CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE

(To read more, look at topic tabs for detailed information)

 

Summit County Master Gardener Volunteers, in conjunction with the Summit County Extension Office, are pleased to host the 2016 Statewide Master Gardener Conference, “Cultivating Passion,” on Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17 at Sheraton Suites Hotel, Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

The conference will offer two nationally renowned key-note speakers and authors from the gardening world: Dr.Michael Dirr, nationally acclaimed horticultural expert on trees and shrubs, and Dr. Doug Tallamy, author of the book Bringing Nature Home, which encourages supporting the environment and wildlife through the planting of native trees, shrubs and plants.   On Saturday, a quality group of presenters from The Ohio State University, industry professionals and area experts will present lectures within four educational tracks…Passion for Environment and Sustainability; Passion for Plants and Design; Passion for Knowledge and Passion for Backyard and Local Foods. All meals, beverages, and materials will be provided. (Read more under the Keynote Speakers and Education Tracks tabs)

In addition to the Saturday conference, we have changed up the traditional Friday offerings this year. A choice of one of three exciting and informational bus tours will begin the day:  Tour 1 – The Best of Akron; Tour 2 – Cuyahoga Valley Adventures and Tour 3 – Secrets of Secrest and More. Lunch and shopping are provided on all tours. (Read more under the Bus Tour tab)

NEW THIS YEAR

Two afternoon indoor/outdoor Friday programs (Space is limited, so register early. Both sessions run concurrently.)

1:00-3:00 pm

• A Closer Look: Garden and Insect Photography, a workshop with Danae Wolfe, Educational Technology Specialist, College of Food Agriculture and Environmental SciencesOhio State University Extension
• The Evolution of the Cuyahoga River, a lecture and walking tour with Elaine Marsh, Conservation Director, Friends of Crooked River.

Evening Authors’ Book Signing and Reception and Dinner Program with Michael Dirr

Friday evening features a meet and greet reception and book signing with keynote speakers/authors Dr. Michael Dirr and Dr. Doug Tallamy as well as other conference speakers who will have books for sale. The reception will be followed by a sit-down dinner which will include Dr. Dirr’s first keynote presentation: In Praise of Noble Trees. (Note: the traditional State Awards Banquet will be included in Saturday’s schedule) (Read more under Friday Events)

                                                                                                     

Food Choices

Pick one of three items when you register.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Authors’ Book Signing and Reception and Dinner Program with Michael Dirr

Frenched Pork Chop-10 oz Marinated & Grilled with Apple Mango Chutney

Balsamic Grilled Chicken-Marinated Chicken Breast with Balsamic Reduction & Basil Pesto

Vegetarian Lasagna-Vegetable with Provolone, Ricotta & Parmesan Cheeses, Marinara Sauce & Seasonal Vegetables

(Cash bar and hors d’oueveres included with the book signing/reception)

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Conference Luncheon

Beef Lasagna-Beef Lasagna with Provolone, Ricotta & Parmesan Cheeses, Marinara Sauce & Seasonal Vegetables.

Chicken Marsala-Sautéed Breast of Chicken with Mushrooms finished with Sweet Italian Marsala Sauce, Confetti Rice & Seasonal Vegetables

Asian Vegetable Stir Fry-Freshest selection of Vegetables with Bean Sprouts, Steamed White Rice, Sesame Ginger Sauce & Crisp Rice Noodles

(Note: refreshment breaks included in registration)

 

CONFERENCE FEES

Take advantage of the conference early registration price through June 30. Conference registration fees go up on July 1. Please review your registration carefully before you submit it as you will not be able to edit your choices once they are submitted.

Register early to ensure your place.  Any issues or questions, please contact the Conference Registrar at registrar.mgsc.events@gmail.com.  A cancellation fee of $20 will be applied.  No refunds will be issued after September 2.

 

EVENT                                                    Early Registration               Regular  Registration                                 Late

                                                                (May 13 – June 30)                 (July 1 – August 5)                      (August 6 – September 2)

All Bus Tours                                              $65                                            $70                                                     $75                     

Photography Workshop                            $20                                            $25                                                     $30                             

Evolution of Cuyahoga River                    $20                                            $25                                                    $30                               

Friday Dinner/Book Signing                     $55                                            $65                                                    $70                               

Full-Day Saturday Conference                 $99                                            $120                                                  $130

 

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS

Friday Bus Tours – 5 CEUs

Friday Indoor/Outdoor Experiences – 2 CEUs Each

Friday Authors’ Reception/Dinner – 1 CEU

Saturday Conference – 5 CEUs

 

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

 Thursday, September 15

• 5 pm – 7 pm – Registration Open

 

Friday, September 16

FOR ALL FRIDAY EVENTS, each Master Gardener may register to bring one paying guest.

• 7 am – 8 am and noon – 6:30 pm – Day/Evening Registration/pick-up pre-order items
• 8 am – 4 pm-Day Bus Trips pick up/drop off.
• 1-3 pm Outdoor Photography – An Indoor/Outdoor Workshop with Danae Wolfe
• 1-3 pm Evolution of the Cuyahoga River – An Indoor/Outdoor Lecture and Walking Tour with Elaine Marsh
• 5 pm – Authors’ Reception/Book Signing with Cash Bar
• 6:30-8:30 pm – Dinner with Presentation by Michael Dirr, In Praise of Noble Trees 

 

THE SATURDAY CONFERENCE IS FOR MASTER GARDENERS ONLY.

Each Master Gardener must make their own individual reservation using a distinct e-mail address and may not register other Master Gardeners for the Conference.  Please review your registration carefully before you hit “submit’ as you will not be able to edit your choices once they are sent.

Saturday, September 17

• 7 am – Opening for Registration and pick up pre-order items
• 7 am – 8:30 Continental Breakfast
• 8:30 – 9:45 am Keynote address: Michael Dirr

“Flowering and Evergreen Shrubs:  An Alphabet Soup”

• 9:45 – 10 am – Break
• 10- 11 am – Choice of four break-out sessions
• 11 – 11:15 am – Break
• 11:15 am – 12:15 pm – Choice of four break-out sessions
• 12:15 – 12:30 pm – Move To Ballroom
• 12:30 – 2 pm – Pam Bennett – OSU State Master Gardener Awards Luncheon
• 2 – 3 pm –Keynote address: Doug Tallamy

“Treasures among Our Natives”

• 3 – 3:15 pm Break
• Silent Auction and Raffle closes
• 3:15 – 4:15 pm  – Choice of four break-out sessions
• 4:15 – 4:30 – Pick up raffle items and redraw

VENDORS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE HOTEL’S CASCADE OVERLOOK AREA FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING UNTIL THE AUTHORS’ DINNER AND SATURDAY FROM 8 AM UNTIL 3 PM

RAFFLE AND AUCTION ITEMS WILL BE LOCATED IN THE BALLROOM FOYER ON SATURDAY

 

SATURDAY STATE AWARDS LUNCHEON

Join Pam Bennett Assistant Professor, Ohio State University, and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Director in honoring this year’s state awards recipients.

 

CONFERENCE ITEMS FOR SALE

Registrants will be contacted to pre-order conference shirts, mugs and other items. All items MUST be picked up at the conference.

 

OFFICIAL CONFERENCE HOTEL

Sheraton Suites is the official conference hotel. A special conference rate is available through the registration link provided.  Other area hotels are also listed on this page.  However, no negotiated rate for the conference is available at these hotels. (Read more under Conference Hotel tab)

 

MAKE IT A DESTINATION WEEKEND

Beautiful Summit County offers a variety of sights and experiences. In addition to the conference, make your trip a “destination weekend,” by visiting some of the area attractions. (Read more at the Make it a Destination Weekend tab)