2026 Gather & Grow

Hosted by MNLA and the MNLA Foundation for Educational Excellence

Attendee Flyer

All attendees MUST be pre-registered on or before September 28, 2026.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Weston Nurseries • Hopkinton, MA

youth initiative at the green industry winter forum

Be part of the future of green industry professionals!

Two MCH CEUs available.

Event Agenda

9:30am Welcome and Introductions

Brief introduction
Explain the event structure and hands-on activities to come

Icebreaker Activity—We invite all attendees to learn more about each other and green industry careers in a fun, interactive way.

10:00am Hands-on Workshops with Rotating Stations

Station 1: Growing & Plant Care This is hands on where we will pot a plant in a biodegradable pot and learn the basics of soil health, watering, and light requirements.

Station 2: Recycling & Compost Learn about the significance of composting and recycling waste in green industries. This is a hands-on sorting activity where we will separate recyclables from non-recyclables while seeing innovative upcycling plastic pots. Additionally, we will explore what can
and cannot be composted for maximum plant nourishment.

Station 3: Landscape Design An introduction to the basics of landscape design of the right plant/right place and how sustainable design improves urban spaces. In small groups “within the group” we will design a small garden or outdoor space. Focus will be on sustainable landscaping practices such as native plants, water conservation, and green spaces.

11:30am–12:30pm Careers In Horticulture & Landscaping

Panel of professionals share their pathways to the green industry, followed by a Q&A session. Students will be encouraged to ask questions about potential careers in the field, educational paths, and real-world applications of landscaping and horticulture.

Closing and Reflection Discussion: A great opportunity for students to share one thing they learned and a new idea they found exciting.

Lunch Included

Feel free to bring your own lunch or join us for hot dogs on the grill with no frills! Sponsored by MNLA members who have contributed to the MNLA Youth Initiative.

The Conversation Continues

When the student buses pull away, the conversation continues! Industry professionals are invited to stay for an informal networking session with MNLA leadership. Share your successes, discuss industry challenges, and help guide MNLA’s vision and planning for 2027 and beyond.

Educators and Students

All schools MUST be pre-registered on or before September 28, 2026.

Gather & Grow takes students beyond the classroom and into the field. Students will:

Experience a day in the life of professionals in landscaping, horticulture, and related fields
Gain hands-on exposure to modern tools, practices, and technologies
Interact with employers and mentors to better understand career opportunities and pathways

Scroll down to register today and help bridge the gap between education and employment by showing your students the vibrant, dynamic, and essential work happening in their own communities.

Attendee Pricing

All attendees MUST be pre-registered on or before September 28, 2026.

Pricing

MNLA members: $35
MCH non-members: $45
Non-members: $70
Educators & accompanying students: FREE

Sponsor Opportunity Details

Swag sponsors MUST be pre-registered on or before September 7, 2026 while Table sponsors have until September 28, 2026.

Pricing

Swag Sponsor: $500

Your company name & logo displayed at the group sponsor tables (feel free to bring literature for the tables) and included on event signage, printed programs, student and teacher swag items, and post-event thank-you email
Recognition in MNLA digital newsletter and social media
Opportunity to include one branded item in attendee bags • Includes four attendee registrations

Table Sponsor—$300

Your company name & logo displayed at the group sponsor tables (feel free to bring literature for the tables)
Recognition in printed program
Verbal acknowledgment during the welcome session
Great option for small businesses or those looking for visible event-day exposure
Includes two attendee registrations

Event sponsors

Register online

A note for current MNLA members and MCHs:

All MNLA members and MCHs must sign in to register at a discounted rate as an attendee for this event. A sign in link will appear next to the ticket options below if you are not already signed in. Please contact MNLA at 413-369-4731 if you are unable to successfully sign in. Refunds cannot be issued after the fact.

A note for MNLA members that are also current MCHs:

MNLA members that are also MCHs may have two logins for mnla.com. Keep in mind that both logins may use with the same email address but have different passwords. Passwords can be reset by clicking “Need a password?” or “Request Password” when signing in and selecting the correct account. The MNLA member account will go by the business name while the MCH account will display your name with “MCH” after it. Please contact MNLA at 413-369-4731 or submit our contact form if you are unable to successfully sign in.

A note for MCHs:

All MCH’s who are not members must sign in for their MCH rate when registering for an event, no exceptions. A sign in link will appear next to any MCH or Member only option(s) if you are not already signed in. Please contact MNLA at 413-369-4731 before submitting the registration form with payment if you are unable to successfully sign in.

Loading…

Please note: All registrations are transferable within a company; they are however non-refundable.

DISCLAIMER: Although every reasonable effort is made to provide the speakers, topics, and sessions listed, some changes or substitutions may occur. Speakers and sessions are subject to cancellation or change up to and including the day the session(s) are scheduled to be held. Changes or cancellations are made at the discretion of MNLA and may be done without notifying attendees. If sessions are changed or canceled no refunds should be expected. Submission of the registration form acknowledges acceptance of this provision.

What is an MCH?

A Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH) is the ultimate resource for growing in Massachusetts. They’ve invested the time to learn and qualify as experts in the field and include nursery professionals, landscape contractors, fine gardeners, designers, land managers, tree care professionals, and turf pros.

Partner programs

Plant Something MA

Plant Something MA is a project of MNLA which includes professional environmental horticulturists—people who grow, care for, design and install plantings and landscapes in your community.

Learn more

Growing Wild

Growing Wild helps reverse the loss of biological diversity, foster and protect endangered species and add to the natural beauty of our Commonwealth—right in your own backyard.

Learn more