Green Industry Youth Winter Forum

February 11, 2027
Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, Marlborough

Join us for hands-on activities and networking opportunities with the Pros at 11am!

Join us along with fellow area high schools dedicated to the green industry on February 11, 2027! Click here for more information regarding the overall Winter Forum event.

Download Agenda

Student Event Schedule

Click here to download agenda pdf.

9:00–10:00 AM | Registration & Welcome

Registration is open for students and educators.

Students may drop backpacks and jackets in a room reserved exclusively for Youth Winter Forum attendees.

MNLA Foundation staff and the Youth Engagement Committee will:

Review of the day’s schedule
Provide instructions for competitions and education
Distribute materials

10:00–11:00 AM | Student Keynote Speaker

What happens when things don't go the way you planned?

Whether you're starting your first job, figuring out what's next, or trying something new, setbacks and unexpected challenges are part of the journey. Award-winning comedian and former corporate software consultant Rory Gardiner brings humor, honesty, and real-world perspective to the power of adaptability.

In this student-focused session, Rory shares practical strategies for building confidence, adapting to change, reaching impossible goals, and turning obstacles into opportunities. The examples are geared toward students beginning to think about careers and their future, but the lessons of resilience and adaptability apply at every stage of a career.

Come ready to laugh, think differently, and leave with a few tools to help you keep moving forward.

11:00 AM | Hands on Activities & Networking

Plant Detectives & I.D. activities

12:00 PM | Lunch & Wrap-Up

Event takeaways and closing remarks.
Awards and swag for all student and educator attendees
Time to explore the vendor area while awaiting transportation.

Important Information for Educators

Pre-registration is required to ensure adequate seating and resources for all participants.

Questions? Contact Rena Sumner by email or call: 413-369-4731

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.

Register online

Name of school(Required)

Do you plan on attending the 11:00am hands-on activities and networking session?

Attendance is optional but encouraged.

Yes

Number of high school contacts(Required)

We require the name, email and cell phone of primary contacts in charge of organizing this field trip.

One (1) contact

Two (2) contacts

Primary contact name(Required)

First Last

Primary contact email(Required)

Enter Email Confirm Email

Primary contact cell phone(Required)

Secondary contact name(Required)

First Last

Secondary contact email(Required)

Enter Email Confirm Email

Secondary contact cell phone(Required)

Number of students attending(Required)

Number of staff attending(Required)

Staff names

Please list names of staff members only. Students will complete their badges upon arrival.

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