InVigorateU Conference
InVigorateU is an annual education conference that not only offers great sessions and CEUs, but also offers a chance to reflect on what worked this season and collaborate with peers about what you might want to do differently in the next to get stronger results. We invite an esteemed lineup of industry professionals and thought leaders to challenge us and plant new seeds. The emphasis of the sessions is on plants but the content is presented from many different perspectives, offering something for all segments including landscape professionals, nursery and greenhouse operations, garden centers. There are even sessions for irrigation contractors to stay current on standards and share best practices.
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Propagating Horticulturists: Cultivating Interest in Plants (2025)
Jared Barnes, Ph.D., Meristem Horticulture at InVigorateU 2025
We are incredible propagators of plants, but a challenge we face is how do we make more horticulturists? In this enthusiastic presentation, Jared will discuss the great similarities in how we sow seeds and how we expose youth to hort...
Extras
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Creating Sustainable Gardens and Landscapes (2025)
Andrew Bunting, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society at InVigorateU 2025
Together with partners, PHS helps to build beauty in key public landscapes across Philadelphia by managing landscapes and gardens using environmentally and ecologically responsible methods, materials, and techniques. Join PHS’... -
Rooted in Community: How Your Work Aligns with Community Forestry Efforts (2025)
Colette Copic, The Morton Arboretum at InVigorateU 2025
In this session, Colette will explore the vital connections between your work and urban and community forestry efforts in Illinois, through various statewide public and private funding opportunities that are being managed by The Morton Arbor... -
Prairie Garden Design Principles (2025)
Neil Diboll, Prairie Nursery at InVigorateU 2025
The interest in using native wildflowers, grasses, and low-growing shrubs of the North American Prairie in gardens has been building for the past fifty years. What were once considered to be “weeds” are now recognized as essential members of a hea... -
Marketplace Trends: Understanding Plant Supply and Demand Dynamics (2025)
Lisa Fiore and Joe Juricic, LandscapeHub at InVigorateU 2025
Ever wonder what is going on outside your own sales world? “Marketplace Trends: Understanding Plant Supply and Demand Dynamics presented by LandscapeHub” will explore current supply and demand trends in the Midwest, highlighting unique ... -
Underused Trees & Shrubs (2024)
Scott Beuerlein - InVigorateU 2024
Underused plants, like new introductions, keep landscapes fresh, new, and exciting for your clients. Just as importantly, maybe more so, they keep things interesting for you and your team. Learning the plants and the stories behind them is engaging to any bright... -
Planning & Planting for the Future (2024)
Chad Rigsby - InVigorateU 2024
We will revisit the basics of selecting and planting trees and shrubs, but will focus on plant selection in the context of climate change. What species should we be selecting? For what time scale are we planning? How do we select plants for an uncertain future?...
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Culture Makers & Breakers: What Grows – and What Destroys – Great Teams (2026)
InVigorateU 2026 Keynote - Jeff Joutras
Every company has a culture—but not every company has a good one. In this fast-paced, engaging session, we’ll unpack the real drivers of company culture, not from the HR manual, but from what happens on the ground: the conversations, attitudes, and behavior... -
Stress Relief to Sustainability: Communicating the Benefits of Plants (2026)
InVigorateU 2026 - Melinda Knuth
Consumers buy plants for more than their beauty — they want them to improve their quality of life. Research shows that plants enhance psychological, cognitive, and environmental well-being, offering benefits from stress reduction and improved memory to greater hap... -
Re-Thinking the Invasive Conundrum (2026)
InVigorateU 2026 - Mark Weathington
Throw out your preconceived notions and forget about dealing with the symptoms. We’ll discuss the science behind the causes of exotics in natural areas, discuss some of the myths and bad science, and look for real-world solutions to the threat of invasives. -
How Brands Shape the Marketplace (2026)
InVigorateU 2026 - Mike Mennenoh
When one brand dominates your production lineup, how do you decide whether to expand, replace, or diversify? In this session, Mike will share the story of Mariani Plants adding Bailey Nurseries’ First Editions® alongside Proven Winners® and explore how branding in...
