PPA National Symposium registration deadline approaches

The final registration deadline of July 15 is fast approaching as the Perennial Plant Association gears up to head to Asheville, North Carolina, for the 2024 National Symposium.

The National Symposium will be hosted at the Embassy Suites and DoubleTree Downtown Asheville hotels from July 29-Aug. 1, with tours exploring into the surrounding areas.

This year, PPA has partnered with Speaking of Gardening to add an additional day of education on Aug. 2. From tours of public and private gardens to education crafted for diverse industry interests, this event has plenty to offer perennial plant people.

PPA will also be celebrating its 40th anniversary as an association at the National Symposium with special highlights throughout the week, including a celebratory dinner Wednesday evening. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore botanical gardens, see the work that leading companies are undertaking and learn from top experts in the field.

Comprised of education, tours, socials, dinners and a trade show, attendees can choose to participate in the weeklong experience with PPA hosting “add-on” bus tours on Monday; the Core Symposium Tuesday-Thursday; and another “add-on” day of industry-leading speakers hosted by Speaking of Gardening.

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina the symposium is carefully curated to deliver a memorable horticultural experience.

Session highlights include:

• Exploring Southern Appalachian Flora with Tom Ranney
• Cultivating Community and Ecological Stewardship at Brooklyn Bridge Park with Rashid Poulson
• Designing for the Experience: Composition in Practice with Preston Montague
• From Test Tube to Garden Center: The Role of Plant Tissue in Bringing New Perennials to Market with Kelly Elsworth
• Favorites from Plant Trials with Elliott Duemler, Paul Westervelt and Dr. Mark Yelanich

The National Symposium sponsors and trade show exhibitors bring both fiscal and in-kind contributions to help provide a high-quality symposium. Nearly 65 sponsors and exhibitors have supported the efforts to be able to offer a week-long experience for attendees.