Lone Star Hort Forum 2026: Conversations, Community, and Leadership in Action

Each year, the Lone Star Hort Forum brings together leaders from across the Texas green industry to step away from day-to-day demands and focus on what matters most: people, leadership, and the future of our businesses.
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This year’s Forum did exactly that — through honest conversations, practical learning, and moments that reminded us why this community matters.

​Day One: Grounded Perspectives and Practical Takeaways

​Day One focused on real-world challenges and tools leaders can take back to their teams right away

We kicked off Day One with a familiar and trusted voice. Charlie Hall, a long-time Lone Star Hort Forum contributor, returned with his annual economic forecast — helping attendees better understand where the industry stands and how to plan for the year ahead with clarity and realism.

​From there, the day moved into sessions that resonated deeply with attendees because they addressed real challenges leaders are navigating right now:

• Practical applications of AI that can actually be used in daily operations
• Workplace safety and preparedness in today’s environment
• Leadership mindset and decision-making under pressure

These sessions weren’t about theory — they were about tools, perspective, and making better decisions back at the office.

A Special Highlight: Women in Horticulture

​One of the most impactful conversations of Day One took place during the Women in Horticulture session, which focused on how internal triggers affect leadership, communication, and workplace dynamics.

The session explored a simple but powerful concept: our thoughts influence our feelings, which influence our actions — and ultimately our results.

Attendees walked away with practical strategies to:

• Recognize triggers before situations escalate
• Pause and reflect in high-pressure moments
• Approach difficult conversations with curiosity rather than fear
• Lead with greater composure, empathy, and confidence

​It was a thoughtful conversation that extended well beyond the room and reinforced the importance of self-awareness in leadership at every level.
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Live Podcast Recordings — Now Available
Throughout the day, several live podcast conversations were recorded on-site and are now available to listen to at no cost:

• H-2B Updates with Jacob Monty
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=Mk519uW5FLG
• Economic Forecast
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=laGLyc8qTK2
• Top Tips for Talent
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=qzEpeIxwuW9
• D.E.E.D. to Success
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=RDL6kt3jC2m
• How the Green Industry Can Embrace the Unknown
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=wnElnSqgu83
• Employers’ Biggest Legal Mistakes
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=3npGgcMoSJx

Day Two: Celebrating Excellence and Learning From Each Other​

Day Two began with the TNLA Awards Festival, where the community came together to recognize peers, celebrate excellence, and honor those who have helped move the industry forward.

Honorary Lifetime Membership Award Winners: 

​This year’s Festival carried special meaning as we honored Jim Reaves, a former TNLA staff member who passed away in August. Jim was posthumously awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership, recognizing his lasting contributions and the impact he made on the Association and the people within it.

Young Leader Award Winner- Dylan Cantu, ​TMCNP of Calloway's Nursery

What Was New This Year

​Several award programs introduced meaningful updates in 2026:

Texas Garden Retailers Awards (TGRA)

This year marked the introduction of a secret shopper component, adding a new layer of insight and accountability to the judging process and reinforcing the importance of customer experience at every touchpoint.

View all TGRA award winners HERE

Texas Excellence in Landscaping Awards (TEIL)

The TEIL program continued to evolve, with judges noting a strong field of submissions that showcased:

• Higher-quality storytelling
• Clear before-and-after transformations
• Greater insight into design intent, execution, and results

These updates strengthened the integrity of the program and highlighted the craftsmanship and professionalism across the industry.

​View all TEIL award winners HERE

Summit Award Winner- Austin Wood Recycling / Texas Native

ARP Award Winner- ​C. Scott Evans TMCNP, TCLP of Rancho Encino, FEWA & Native Jump Start

Industry & Emerge Tours

In the afternoon, attendees headed out on the Industry Tour and the Emerge Tours.

These tours offered behind-the-scenes looks at real operations and real conversations, the kind that don’t happen in a classroom. Discussions on the bus, on-site, and face-to-face allowed participants to learn directly from peers about how they’re solving challenges and running successful businesses.
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A sincere thank you to our tour stop hosts for opening your doors and sharing your time and insight with our members.

Day Three: Investing in Leadership and the Future

​The Forum concluded with the graduation of TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V, a milestone that represents months of learning, reflection, and personal growth.

​Leadership Bootcamp is about more than professional development, it’s about building self-aware, confident leaders who are prepared to guide teams, navigate change, and contribute meaningfully to the industry.
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We are proud of this class and grateful for the perspective and energy they bring to the Texas green industry.

​The Forum closed with a forward-looking keynote, “Smarter, Faster, Stronger: How AI Can Future-Proof Your Nursery & Landscape Business,” reinforcing the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and thoughtful adoption of new tools.

Why Lone Star Hort Forum Still Matters

Lone Star Hort Forum isn’t about checking a box or attending another event. It’s about creating space — space to listen, reflect, learn from peers, and reconnect with why we do this work.

Seeing the community show up for one another — in conversations, in recognition, and in shared experiences — is always why we do what we do.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make Lone Star Hort Forum 2026 meaningful.

​Special thanks to all our wonderful sponsors