BCLNA Grower & Garden Centre Day

Connect with BC nursery growers, garden centre professionals, and industry partners for practical learning and networking. The BCLNA invites nursery growers, garden centre professionals, suppliers, and industry partners to Grower & Garden Centre Day—a full day of practical learning, fresh ideas, and valuable connections across British Columbia's horticulture industry. The day begins with a keynote from Dave Van Belle. Dave is President of Van Belle Nursery, an award-winning wholesale nursery founded by Bill and Grace Van Belle in 1973. As the second-generation leader, Dave has built on his family's legacy while leading the company's continued growth through a culture of trust, transparency, continuous improvement, and leadership development. Passionate about helping people and businesses thrive, Dave believes that great organizations are built by investing in people and empowering them to succeed. Following the keynote, attendees can choose from two concurrent educational streams designed to address the unique opportunities and challenges facing growers and garden centres. While each stream is tailored to its audience, attendees are welcome to move between sessions to customize their learning experience. The day wraps up with a featured closing keynote from Katie Dubow, President of Garden Media Group, internationally sought-after speaker, and author of the annual Garden Trends Report. Known for identifying the consumer and industry trends shaping horticulture, Katie will leave attendees inspired with practical insights and ideas for the future. ☕ Your registration includes: • Access to all educational sessions • Opening and closing plenary presentations • Coffee during Registration • Networking opportunities throughout the day Whether you're looking for practical ideas, new business connections, or a fresh perspective from industry leaders, Grower & Garden Centre Day is an opportunity to invest in your business while strengthening connections across BC's horticulture industry. Grower Education Stream See agenda below for session details - times may be subject to change. Sessions will focus on practical production, business, and operational topics relevant to BC nursery growers. Garden Centre Education Stream See agenda below for session details - times may be subject to change. Sessions will explore retail trends, merchandising, customer experience, marketing, and other topics designed to help garden centres succeed. Event Sponsors • Platinum Sponsor - HortProtect Insurance • Silver Sponsor - West Creek Farms Ltd. • Silver Sponsor - Farm Credit Canada • Bronze Sponsor - Salish Soils Inc. Sponsorship Opportunities Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting? View the Sponsorship Package Lunch Options On-site for purchase: • Hot Dog Hill - will be in the courtyard over lunch • KPU Cafeteria - open on site until 2:30 in East Building