2026 Down to Earth Summer Conference & Trade Show

Thursday, July 23, 2026
Savage Farms, Inc. • Deerfield, MA

Join MNLA for a nostalgic journey through decades of landscaping and nursery innovation, style, and culture—from the ‘60s to the early 2000s. Check back soon for complete details and to register online!

Down to Earth is a great opportunity to recognize, empower and thank your teams by giving them access for networking, professional development and fun.

Our featured keynote speaker, Michael A. Dirr, is the author of seven books, including Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture and Propagation and Uses, a widely used and best-selling reference text.

A Mercer scholar, Dirr is considered one of the green industry’s most celebrated plant experts. A professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia, his teaching, lectures, seminars, garden study tours and plant introduction programs have contributed to industry awareness.

Keynote Speaker Biography: Michael Dirr

The framework for the career path of Michael A. Dirr was established at an early age. Vegetable gardening with his dad, running a small roadside stand with sisters, maintaining gardens and lawns, working in a local nursery “sowed” the seeds for the Horticulture career. Mike had this insatiable desire to learn every tree and shrub and the only possible way to cure the “itch” was education.

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Ohio State University, the Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts primed the pump for the academic journey to follow. In 1972, he accepted the teaching/research, woody plant position at the University of Illinois, where he wrote the first Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. Knowing what he did not know, Mike, Bonnie and three small children migrated to Boston and the Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University, for a sabbatical year.

In 1979, he accepted Director’s position, University of Georgia Botanical Garden, securing funding for the Alice Hand Callaway Conservatory and Visitors center. In 1981, he transferred to a teaching/research position in Horticulture, retiring in 2007.

Mike envisioned a future in breeding/developing/promoting new ornamental plants and worked symbiotically with the Georgia nursery industry to advance the program. The discovery of the remontant (reblooming) Hydrangea macrophylla in Minnesota changed the hydrangea market forever. Dirr’s introductions, marketed under the Endless Summer® brands, sold 50 million. Mike produced 30 plant patents during the UGA tenure: a combined total of ~86 with private companies.

“As a plant breeder your imagination often runs ahead of reality. If a breeder ever ceases to believe in the future, then it’s game over.” He currently owns and operates with two partners, Premier Introductions, Inc., Watkinsville, GA.

Attendee Options

MNLA members always get the best rate in addition to other member only benefits! Want to learn more? Click here to see which membership option is ideal for your business and join before registering for this event to SAVE $$$!

MNLA members

$75/person by June 30
$115/person after June 30 and for walk-ins

VNLA members

$75/person by June 30
$115/person after June 30 and for walk-ins

MCH (non-member)

$85/person by June 30
$125/person after June 30 and for walk-ins

Non-member

$95/person by June 30
$135/person after June 30 and for walk-ins

Full time students & children (16 & under)

$35/person

Battle of the Container Garden Designers

$40/person
Please note, all competitors must also be registered for the summer conference.

Container Challenge Details

Pre-registration is recommended on or before June 30, 2026 as there are only 40 spots available.

You are invited to compete for a chance to be crowned “MNLA Container Garden Designer of the Year!”

Participation in the competition is only $40 per entry (one entry per person). Participants need to be registered for the full Down to Earth Summer Conference & Trade Show program. Winners will be announced on-site at 3:00pm immediately following Keynote Speaker Michael Dirr.

People's Choice Award

1st prize: $300
2nd prize: $200
3rd prize: $100
4th prize: $50

Another chance to win! Those contestants not placing 1 thru 4 will have a chance to WIN back their registration in a random raffle with two names being drawn to win $40.00 each!

Rules & Regulations

Pre-registration is recommended on or before June 30, 2026 at $40/entry (one entry per person) as there are only 40 spots available.
Qualifications: This competition is open to ALL who want the chance to be crowned MNLA’s Container Garden Designer of the Year. Registration to the MNLA Down to Earth Summer Conference & Trade Show is a prerequisite to register for the competition.
Assembly: Container gardens will be assembled on-site at 10:00am. Participants will have approximately 30 minutes to complete their design. Plant material will be provided.
The completed work must:
1. Be set up within the container supplied;
2. Must use the plants supplied;
3. Must use the soil provided;
4. Only include 1 plant/prop from private arsenal;
5. Choose a decade (’60s–2026) and add a small label with the decade and a title for your design. No need to overthink it— this is all about fun and creativity! Examples: Flower Power Planter, Disco Garden, Neon Nights, Grunge Greens, Y2K Minimal, Farmhouse Fresh, Pollinator Paradise, and Future of Green Design.
Judging will be held on July 23 (11:00am–2:00pm) by event attendees for the People’s Choice Award. Winners will be announced on-site at 3:00pm immediately following Keynote Speaker Michael Dirr.
Photographs of all entries will be taken. By entering the competition, entrants give full permission for all photos by MNLA and its agents to be used in newsletters, social media, website, display, promotional and educational purposes.
The decision of the judges is final.

Pricing

$40/person
Please note, all competitors must also be registered for the summer conference.

Vendor List

Hardscrabble Farms

Mary May Binney Wakefield Arboretum

Medford Nursery

Northern Nurseries, Inc.

New vendors will be added as they register.

Interested in showcasing your products and services? Click the Vendor Options block to learn more and scroll down to the bottom of this page to register online and reserve your booth space today!

Vendor Options

“Decades of Growth” Vendor Experience
Commitment Deadline: June 30, 2026

Save $100 per booth when you register on or before June 30, 2026!

Pricing

MNLA Member: $600 for standard 10x10 indoor or outdoor booth (add $150 for a 10x20 outdoor booth)

Non-member: $850 for standard 10x10 indoor or outdoor booth (add $150 for a 10x20 outdoor booth)

Check Out Our Sponsorships Opportunities!

Value added sponsorships offer a powerful way to showcase your support of the green industry while gaining meaningful visibility throughout the event. Each opportunity is designed to place your brand in high-traffic areas, ensuring strong attendee engagement and recognition. We invite you to take advantage of these premium sponsorship options (many that include booth space) and make a lasting impression!

Sponsor Opportunities

“Decades of Growth” Sponsorship Experience
Commitment Deadline: June 30, 2026

All sponsorships include branded recognition on-site, in Pro Grow News, email marketing, and the MNLA website. On-site visibility is enhanced with prominent 24" x 36" A-frame signage. Early commitment is strongly encouraged to maximize full marketing exposure.

Pricing

Host Sponsor – $3,000 (Exclusive)
A premier, exclusive partnership delivering maximum visibility and engagement.

Premium booth space (10x10 or 10x20), indoor or outdoor
Ten (10) full attendee registrations
Featured education or tour showcasing your unique brand and company

Supporting Host – $1,000 (Local to Host – Non-Competing)
A strong supporting role aligned with the host, offering meaningful presence and engagement.

Premium booth space (10x10), indoor or outdoor
Four (4) full attendee registrations
Featured education or tour showcasing your unique brand and company

Decade Sponsor – $1,500 (7 Available Vendor Stations)
Celebrate innovation across eras with a themed, interactive experience.

Prime booth space (10x10), indoor or outdoor
Four (4) full attendee registrations
Exclusive selection of one decade: 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, or 2020s
Featured as a “Micro-Demo” — casual, walk-up learning moments highlighting your brand
Suggested themes include:
- “1970s Native Plant Movement → What It Means Today”
- “1990s Landscape Design Trends vs. Modern Sustainability”
- “Evolution of Irrigation Technology”
- “Nurseries: Plant Varieties Then vs. Now”
- “Suppliers: Equipment, Tools & Materials of Innovation”

Container Garden Sponsor – $1,000 (8 Available)
Aligning your brand with a high-energy, hands-on competition experience.

Prime booth space (10x10 or 10x20) adjacent to the Container Competition tent
Four (4) full attendee registrations
Active announcements throughout the competition recognizing sponsor contributions
Opportunity to provide and showcase materials such as bagged soil, plant varieties, containers, and branded items

Includes the donation of plant material, pots or soil for the competition. You will be featured during the container garden competition.

Added Value Sponsorships? These added value sponsorships offer a powerful way to showcase your support of the green industry while gaining meaningful visibility throughout the event. Each opportunity is designed to place your brand in high-traffic areas, ensuring strong attendee engagement and recognition. We invite you to take advantage of these premium sponsorship options and make a lasting impression!

Pricing

Educational Sponsor – $500
Position your brand at the center of learning and professional development. As an Educational Sponsor, your company will be prominently recognized within each education area, aligning your name with knowledge-sharing and industry advancement. Recognition includes 24" x 36" A-frame signage displayed at each education area.

Lunch Sponsor – $500
Gain prime visibility during one of the most highly attended and anticipated times of the event. As a Lunch Sponsor, your brand will be front and center while attendees gather, network, and recharge. Recognition includes 24" x 36" A-frame signage displayed in the dining area.

Beer Garden Sponsor – $500
Connect with attendees in a relaxed, social setting designed for networking and conversation. The Beer Garden offers a vibrant atmosphere where your brand can stand out and leave a lasting impression. Recognition includes 24" x 36" A-frame signage displayed in the beer garden.

MCH Plant I.D. Sponsor – $500
Associate your brand with one of the event’s most interactive and educational attractions. The Plant Identification Tent draws engaged attendees eager to test and expand their knowledge, making it an ideal place for meaningful exposure. Recognition includes 24" x 36" A-frame signage displayed at the Plant I.D. Tent.

Decades of Fun – $500
Bring energy and nostalgia to the event by sponsoring the interactive game area. This high-traffic space invites attendees to relax, connect, and engage through decade-inspired fun—positioning your brand at the center of the experience. Recognition includes 24" x 36" A-frame signage displayed at the Plant I.D. Tent.

Discounted Hotel Rates

The block code for your event group is B289MANURSEY.

Red Roof PLUS+ South Deerfield–Amherst
9 Greenfield Rd, Deerfield, MA, 01373

Room Type: Deluxe 2 Queen Beds Smoke Free
07/22/26 - 07/24/26 – $122.40 plus tax, per room (per night)

Room Type: Superior King Smoke Free
07/22/26 - 07/24/26 – $125.80 plus tax, per room (per night)

These rates are based on 2 adults. For a 3rd or 4th adult in the room, there will be an up-charge of $5.00 plus tax per person

Call: The Red Roof PLUS+ South Deerfield - Amherst(RRI289) directly at 413-665-7161 or our Groups Department at 1-800-874-9000; we are open Monday- Friday, 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM EST.

Deadline: June 22, 2026 to reserve a room out of your block.

Lunch Sponsor

Host Supporter

Keynote Sponsor

Event Supporter

Register online

Register on or before June 30 and SAVE $40/attendee and $100/vendor booth!

Please note: All registrations are transferable within a company; they are however non-refundable. This is a rain, snow, sunshine event. Unless we experience a state of emergency the event will go on!