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Stay updated on member events and news that impact the TNLA community. In addition, check out our Green Matters Weekly Newsletter for industry news |
 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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FREE Webinar: Stay Compliant & Avoid I-9 AuditsThursday, June 12, 2025 🕐 12:30 PM I-9 audits are increasing across the country—and for many businesses, one misstep could mean costly consequences. TNLA is teaming up with legal expert Jacob Monty of Monty & Ramirez LLP to bring you a can’t-miss compliance webinar: “Steps Employers Can Take to Avoid I-9 Audits and Stay Compliant.” 🔍 Topics include:
Horticulture Exploration Day – Texas A&MJune 2, 2025 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM Location: In the Horticulture/Forest Science Building: 495 Horticulture Rd, College Station, TX 77843 Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in horticulture-related careers Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply curious about horticulture, this event at Texas A&M offers a closer look into degree programs and careers in plant science. Attendees will explore everything from floral design and plant genetics to controlled environment horticulture—and meet with current students and faculty along the way 🪴 Pro Tip: You’re welcome to attend both! One connects you statewide, the other strengthens your local network. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone.  Women in Horticulture Events – Two Unique Opportunities to ConnectWe’re excited to share not one, but two upcoming Women in Horticulture gatherings—each with its own focus and purpose. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss out: 🌼 TNLA Women in Hort Virtual Meeting Hosted by TNLA (Statewide) 📅 Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM | 💻 Virtual Join women across Texas in this virtual statewide event featuring guest speaker Jennifer Hatalski, TCNP of Calloway’s Nursery. This is a great chance to gain professional insight, ask questions, and feel inspired by other women in the industry—no matter where you're located.  🌿 Region VIII – In-Person Women in Hort Gathering Hosted by TNLA Region VIII (Central Texas Only) 📅 Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 🕓 4:00–8:00 PM 📍 Bear Creek Retreat, 13813 Carpenter Ln, Manchaca, TX 78652 This in-person gathering is exclusively for women in TNLA’s Region VIII, including Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. It’s all about building local connections, swapping knowledge, and supporting one another in a relaxed, welcoming setting. RSVP to:[email protected]  OLE! Texas – Virtual Designer Training SeminarJuly 24–25, 2025 Hosted Online Calling all landscape architects and designers! The Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE!) Texas program is offering a two-day virtual seminar to train professionals on how to support nature-based outdoor spaces for early childhood education programs. 💸 Scholarships available to cover the $1,000 course fee—apply today!
 👏 What TNLA is Doing
From leading I-9 compliance efforts to promoting professional development opportunities like Women in Hort, TNLA is committed to connecting you with the resources that matter most. We advocate, we educate, and we cultivate a stronger green industry—together. Stay tuned for more upcoming events, and make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates! Spring is in full swing, and we know it’s one of your busiest times of year. Whether you’re in the greenhouse, out on job sites, or managing a team—you’ve got a lot going on. That’s why we’ve pulled together everything TNLA has going on this month, all in one place, so you don’t miss a beat.
Regional Meetings: Connect with Your Local Green Industry Community Region I Meeting – Support the Future of Horticulture Join us for an evening at Palo Alto Community College as we spotlight the Horticulture Program and kick off the student competition season. April 8, 2025 Tour at 5:00 PM | Meeting 6:00–8:00 PM Palo Alto Community College – Art Room 101 Free to attend + Free parking | Dinner provided RSVP by April 7 to: [email protected] Region III Spring Meeting – Tour & Annual Business Meeting Tour the beautiful Purtis Creek Farm and enjoy great conversation and dinner with fellow members. May 15, 2025 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM Purtis Creek Farm – Eustace, TX Free to attend + Free parking | Dinner provided RSVP by May 9 to: [email protected] Speaker: TBD TNLA Green Report Podcast: Industry Voices You Need to Hear Just Released: Season 4, Episode 4: “Cultivating the Future” with Dr. Andrew King Go behind the scenes of the Texas Superstar® Trials and hear what makes a plant a true standout in Texas landscapes. Posted March 31 Listen now: Episode 4 on Podbean Coming April 9: Season 4, Episode 5: “Rooted in Quality” with Savanna Taylor Thornton Get an insider’s look at the 2025 season from Lone Star Trees, plus industry insights on tariffs, labor, and advocacy. Listen here: greenreport.podbean.com Free Webinar: Reaching Families & Educators Through Nature Unlocking New Customer Opportunities Through Early Childhood Connections Presented by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Dr. Jodi Nerren and Anna Raumaker. Thursday, April 24, 2025 1:30 PM Zoom Register: Click here to register Learn how to connect with families and educators by highlighting the benefits of nature in child development—and turn them into loyal green industry customers. Nursery/Landscape Expo 2025 Registration is LIVE! Get ready for Nursery/Landscape Expo 2025, happening August 5–7. Register early and lock in discounted rates by July 18! Booths selling fast!! Mobile App launching soon, be on the look out for updates. Here's a few sneak peek session titles:
Coming end of April: Spring Issue of TNLA Working for You Magazine Our Spring 2025 issue of TNLA Working For You goes live in late April, and you won’t want to miss it! This issue celebrates our award winners honored at the Lone Star Hort Forum, digs into real-time compliance guidance on immigration, features exclusive stories from WTAMU, and offers practical insights into landscape marketing, pest management, and more. Whether you're looking to be inspired, stay compliant, or gain an edge in today’s competitive landscape, this issue has something for everyone in the green industry. Keep an eye on your inbox—we’ll let you know as soon as it’s live. Coming in May: “Embrace Your Space” Campaign Launch! We’re excited to launch our "Embrace Your Space" campaign this May—a free marketing toolkit to help your business promote spring planting and boost customer engagement. Get ready for downloadable social graphics, fliers, and easy-to-use content you can put to work right away. We know this season can be intense—but we’re here to make it easier. From advocacy to events to marketing tools, TNLA has your back. Here’s to a strong spring season! 1. The Power of Collaboration The forum showcased the immense value of collaboration. Attendees had the chance to connect with peers, sponsors, and exhibitors while engaging in meaningful discussions about industry challenges and opportunities. Seeing online collaborators come together in person was a testament to the strength of the TNLA community and its commitment to shared success.  2. Celebrating Industry Leadership and Innovation This year’s event featured a special moment with the graduation of the Leadership Bootcamp Class, a program spearheaded by the TNLA Foundation. This initiative highlights TNLA's dedication to cultivating future leaders who will shape the Texas green industry. The ceremony inspired all attendees and reinforced the importance of investing in professional growth.  3. Celebrating Excellence at the Awards Festival The hard work of our presenters and planning team truly paid off during the Awards Festival, which was a standout moment of the event. Recognizing the achievements of individuals and businesses in the industry reminded us all why we’re passionate about horticulture. It was inspiring to see the pride and enthusiasm from award recipients and attendees alike.  4. Exploring the Industry Through Tours The Forum also included exclusive industry tours, offering attendees a firsthand look at innovative practices and operations within the green industry & beyond. These tours provided a unique opportunity to see cutting-edge techniques in action, network with industry leaders, and gain insights to bring back to their businesses. Attendees consistently praised the tours for their practical value and the inspiration they provided  5. Trends and Insights for the Future The forum featured impactful sessions and panels that explored key trends and insights shaping the future of horticulture, including sustainable practices, workforce challenges, and innovative technologies. These sessions provided attendees with actionable takeaways to implement in their businesses, helping them stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. The collaborative discussions and diverse perspectives showcased the strength and expertise of the TNLA community.  Resources
The Lone Star Hort Forum also included a live podcast recording of the TNLA Green Report Podcast, Season 4, Episode 3, titled "Navigating the Texas Green Industry's H-2A and H-2B Immigration Work Program." Moderated by Curtis Smith (TNLA) and featuring expert panelists Devin Guinn and Antonio Vergara, the session covered: Challenges and opportunities with H-2A and H-2B work programs. Practical advice for navigating regulations and securing reliable labor. Sponsored by Forward.us, the podcast is a must-listen for professionals seeking workforce sustainability solutions. Listen to the Podcast: 👉 Full Episode HERE The closing keynote, "Decision FAIL: Top Business Decision Making Mistakes (and How Smart Leaders Avoid Them)," by Brett Hoogeveen of BetterCulture, captivated attendees. Brett shared actionable strategies like the "360 Rule" and "Pre-Mortem" exercises, offering practical tools for improving decision-making and avoiding common pitfalls in leadership. You can download his slide deck HERE Looking Ahead The Lone Star Hort Forum 2025 was a celebration of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. From the TNLA Foundation’s leadership initiatives to the keynote, industry tours, and networking opportunities, the event reinforced the importance of working together to advance the green industry. We’re grateful to everyone who attended, presented, and supported this year’s Lone Star Hort Forum. Your participation drives the success of our community, and we can’t wait to see how these experiences shape the future. What was your favorite moment from the forum? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to us—we’d love to hear from you! Start the Year Strong with TNLA: Events and Resources for 2025
As we begin 2025, the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is excited to offer an engaging lineup of events and resources designed to empower professionals and businesses in the green industry. From educational workshops to networking opportunities, here’s a look at what’s coming up this year: 1. Region V Networking Meeting Date: January 21, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Details: Kick off the year by connecting with peers and discussing regional initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, collaborate, and strengthen your local network. 2. Meet the Region VII Board Date: January 22, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Details: Join us for this all-day event where you’ll meet the Region VII Board members. Learn about their goals for the year, provide your input, and find ways to get involved in shaping the future of the industry. 3. TNLA Region II Winter Workshop Date: January 31, 2025 Time: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Location: West Houston Institute, Houston Community College, 2811 Hayes Road, Houston, TX 77082 Details: This full-day workshop is packed with educational sessions tailored for the green industry, offered in both English and Spanish. Topics include landscaping and maintenance, healthy plants and soil, business development, OSHA safety, and more. A dedicated Irrigation Track is available, offering 8 hours of TCEQ-approved CEU credit. Lunch is included, and you’ll also have the chance to network with exhibitors and industry professionals. This workshop is a must-attend event for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and build connections in 2025. 4. TNLA Region 7: State of Water in Texas Meeting Date: February 6, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: AgriLife Weslaco Auditorium, 2415 US-83 BUS, Weslaco, TX 78596 Details: This meeting will explore the current state of water resources in Texas, featuring presentations by Curtis Smith Lunch will be free for members that rsvp and will be $10 for non members that RSVP. Please email [email protected] for questions or to RSVP Zoom links will be available for members unable to attend in person, ensuring everyone can access this vital information. 5. Women in Hort Virtual Meeting Date: February 19, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Details: This virtual gathering is designed to connect and empower women in the horticulture industry. Share experiences, gain valuable insights, and grow professionally in a supportive and inspiring environment. Our guest speaker, Lori Whitten from Action Visa, will talk about H2B visa work and its impact on our industry. We’ll also discuss industry trends, TNLA updates, and the latest plans for the Women in Hort event at Expo. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85471358024?pwd=Oi4L22jarxBBRirdTjtpEasSIRkDV0.1&from=addon Meeting ID: 854 7135 8024 Passcode: 158380 6. 2025 TNLA Legislative Day Date: March 13, 2025 Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Details: Join us at the Texas Capitol to advocate for policies that support the green industry. This is a unique opportunity to engage with policymakers, share your perspectives, and help shape the future of the industry. Let’s Make 2025 a Year of Growth and Success TNLA is committed to providing the tools, resources, and opportunities you need to succeed. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, gain new insights, or advocate for our industry, there’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup. Don’t miss out—visit our Events Calendar for full details and registration information. Click HERE We look forward to supporting your growth and success in 2025. Together, let’s make this year one to remember! |
AuthorTNLA Staff Archives
October 2026
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