Wednesday, February 4, 2026

9:00am

Ownership Transitions in the Green Industry "Succession or Sale" with Zach Willner, Free Pier Advisors
As many business owners in the Green Industry begin to consider retirement, understanding ownership transitions is increasingly important. This session provides an overview of the two primary types of ownership transitions: succession and sale. Zach Willner, President and Founder of Free Pier Advisors, will walk through the process for each option and the potential impacts on business operations so that owners and employees can successfully understand and navigate this important company milestone.

Smart Plant Choices: Low-Maintenance Solutions for Every Landscape with Heather Poire, Proven Winners
Design landscapes that thrive, not just survive. This session highlights rugged perennials and shrubs that meet real-world challenges—from poor soil to limited maintenance time. Discover how these easy-care plants can simplify your designs, enhance durability, and keep landscapes looking fresh season after season.

10:30am

Framing the Perfect Shot: Inside an Architectural Photographer’s World with Chris Rucinski, Chris Rucinski Photography
Join us for an inside look at how powerful images of landscapes and exteriors come to life. Chris will walk through his process on commissioned shoots—sharing techniques for composition, lighting, and styling—and demonstrate how each creative decision transforms a scene into a striking final photograph.

Native Plants with a Twist; Unexpected Excitement from our Native Flora with Adam Wheeler, Broken Arrow Nursery
Production and Horticulture Manager Adam Wheeler of Broken Arrow Nursery will explore the distinctive and exceptional qualities of Northeastern native flora in this engaging presentation. He will highlight his current favorite native trees and shrubs for general garden use, addressing design considerations, cultural requirements, and other essential details. Special emphasis will be placed on unique variations and innovative landscape applications that showcase the versatility of native plants.

12:00pm

Cultivating the Future: Attracting and Growing the Next Generation of Green Industry Talent with Terri McEnaney, Bailey Nurseries
Attracting and retaining young professionals is essential for future leadership and growth in the green industry. We will discuss practical, low-cost strategies to appeal to the next generation and share success stories. Investing in workforce development enhances profitability, company culture, and long-term sustainability. Understanding what young talent values makes it easier to engage, hire, and retain them as we work toward future growth.

1:30pm

Biohacking Landscape Design: The Future of Smarter Land Care with Trevor Smith, MCH, AOLCP, LEED GA, ReEarth Studio/Social Impact Collective
What if you could diagnose and solve landscape challenges with precision? Trevor Smith reveals a new way to “biohack” your designs—combining existing methods with biological insights to uncover what a property truly needs. Learn how to reduce plant loss, save money, and build landscapes that thrive naturally in the face of climate and site stress.

Invasive Plants: What Every Landscape Professional Needs to Know with Jennifer Forman Orth, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Get a refresher course on what it means for a plant to be invasive or prohibited in Massachusetts, test your knowledge of the "Top 10" invasive plants in our state, and hear about some non-invasive alternatives and whether they are practical substitutes for some of the species the green industry has been relying on for decades.

3:00pm

Taking It to the Top: How Did They Do That? — Roof Edition with Kerry Preston, MCH, Wisteria & Rose
Ever wonder how those lush rooftop landscapes come to life? From big trees on decks to skyline views framed in green, this session reveals the behind-the-scenes planning that makes rooftop gardens thrive. Learn how thoughtful design, smart plant selection, and careful installation turn the toughest growing conditions in town into thriving urban oases.

Reinforcing IPM Strategies with Biological Control with Greg Bryant, Beneficial Insectary
Integrating biological control into pest management programs offers multiple advantages, including reducing the risk of pesticide resistance, minimizing pesticide exposure for employees and customers, and eliminating downtime from re-entry intervals (REIs). This session will cover practical strategies for managing common greenhouse and nursery pests, with a focus on both augmentative releases of biocontrol agents, and conservation techniques such as using insectary plants to support natural enemies.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

8:00am

Women in Horticulture: Growing Connections & Opportunities with Terri McEnaney, Bailey Nurseries
This open conversation invites all green industry professionals to share insights, celebrate success, and explore opportunities to advance inclusion and leadership in horticulture. Come ready to connect, reflect, and grow together!

QuickBooks Online for Landscapers: Managing Your Business on the Road with Ed Jaworski, Siegel Solutions, Inc.
This hands-on session is designed specifically for landscaping professionals who need to manage their finances while out in the field. Whether you're quoting jobs, tracking expenses, or invoicing clients from your truck or job site, QuickBooks Online offers powerful tools to keep your business running smoothly—anytime, anywhere.

9:30am

Sparks in the Night: The Secret World of Fireflies with Blake Dinius, Plymouth County Extension
Fireflies evoke a feeling of magic and wonder; Elegant blobs of light dancing and blinking in the summer night. But, increasingly fewer people report seeing fireflies today. Why is that? Are fireflies really disappearing? What challenges are they facing today? Join us! We will discuss their mysterious lives, biology, and simple steps to protect them.

Plant Geeks Are Us: Oddball Plants for Oddball People with Adam Wheeler, Broken Arrow Nursery
Production and Horticulture Manager Adam Wheeler of Broken Arrow Nursery will present a fun and engaging lecture exploring the world of unusual and uncommon woody plants, with a special focus on rarities best suited for New England landscapes. Adventurous gardeners with a taste for experimentation will discover a remarkable diversity of unjustly rare botanical treasures. Ornamental qualities, cultural details, and design perspectives are all woven together in this visually rich and delightfully geeky presentation.

11:00am

Invasive Pests New and Old: What to Watch for This Year with Elizabeth Barnes, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
The signs and symptoms of invasive pests are often right in front of our eyes but go unnoticed until it is too late. Knowing how to spot the signs early and what the available management options are can help reduce their impact and spread. This talk will cover spotted lanternfly, box tree moth, beech leaf disease, emerald ash borer, Joro spider, and Asian longhorned beetle, and will discuss how these pests affect plants, how to spot them, and what to do if you see one.

Inspiration & Tricks of the Trade From a Former Major League Groundskeeper with David Mellor, former Senior Director of Grounds for the Boston Red Sox
As Fenway Park’s former Senior Director of Grounds, David Mellor brings together a love of turf and a love of sports that resonates with just about everyone in the landscape industry. David will share his tricks of the trade for soil preparation, turfgrass selection, and lawn maintenance. You’ll even get an insider's look at David's favorite mowing patterns and insight into life experiences that have led him to where he is today.

1:00pm

Rainbows on the Wing: Dragonflies and Damselflies with Blake Dinius, Plymouth County Extension
Swooping, soaring, and perching. Dragonflies have been on our planet for an estimated 250 million years: ancient rulers are their tiny realms. An estimated 160 species of animals within Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) can be found in Massachusetts. Often referred to as “rainbows on the wing,” dragonflies and damselflies come in a variety of patterns, shapes, and colors. Join our adventure! We will discuss the ecology of dragonflies: their secret lives, adaptations, needs, and obstacles.

The Delicate Balance of Residential Landscape Designs with Wetland Permit Plans with Angie Verge, PLA, MCH, Angie Verge Landscape Architecture & Design
What do you when you have a client or a project with wetlands, rivers, streams or coastline on their property? Rather than avoiding these types of projects, we'll discuss how to navigate the process of wetland permitting and how to create a landscape & planting design that will result in a net benefit for these sensitive, water resource areas. Learn what landscape elements, plants, and construction considerations you should include in your plan to create an ecologically sensitive landscape that will be favorable to both the wildlife and the municipal land use boards.

2:30pm

Woody Ornamental Diseases in the Managed Landscape with Nicholas Brazee, University of Massachusetts
This talk will review important diseases of trees and shrubs in managed landscapes across southern New England. In recent years, there have been significant swings in precipitation with very wet periods quickly followed by drought. Both conditions are conducive to disease development. Topics for discussion will include beech leaf disease, lilac leaf blotch, foliar anthracnose, conifer needle blights, among others. Management strategies will also be considered.

Natural Stone & Garden Designs with Derek Stearns, Plymouth Quarries
Stone is timeless—bringing natural beauty, strength, and character to any outdoor design. In this session, you’ll explore the many cuts and options available in natural stone. Each stone offers its own aesthetic appeal and functional purpose, allowing you to design with both artistry and intention. From globally sourced materials to locally quarried favorites, you’ll discover a wide range of textures, colors, and styles. Plus, our One of a Kind stones—unique, rare pieces—will inspire you to create truly customized designs that stand apart.

Register on or before Friday, January 16, 2026 and save $50 per registration! Online registration will close on January 30, 2026.

One day pass for February 4, 2026
Education begins at 9:30 am and ends at 6:00 pm. Your registration includes lunch & the social networking beginning at 4:00 pm in the All Star Lounge.

One day pass for February 5, 2026
Education begins at 8:00 am and ends at 3:30 pm. Included with this ticket is a continental breakfast and light lunch.

Two day all access for February 4–5, 2026
See above for details.

Pricing

All access two-day program
Your ticket includes February 4 lunch and social gathering, February 5 continental breakfast and light lunch, two-day education and trade show.

MNLA member $245 ($295 after 1/16/26)
MCH non-member $255 ($305 after 1/16/26)
Non-member $295 ($345 after 1/16/26)

Walk-ins are welcome for an additional $50.00 per ticket.

Single day program
Your ticket includes: either February 4 lunch and social gathering or February 5 continental breakfast and light lunch (depending on which day you choose to attend), one-day education and trade show.

MNLA member $155 ($205 after 1/16/26)
MCH non-member $165 ($215 after 1/16/26)
Non-member $205 ($255 after 1/16/26)

Walk-ins are welcome for an additional $50.00 per ticket.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to register online. 

Each booth space includes a 6' table, two chairs, one complimentary registration, coffee & tea, lunch both days, networking on February 4 and the two-day educational programs. The deadline to register is January 16, 2026. 

All vendor booth registrants will receive:

• One registration included with exhibit space
• Tabletop exhibit space (approximately 6' x 5')
• A callout on MNLA's social media pages—noting a special event, special product or service your company offers. After registering you will receive a link to another form on mnla.com to provide this information.
• Access to current & potential customers with face-to-face opportunities at the in-person vendor marketplace

Pricing

MNLA Member: $500 for standard booth

Non-member: $775 for standard booth

Scroll to the bottom of this page to register online. Check back soon for a mail-in registration form for vendors. 

All sponsor organizations are listed on the MNLA website, signage onsite and in our program.

Pricing

Keynote Sponsor $2,500 | Annual Meeting

Includes a vendor booth and four (4) full, two-day Winter Forum event registrations. Special signage noted at the MNLA Annual Meeting on February 4.

Keynote Sponsor $2,500 | Youth Initiative with David Mellor

Includes a vendor booth and four (4) full, two-day Winter Forum event registrations. Special signage noted at the 11:00 am Presentation on February 5.

Lanyard Sponsor $2,000
*exclusive sponsorship *deadline December 31, 2025
Includes a vendor booth and (2) full, two-day Winter Forum event registrations.

Educator Sponsors $1,500 

Includes a vendor booth and (2) full, two-day Winter Forum event registrations. Special signage is noted in each educational room.

Lunch Sponsors $1,500 

Includes a vendor booth and (2) full, two-day Winter Forum event registrations. Special signage is noted at lunch locations.

Breakfast Sponsors $1,000

Includes a vendor booth and (1) full, two-day Winter Forum event registrations. Special signage is noted at breakfast locations.

Networking Social Sponsors $500

Includes (1), one-day Winter Forum event registration for Wednesday, February 4. Special signage noted at our social networking event.

Student Engagement Sponsors $500

Includes one (1) single day Winter Forum registration for Thursday, February 5. Special signage noted at student registration. Sponsor is invited to participate with students on February 5.

Coffee Sponsors $500

Includes (1), one-day Winter Forum event registration for either Wednesday, February 4 or Thursday, February 5. Special signage noted at our coffee/tea stations.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to register online.