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.
#GWA2018 will be co-locating with Independent Garden Center Show in Chicago! Our registrants have the opportunity to attend exclusive IGC events, including big name key note Daymond John of ABC's hit television series, Shark Tank. Not only that, but you won't want to miss out on IGC's Reception and Concert with the Marshall Tucker Band Tuesday night! Registrants are also invited to walk the IGC Show floor on Wednesday, August 15 from 10AM-12PM.
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.
Gardens & Tours • Travel & Accommodations
Exhibitor Information • Sponsor Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule
| 11:30AM - 7:00PM |
Registration
|
| 12:00PM - 4:30PM |
Exhibitor Move-in
|
| 1:00PM - 2:00PM |
Regional Meetings
|
| 2:15PM - 3:15PM |
First-Time Attendee Meeting
|
| 3:30PM - 4:30PM |
Roundtable Topics
|
| 4:30PM - 8:00PM |
#GWA2018 Expo
|
| 5:30PM - 7:00PM |
Reception in Expo
|
| 8:30PM - 9:30PM |
President's Sponsor & Exhibitor Reception
|
| Tuesday, August 14 |
|
| 7:00AM - 8:00AM |
Early Morning Photo Shoot
|
| 8:00AM - 12:00PM |
Story Tour & Lunch
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Downtown High Life: From the Lurie Garden to the Lakefront
Lurie Garden in Millennium Park
McCormick Place Rooftop Farm
Shedd Aquarium Gardens
|
| 12:30PM - 6:00PM |
Registration
|
| 1:00PM - 2:00PM |
Keynote: Jacqueline Van der Kloet
Magical Mixes
|
| 2:00PM - 6:00PM |
#GWA2018 Expo
|
| 4:00PM - 5:30PM |
Reception in Expo
|
| 6:00PM - 8:00PM |
IGC Reception & Concert: The Marshall Tucker Band
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Wednesday, August 15
|
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| 7:00AM - 12:00PM |
Exhibitor Move-Out
|
| 7:30AM - 1:00PM |
Registration
|
| 8:00AM - 8:45AM |
Annual Membership Meeting
|
| 9:00AM - 10:00AM |
IGC Keynote: Daymond John from ABC's 'Shark Tank'
|
| 10:00AM - 12:00PM |
IGC Show
|
| 12:30PM - 4:30PM |
Story Tours & Lunch
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Farm to River: Urban Farming, a Riverfront Park and a Glorious Glass House
Garfield Park Conservatory
Farm on Ogden
Ping Tom Memorial Park
|
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Thursday, August 16
|
|
| 7:00AM - 8:00AM |
Morning Reboot with Chris Freimuth
|
| 8:00AM - 12:00PM |
Registration
|
| 8:30AM - 9:30AM |
Breakout Sessions (5)
|
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|
| 9:30AM - 9:45AM |
Break
|
| 9:45AM - 10:45AM |
Breakout Sessions (5)
|
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|
| 10:45AM - 11:00AM |
Break
|
| 11:00AM - 12:30PM |
Lunch & Learn (5)
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|
| 12:30PM - 4:30PM |
Story Tours
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North Side Jewels: Historic Home Gardens & Lincoln Park
Wicker Park
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Lincoln Park Zoo's Nature Boardwalk
South Side Saga: Private Gardens and a World's Fair Gem
Garden of the Phoenix
Burnham Wildlife Corridor
Hyde Park Private Gardens
Midway Plaisance and Jackson Park
|
| 6:15PM - 7:00PM |
GWA Awards & Honors Reception (Cash Bar)
|
| 7:00PM - 9:00PM |
GWA Awards & Honors Dinner
to be held at The Mid-America Club, a premier venue with a stunning panoramic
view of Chicago!
Must have previously registered for this event & have ID to attend
|
| 9:00PM - 11:00PM |
#GWA2018 After Party |
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Friday, August 17
|
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| 8:00AM - 9:00PM |
Post-Conference Tours
West Suburban Delightful Delicacies (Full Day)
Beard Private Garden, O'Brien Private Garden,
The Morton Arboretum, McVay Private Garden, Gardens at Ball
|
| 8:00AM - 8:00PM |
North Suburban Distinctive Designs (Full Day)
Chalet Nursery, Fulmer Private Garden, Kurtis Conservation Foundation
and Mettawa Manor, Camp Rosemary Posy
Krehbiel Garden, Chicago Botanical Garden |
| 8:00AM - 12:45PM |
Food and Community in the City (Half Day)
Edible Treasures Garden at The Field Museum, Peterson Garden Project
Pop-Up Victory Garden, Global Refugee Training arm,Uncommon Ground |
Registration Deadlines
- Early: Friday, June 1, 2018
- Regular: Friday, July 20, 2018
- Late: Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Not a GWA Member?
New this year, we are offering non-members a special combination rate! Receive a GWA Regular Membership and #GWA2018 base registration for just $575! (a $230 savings) To take advantage of this special offer, please contact our office at (212) 297-2198 or info@gardenwriters.org.
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
Single GWA Awards & Honors Dinner tickets are available. Please call 212.297.2198 for more information.
Cancelation Policy
Cancelation requests received in writing by Friday, June 29, 2018 will be subject to a 25% cancelation 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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