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 Education, innovation, leadership and connection filled three days in San Antonio and set the stage for a new chapter in Houston. View all photos here: https://ismaelphoto.pixieset.com/tnla8128132026/ August 11–13, 2026 • Henry B. González Convention Center • San Antonio, Texas From the first education sessions on Tuesday morning to the final conversations on the trade show floor Thursday afternoon, Nursery/Landscape EXPO 2026 showed what it means to be Born to Win. Landscapers, irrigators, retail garden centers, suppliers, growers, designers, educators and emerging professionals came together to sharpen their skills, discover new solutions and strengthen the relationships that move Texas’ green industry forward. The three-day event paired practical learning with hands-on demonstrations, a busy exhibit floor, leadership and professional recognition, advocacy support and the kind of informal conversation that often becomes the beginning of the next partnership, purchase or big idea. Education set the paceTuesday Education Day opened EXPO with a full slate of continuing education and business training. Sessions met professionals where they work, with content for irrigation, landscape operations, nursery production, retail, design, arboriculture, workforce development and company leadership. Attendees explored irrigation flow monitoring, drought planning and drainage; standard operating procedures, employment branding and leadership accountability; Texas plants, pest management, soil genomics and tree health; and practical business topics such as hardscape profitability and new service-line growth. A full-day design graphics workshop gave participants hands-on practice communicating ideas, while other sessions connected growers and designers, translated campus-scale vision into built landscapes and examined the details that carry a project from concept through construction. The learning continued on the show floor Wednesday and Thursday. Demonstrations and short-form sessions covered AI-powered takeoffs, customer service that supports sales, irrigation technology, tree injection, propagation of adaptable Texas plants, CAD planning, biophilic design and workforce development. Together, the classroom and demonstration formats gave attendees multiple ways to learn, earn CEUs and bring practical ideas back to their teams. A first look for first-time attendeesBefore the trade show floor opened Wednesday, 60 first-time attendees joined the Newcomers Tour more than double the 28 participants who joined the previous year. The guided preview helped newcomers get oriented, understand the show’s layout and identify the exhibitors, education areas and gathering spaces most relevant to their goals. That early access mattered. Once the opening ceremonies concluded and the exhibit halls came to life, attendees had two days to compare products, talk directly with suppliers, watch live demonstrations and reconnect with colleagues from across the state. Connections that go beyond the show floorEXPO has always been about more than products and presentations. Tuesday evening’s Women in Horticulture Nightcap created an informal place to connect after Education Day, and Wednesday’s Women in Horticulture Get Together welcomed 300 attendees. Stephanie Hertzog, President, West Region, at SiteOne Landscape Supply, joined the gathering as featured speaker. Attendees heard from an industry leader, made new connections and supported TNLA PAC through the raffle of a Jon Hart 360 Carry-On Bag. The event reflected the energy of a growing network that is creating more opportunities for women to lead, learn and support one another across the green industry. At the close of Wednesday’s show hours, the Welcome to San Antonio Party gave attendees and exhibitors a chance to relax and socialize after a full day of conversations, demonstrations and business on the floor. The Certified Professionals’ Reception followed, recognizing the credentialed professionals whose ongoing education and expertise strengthen the standards of the industry. Recognizing creativity on the trade show floorContinuing a long-standing EXPO tradition, the Best Booth Awards, selected by the EXPO Chair, recognized exhibitors whose displays stood out for presentation, creativity and attendee experience. Congratulations to the 2026 honorees:
A new year of TNLA leadership Thursday morning’s Annual Business Meeting gave members a chance to look back, recognize service and begin the Association’s new fiscal year with purpose. Sponsored by Abbott-IPCO, the meeting featured TNLA’s Year in Review video and highlighted the collective work of members whose businesses contribute to a Texas green industry with a $40 billion economic impact. TNLA thanked departing board members Jackie Smith, Absolute Accents, Inc.; Gerry Bower, TLC Total Lawn Care; Ben Collinsworth, Yellowstone Landscape; Mark Manny, EverGro Organic Recycling; Robbie Aballama, ICL Growing Solutions; and Bobby Eichholz, Rialto Studio, for the time, perspective and leadership they contributed to the Association. The gavel then passed from Immediate Past Chair Devin Guinn to 2026–2027 Chair Kyle Cahill. Cahill challenged members to stay involved through their regions, education, advocacy and the conversations that shape the industry’s future. The message was clear: a strong, unified industry voice depends on professionals who continue to show up and lead. 2026–2027 TNLA Board of Directors Advocacy in actionTNLA PAC support was visible throughout EXPO from the PAC Lounge and Women in Horticulture raffle to Thursday’s PAC drawing. These contributions help the Texas green industry maintain a strong voice and build the relationships needed to engage on the policies that affect member businesses, their employees and their customers. Diamond Members — $2,000+Diamond members are also Platinum members by default.  Additional Platinum Members — $500+ Listed in addition to the Diamond members recognized above.  Gold Star Companies Four participating individuals from one company; minimum $50 each.  Silver Star Companies Three participating individuals from one company; minimum $50 each.  Bronze Star Companies Two participating individuals from one company; minimum $50 each.  Thank you to the sponsors who made EXPO possible EXPO’s education, attendee services, special events, professional recognition and show-floor experiences are strengthened by companies and partners willing to invest in the industry. TNLA extends its appreciation to the 2026 sponsors and in-kind contributors listed below. 2026 EXPO sponsors and in-kind contributors Next stop: HoustonThe next Nursery/Landscape EXPO will bring the industry back to Houston, August 18–20, 2027, at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The 2027 theme, Where Vision Meets Magic, celebrates the extraordinary community that makes the green industry unlike any other. Landscapers, irrigators, retail garden centers, suppliers and growers share a remarkable ability to transform vision into living, working and gathering spaces that are both functional and breathtaking. When the right people come together, EXPO becomes more than a trade show. It becomes a place where ideas take root, relationships grow and possibilities become real. Save the date: August 18–20, 2027 • Houston, Texas Watch for updates at NurseryLandscapeEXPO.org. 
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Over the past few weeks, we've shared why TNLA PAC exists and how it helps protect and advance Texas' green industry. From building relationships with policymakers to supporting pro-industry candidates, those efforts only happen because industry members choose to invest. Now it's your turn. Supporting TNLA PAC doesn't require writing a large check. There are several easy ways to get involved, and every contribution strengthens our industry's voice at the Capitol. Bid in the TNLA PAC Online Auction The TNLA PAC Online Auction is now open, and there are plenty of reasons to take a look. Whether you're searching for something unique for yourself, your family, or your business, you'll find a wide variety of items while supporting the advocacy efforts that protect Texas' green industry. Auction highlights include:
Buy Raffle Tickets Take a chance on winning a Benelli Super Black Eagle III Shotgun while supporting the work of TNLA PAC. It's one of the easiest ways to make a difference, and every ticket purchased helps strengthen our collective voice. Visit the PAC Lounge at EXPO Stop by the PAC Lounge during EXPO to connect with industry leaders, learn more about the issues affecting your business, and see firsthand how PAC investments help build relationships with elected officials and decision-makers. A $100 contribution to TNLA PAC includes access to the PAC Lounge throughout EXPO. Become a Gold Star Company One of the most meaningful ways to demonstrate your company's commitment to advocacy is by becoming a TNLA PAC Gold Star Company. Gold Star recognition is awarded to companies with at least four employees who each contribute $50 or more to TNLA PAC during the year. It recognizes businesses that encourage employee participation in the PAC and shows lawmakers that support for our industry comes from every level of the business, not just company leadership. Advocacy doesn't happen by accident. It happens because members like you choose to get involved. Whether you place a bid, buy a raffle ticket, visit the PAC Lounge, or help your company earn Gold Star recognition, your participation helps ensure the Texas green industry has a strong voice where decisions are made. The investment starts here. Thank you for being part of it TNLA PAC supports state candidates who understand and advocate for Texas’ green industry. Political contributions to TNLA PAC must be made from personal funds Protecting Our Industry Starts Before Decisions Are Made
It happens through relationships, education, and ongoing conversations with the leaders making decisions that impact our businesses, employees, and communities. That's why TNLA PAC exists. Why Advocacy Matters Every day, decisions are being made at the state and local levels that affect the future of our industry. Some involve water infrastructure and conservation policies. Others impact workforce development, business regulations, transportation, land use, or the tools and resources our members rely on to operate successfully. The reality is simple: If our industry isn't part of those conversations, someone else will be. TNLA PAC helps ensure the green industry has a voice in those discussions and the opportunity to build relationships with decision-makers before important decisions are made. Our Industry Has a Story Worth Telling Texas' nursery and landscape industry contributes far more than beautiful landscapes. Our members create jobs, support local economies, improve communities, conserve natural resources, and help make Texas a better place to live and work. But many policymakers have never operated a nursery, managed a landscape company, installed irrigation systems, or experienced the challenges of running a green industry business. They don't automatically understand:
That understanding happens through education and relationships. And those relationships don't happen overnight. Building Relationships Before They're Needed One of the biggest misconceptions about advocacy is that it only happens when there's a problem. In reality, the most effective advocacy often happens before members ever hear about an issue.
These conversations happen because our industry invests in building relationships before they're needed. Advocacy Creates Real Results Strong advocacy doesn't happen by accident. It happens because industry professionals choose to invest their time, energy, and resources in ensuring the green industry has a seat at the table. Those efforts have helped TNLA:
That's the value of being proactive. Investing in the Future As we look toward the 2027 legislative session, the need for strong advocacy remains as important as ever. Water availability, workforce development, regulatory pressures, and industry education will continue to shape the future of Texas' green industry. The relationships we build today help shape the conversations we'll have tomorrow. That's why TNLA PAC matters. It's not simply about supporting a political action committee. It's about helping ensure our industry has a voice, a seat at the table, and an opportunity to help shape decisions that affect our future. Help Strengthen Our Voice If your business has benefited from a stronger voice for the green industry, consider supporting TNLA PAC. Your investment helps build relationships, strengthen advocacy efforts, and ensure our industry remains engaged in the conversations that matter most. Together, we can continue building a stronger future for Texas' green industry. TNLA PAC supports state candidates who understand and advocate for Texas' green industry. Political contributions to TNLA PAC must be made from personal funds  For over three decades, Joseph Johnson has been a driving force behind the Nursery/Landscape EXPO Gardens, formerly known as Parks and Patio, shaping the event’s look and feel with his expertise in landscape design. As co-chair of the Gardens Task Force, he has played a key role in bringing creative designs to life, ensuring that EXPO remains a visually stunning and inspiring event.
A Legacy of Leadership Joseph’s journey with EXPO Gardens began in 1992, back then it was known as Parks and Patio, when the late Anne Muscat introduced him to the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) and encouraged him to take part in the initiative. Since then, he has led efforts to: ✅ Review student-submitted garden designs ✅ Curate donation lists for plants and materials ✅ Coordinate on-site installations with industry partners ✅ Enhance key areas of EXPO, including TNLA’s booth, the PAC lounge, and education spaces His eye for detail and deep understanding of horticulture have helped elevate EXPO year after year, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both exhibitors and attendees. A Passion for Public Gardens Beyond EXPO, Joseph has built an impressive career in public horticulture. A Texas A&M horticulture graduate (’88), he has held leadership roles at the Dallas Arboretum and MD Anderson Cancer Center. In 2016, he returned to Texas A&M to lead the Leach Teaching Gardens, a 7-acre outdoor classroom and community space that educates and inspires future horticulture professionals. A Lasting Impact Joseph’s dedication to the industry is unmatched, and his contributions to EXPO Gardens ensure that each year’s event is a showcase of landscape excellence. TNLA is proud to celebrate his leadership and the legacy he continues to build. Thank you, Joseph, for over 30 years of service to TNLA and EXPO Gardens! 👉 Read more about Joseph’s work here: Growing a Dream into Reality – AgriLife Today |
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