International Newsletter, April 2026: International Tour Coordinator Message, Events in 2026, Southern Africa Post-Conference Highlights, Sponsor Appreciation
International Tour Coordinator’s Message
Dear IPPS Members,
Spring greetings from central North Carolina where we are finally experiencing pleasant weather after a long, cold winter season. For those who I haven’t met, my name is Brie (the Plant Lady) and I am the Southern Region International Delegate and tour coordinator for the2026 International tour.
I have had the privilege of being closely involved with the IPPS International Tour program since 2023, when the Southern Region hosted. In recent years, I had the pleasure of participating in the Southern African and New Zealand tours, experiences that reinforced just how valuable these international exchanges are for our profession. Having seen firsthand the friendships, knowledge sharing, and inspiration that come from these journeys, I am especially excited to invite you to join us for the 2026 International Tour hosted by the Eastern Region.
This will be an extraordinary opportunity to experience some of the most innovative plant production operations in the United States while building meaningful connections with colleagues from around the world. Registration will be closing on April 15, so please do not delay securing your spot on this extraordinary trip!
International President, Liz Erickson and I have worked closely with regional partners to design an itinerary that highlights the diversity, creativity, and excellence of the green industry across the upper Midwest USA. This tour will take participants through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, offering behind-the-scenes access to leading nurseries, breeding programs, public gardens, cultural sites, and horticultural enterprises that are rarely seen by visitors.
With two great options, the Long Tour (September 11–25, 2026) beginning in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota (MSP airport code) and the Short Tour (September 18–25, 2026) beginning in Chicago, Illinois(ORD airport code) we are certain to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for all attendees. Both tours conclude in Grand Rapids, Michigan (GRR airport code) with the Eastern Region Annual Conference, which is full of incredible tour stops and world-class educational sessions.
International tours are among the most valuable experiences IPPS offers. They allow us to step outside our daily routines, learn from different production systems, and build lasting friendships within our global community. I can confidently say that the relationships formed and knowledge shared on these adventures often shape careers for years to come.
I hope you will consider joining us for this memorable journey across the Eastern Region. Whether you participate in the full tour or the shorter itinerary, I promise it will be a rewarding and inspiring experience. Registration details and additional information are available below.
I look forward to traveling with you in 2026.
Warm regards,
Brie Arthur
2026 IPPS International Tour Coordinator
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IPPS Southern Africa’s 28th Annual Conference Recap
IPPS Southern Africa recently hosted a very successful 28th Annual Conference!
Article by IPPS Southern Africa Secretary, Karen Eichholz
From Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 March, 50 horticultural professionals, connected to enthusiastically share plant production knowledge, guided by the theme: ‘Startups, Reboots & Mainstays’.
Early Tuesday morning, the pre-tour started in Cape Town, heading to the beautiful conference venue at Goedgedacht, located on the slopes of the picturesque Riebeek Valley, near Malmesbury. First stop Cape Garden Centre, then a quick stop at Box Tree Company. Lunch was served at The Pink Geranium and last but not the least a visit to Malmesbury Wholesale Nursery. Delegates enjoyed sharing the days experiences at the welcome function, held on the
‘Tree House Deck’, with amagnificent view of Table Mountain, far away on the horizon.
Wednesday and Thursday morning delegates attended the presentations by this years amazing speakers, all specialists in their specific fields of interest. Click here to view all of the presentations. During the afternoons delegates participated in more interesting nursery business visits, Wednesday Tulbagh Nursery and Vitro Plant, Thursday Ellepot SA. Click here to view photos taken by various delegates.
Another highlight of the event was the final selection of the two young horticulturists participating in the 2026, Australia and New Zealand, exchange program. Click here to view the presentations by this years two successful finalists.
Thank you to all the delegates, sponsors, and organisers forstaging another memorable IPPS Southern Africa Conference!
Please join us next year, 2 – 4 March, in Gauteng, for the 29thannual IPPS Southern Africa Conference.
Sponsor
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
Past 2026 Regional Conferences:
Southern Africa: March 3 – 5, 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!
Sponsor Appreciation
The International Plant Production Society (IPPS) is proud to recognizeand thank
all of our sponsors
around the world. International wouldlike to highlight our
International Sponsors
, whose ongoing supporthelps strengthen our global network and advance our mission of “Seekand Share” plant production knowledge.
Our sponsors represent a diverse group of industry leaders,innovators, and partners who are deeply committed to the future ofhorticulture. Their contributions not only support IPPS programs andevents worldwide, but also help provide meaningful benefits for ourmembers across all regions.
As part of our continued effort to connect members with theseimportant partners, we encourage you to explore the sponsor videolibrary available on the bottom of our international home page. Thesevideos offer a unique opportunity to learn more about eachorganization and their expertise, innovations, and the role they play insupporting plant production professionals around the world. From newtechnologies and research advancements to practical solutions andservices, these insights are both informative and highly relevant to ourcommunity.
IPPS thrives in part due to the collaboration between members andindustry partners. By supporting our sponsors, you are directlycontributing to the continued growth, innovation, and success of ourinternational community.