6 minutes for each delegation)

10:15am - 10:25am

Break

10:25am - 10:35am

Association Session/Industry Leader-Staff Collaboration: Deepening the Bench: Volunteerism/Leadership Development & Ensuring the Future of Your Association
The old adage states: “Many hands make light work.” But in the 21^st century, maintaining a qualified, motivated, and willing cadre of volunteers (Board Members, Committee Leaders and Event Helpers) can be daunting.  This will a collaborative listening and sharing session because when Industry Leaders and Staff are aligned and informed—our associations succeed. 

This session will break attendees into groups of 4-5. 
Industry Leaders and Staff will be placed in separate groups for discussion.

Terrace Room

Introduced by Indiana

10:35 - 10:55am

Peer Group Session I: Volunteerism 

Industry Leaders: Share and discuss how you came to serve? What do you get out of this? How best to recruit others to follow?

Staff: What is the state of volunteerism in your association? How do you recruit and retain your volunteer cadre?

Terrace Room

10:55 - 11:15am

Peer Group Session II: Leadership Development

Industry Leaders: How do you know what to do? What are your resources? Do you help find/train your successor? What do you need to be a better leader? 

Staff: What is your role in the training and managing of volunteer leaders? What are your challenges?

Terrace Room

11:15am - 12:00pm

Deepening the Bench – Takeaways
A spokesperson for each group should share key takeaways from the small group discussion. 

Terrace Room

Moderated by Indiana
(5 minutes for each delegation)

12:00pm – 12:15pm

Working Lunch
Take a quick break, grab a plate, and let’s keep working.

Terrace Room

12:15pm – 1:15pm

Association Round Table:
The Burning Issues OR
As Good a Place as Any to Bring This Up and Get Some Feedback!
Building off the session we just completed—and in the spirit of collaboration and effectiveness—what are your “burning issues?”

Each Executive Director will bring one item to place into discussion.

Terrace Room

Moderated by Illinois
(6 minutes for each delegation)

1:15pm – 1:30 pm

Break
Drop your stuff off in your hotel room and get ready for the fieldtrip!
Meet in the lobby at 1:30 p.m.

1:30pm - 5:00pm

Green Industry Discovery Field Trip – On the North Fork
We will visit Landcraft Garden Foundation in Mattituck, dedicated to inspiring, educating and promoting gardening, horticulture and the preservation of our natural environment. Its mission is to provide a horticulturally diverse garden that offers knowledge of the plant world and acts as a laboratory for experimenting with horticultural techniques, plant diversity, breeding and design. We will also be learning about the Foundation’s Spanish-speaking supervisor’s training program.

Please Note: Attendees will have the opportunity to meet some of NYSNLA’s Long Island Members. Our PlantLI Region has been invited to join in the Landcraft Garden Foundation Tour and Program. 

Following Landcraft, we will then take in the Macari Vineyards for a presentation on cultivation and techniques of the wine industry on Long Island and a private tasting in their wine cellar.

5:00pm

Arrive at Jamesport Farm Brewery

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Taste of Long Island / Farm-to-Table Experience
…and then you’re going to enjoy the local cuisine even further!
Our hosts are Tony & Melissa Caggiano, NYSNLA Past Presidents and Owners/Operators of Jamesport Farm Brewery

Jamesport Farm Brewery

8:00pm

Bus will leave Jamesport Farm Brewery for the Hyatt