9:30am Welcome and Introductions

• Brief introduction to the importance of sustainability and the green industry.
• Overview of potential career paths such as horticulture, landscape architecture, arboriculture, and environmental science.
• Explain the event structure and hands-on activities to come.

“Green Career Bingo” Icebreaker Activity—Learn about green industry careers in a fun, interactive way. How it works:

• Each student receives a bingo card with career-related terms like landscaper, grower, retail, urban farmer, recycling specialist, botanist, and others.
• Students mingle and talk with industry professionals, trying to match career titles with descriptions or activities.
• First student to complete a line wins a prize!

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 Lunch by Snappy Dog

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.

Download complete agenda pdf.

8:00am Registration Opens

8:30am Weeds of 2025 with Randy Prostak

Pesticide credit requested.

10:00am Hands-on Workshops

Participate in the students hands-on educational workshops:

• Station 1: Growing & Plant Care
• Station 2: Recycling & Compost
• Station 3: Landscape Design

11:30am Careers In Horticulture & Landscaping

Q&A Session: Allow students 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.

12:30pm Lunch for the PROs

Beer garden will open (cash bar)

12:30–3:00pm PRO Networking Session: Connect, Share & Grow

Join us for a networking event following our Green Industry Showcase with students. This session is your opportunity to connect with fellow professionals from the nursery, landscape, and greenhouse sectors in a relaxed, engaging environment. Enjoy meaningful conversations, share your biggest wins and toughest challenges, and gain fresh insights. The day will end featuring a dynamic panel discussion diving into the top three industry issues identified during lunch—a great chance to collaborate, problem-solve, and strengthen your professional network.

Foundation Fundraiser Auction

The MNLA Board of Directors and MNLA Foundation invite you to support “Gather & Grow”, a brand-new program connecting high school students with industry professionals to promote careers in horticulture, landscape, and agriculture.

We are seeking sponsorships to reach our goal of $15,000, allowing us to offer this event at a highly affordable cost to both MNLA members and attending schools.

Limited availability – Deadline: September 10, 2025

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

Only $500 to prominently position your brand in front of the next generation of industry professionals, educators, MCHs and MNLA members.

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

Sponsorship Goal: $15,000

Your support helps us:

• Provide high-quality programming to students and teachers statewide
• Offer accessible attendance at just $35–45 per person
• Facilitate valuable MNLA member networking opportunities