International Newsletter, January 2026: Meet our International President, International Tour Registration, Throwback Corner, Events in 2026
Meet our International President
Greetings all, and hello from the frozen tundra of Wisconsin! Here in the Midwest, we experience a wide and wonderful variety of seasons—from the deep chill we’re feeling now, with temperatures staying below freezing for at least another week, to summers that are hot and humid.
That’s why I’m especially excited to invite you to join the International Tour and visit us in the fall—my favorite season of all. We will visit many outstanding nurseries—large and small—busy with their final rounds of cuttings and digging. Our journey will take us through five Heartland states, where people are welcoming, friendly, and still value a slower pace of life. We’ll experience iconic features of major cities as well as the open beauty of the countryside, and tour world-renowned parks and gardens with knowledgeable, enthusiastic guides. We will taste world-class food that emphasizes local flavors and drink some of the fantastic spirits, beers and wines made right here. This part of our country is truly something to celebrate, with its strong focus on agriculture, community, and work ethic. So if you haven’t already, please visit the website and sign up to share this experience with me!
Finally, I’d like to thank everyone on the Committee, the Eastern Region Board, Brie Arthur, Katie McDavid, and—most especially—our
generous sponsors for making all of this possible.
Your 2026 President,
Elizabeth (Dunham) Erickson
2026 International Tour Registration NOW OPEN!
Registration Now Open for the 2026 IPPS International Tour Hosted by the Eastern Region
The International Plant Production Society (IPPS) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 IPPS International Tour, proudly hosted by the IPPS Eastern Region. This highly anticipated global event will bring together plant propagation professionals, growers, researchers, and educators from around the world for an immersive experience highlighting excellence and innovation in horticulture.
The 2026 International Tour will showcase an exceptional lineup of nurseries, botanical gardens, research institutions, and production facilities across the Eastern Region. Participants will gain behind-the-scenes access to industry-leading operations, engage directly with experts, and explore cutting-edge techniques in plant propagation, production, and sustainable practices.
“This tour represents the very heart of IPPS learning through shared experience, collaboration, and global connection,” said Elizabeth Erickson, IPPS International President. “The Eastern Region is honored to welcome our international community and to highlight the depth, diversity, and innovation of horticulture in our region.”
In addition to technical tours and educational sessions, the 2026 IPPS International Tour will offer unparalleled networking opportunities, allowing attendees to build lasting professional relationships while experiencing the culture, history, and landscapes of the Eastern United States.
Tour highlights include: visits to Bailey Nurseries, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, The Morton Arboretum, Frederik Meijer Gardens, Epic Systems Gardens, McKay Nursery, Taliesin East, the Minnesota Sculpture Garden, Spring Meadow Nursery, and many more.
Long Tour: Friday 11 September – Friday 25 September 2026
Arrive in the Twin Cities, Minnesota (MSP) by 5:00 pm Central Time on Friday September 11
Depart from Grand Rapids, Michigan (GRR) after 12:30 pm Eastern Time on September 25
Single Occupancy: $5,995
Double Occupancy: $4,295
Short Tour: Friday 18 September – Friday 25 September 2026
Arrive in Chicago, Illinois (ORD) on Thursday September 17 by 6:00 pm Central Time
Depart from Grand Rapids, Michigan (GRR) after 12:30 pm Eastern Time on Friday September 25
Single Occupancy: $3,995
Double Occupancy: $2,995
Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged! For all the details and tour information visit: https://ena.ipps.org/event/2026-international-tour/
QUESTIONS? For registration and tour questions contact:
Tour Coordinator Brie Arthur Brie@BrieGrows.com (919) 753-7264
International President Liz Erickson Liz@knighthollownursery.com (608) 333-7703
Anyone wishing to extend their stay in Eastern Region can also contact Liz for suggestions.
Throwback Corner
PPS International is excited to begin sharing some of the exciting historical material preserved in our archives. This month, we are highlighting the early beginnings of IPPS with a brief excerpt from Parts I and II of The History of the International Plant Propagators’ Society, written by Ralph B. Shugert in 1987.
The passage below reflects members’ early concerns about a change in meeting location and a departure from long-standing tradition—while also noting that the change ultimately led to record attendance. Even within the first ten years of the Society, several founding members recognized that adaptation and change were essential to strengthening and advancing IPPS—a principle that remains just as important today!
“The Society, as we know it today, was first introduced to me by my mentor, Hugh Steavenson, who was the seventh Plant Propagator Society President. In the beginning, all meetings were held in Cleveland, Ohio, at the wade Park Manor Hotel, In 1959, the meeting site was the Sheraton Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, despite minority grumblings as to the site change. The tenor of discontent was “why move”? The site change was successful since at that ninth annual meeting, there was a record attendance, to date, of 227 people! I vividly recall a comment from that meeting, “Too many (redacted expletive) people, we should have stayed in Cleveland!” During the next 27 years, I heard the context of that remark more than once, echoed at Eastern Region Meetings.”
2026 Upcoming Events
Regional Conferences:
Southern Africa: March 3 – 5, 2026
New Zealand: April 30 – May 3, 2026
Australia: May 26 – 29, 2026
Western Region of North America: September 1 – 4, 2026
Eastern Region of North America: September 22 – 25, 2026 (during International Tour)
Europe: September 30 – October 2, 2026
Southern Region of North America: October 18 – 22, 2026
International Tour 2026: Hosted by the Eastern Region of North America, the long tour will start on September 11, 2026, with the short tour starting on September 18, 2026, and both tours concluding on September 25, 2026. More information is available at:
https://ena.ipps.org/event/2026-international-tour/
*Please note these dates could change as regions finalize their conference details. Visit your regional website through ipps.org for the most up-to-date information!