GWA invites you to join us in Chicago for our 70th Annual Conference & Expo, co-hosted with the 2018 IGC Show, August 13-16 at historic Navy Pier. Enjoy amazing garden tours, thought-provoking education session, unbeatable networking and incredible access to the IGC Show.
Connect Join garden writers, bloggers, photographers, speakers and communicators from across the world for special events designed to make new connections and reconnect with old friends, including networking events and receptions, all culminating with the 2018 Annual Awards & Honors Dinner. And don’t forget to head to the #GWA2018 Expo for a colorful showcase of new varieties, products and services from exhibitors changing the horticultural landscape.
Learn This year's education schedule will be jam-packed with insightful sessions from leaders in the industry, focusing on horticulture, writing, technology, business, publishing and much more. Back by popular demand, roundtable topics will feature exciting short-format sessions made to inspire and inform.
Grow This year's tour line-up will feature Chicago's finest gardens, covering a wide array of techniques and trends. Enjoy special access to amazing public gardens as well as exclusive tours of beautiful private gardens.
On Tuesday, August 14 we will be visiting Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, McCormick Place Rooftop Farm and Shedd Aquarium Gardens. Wednesday, August 15 we will visit Garfield Park Conservatory, Farm on Ogden, Ping Tom Memorial Park, Hyde Park Private Gardens and Midway Plaisance & Jackson Park. On the following day, Thursday, August 16 registrants will have a choice of heading on the North Side Jewels: Historis Home Gardens & Lincoln Park tour, which includes Wicker Park, Lincoln Park Conservatory and LaSalle Street Gardens; or the South Side Saga: Private Gardens and a World's Fair Gem, including visits to Garden of the Phoenix and Burnham Wildlife Corridor.
We are offering three Post-Conference Tour options: Tour A: West Suburbs (Full Day), Tour B: North Suburbs (Full Day) or Tour C: Chicago Community and Foods Gardens (Half Day).
NEW Registration Format for 2018
In an effort to give conference attendees more of what they want, #GWA2018 will feature new conference pricing with lower base registration and options to add on tours! When you register, you'll follow these steps:
- STEP 1: Pick your base conference registration. This new reduced conference rate includes access to the Expo, all GWA education sessions, the Awards & Honors Dinner, Afterparty, as well as the IGC tradeshow, keynotes and concert.
- STEP 2: Pick your tours. Each tour is now individually priced, allowing you to pick the tour you want and save money on those you don't.
- STEP 3: Submit payment for your full conference package.
SPECIAL BONUS! Register for #GWA2018 during the week of April 2-6 and be entered to win a complete conference package, including complimentary base registration and all three conference tours ($500 value).
Registration Deadlines
- Early: Friday, June 1, 2018
- Regular: Friday, July 20, 2018
Payment Plans
Payment plans for registration are available. Registration MUST be paid in full by July 20, 2018. Please call 212.297.2198 for more information.
Miscellaneous Registrations
Options for single day registration and GWA Awards & Honors Dinner tickets available. Please call 212.297.2198 for more information.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation requests received in writing by Friday, June 29, 2018 will be subject to a 25% cancellation fee, which will be deducted from the refund. No refunds will be made on or after Friday, June 29, 2018. Substitutions will be permitted with no penalties.
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