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• Montana Green EXPO 2025 - Conference

  • Start
    January 07, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    January 09, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • Location
    Hilton Garden Inn, 3720 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT

  Register

  

  
  

  Montana Green Expo

  January 7th - 9th, 2025

  Missoula, MT
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Ready to Grow Your Knowledge?
  

  MNLA is committed to bringing the horticulture industry together and planting the seeds for success. We are proud to offer programming that highlights best practices, explores innovative and creative business solutions, and helps you grow your business.

  This year, the conference is even bigger and better than before - we will also be hosting the Northern Rockies Tree School at the Expo! The best part? Your registration will give you access to all the education at the Montana Green Expo and the Northern Rockies Tree School. You can jump between seminars and tracks to take advantage of all the great education that's available. We have a great seminar line-up for you! View our Featured Speakers here.
  

  
  

  Hands-On Workshops

  There will be several in-depth Workshops held prior to the conference this year. A separate registration is required for each of the workshops. We are excited to offer the following workshops:

  Monday, January 6th:

  • First Aid CPR AED Course - American Red Cross
  • Hardscape University - Concrete Paver Installer Course, Day 1 of 2 - CPM Oldcastle
    

  Tuesday, January 7th:
  

  • Plant Health Care Clinic - Warne Chemical
    

  • Irrigation Workshop
  • Social Media Marketing Workshop
  • Leadership & Team Building Workshop
    
  • Hardscape University - Concrete Paver Installer Course, Day 2 of 2 - CPM Oldcastle
  • Certified Plant Professional Exam
    

  Friday, January 10th:

  • Segmental Retaining Walls Workshop - CPM Oldcastle
    

  These workshops are an add-on to your main conference registration. A separate registration is required for each workshop. You can add workshops to your online conference registration, or download the registration form by selecting the Workshop name from the list above. Registration for the Concrete Paver Installer (CPI) and Segmental Retaining Wall Workshop (SRW) are both external registrations, completed on the course website. Links to the online registration are located here: CPI registration, SRW registration. All Workshops will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Missoula, MT. Pre-registration is required.
  

  
  

  Four Education Tracks

  Four tracks guarantee there's something for everyone. We have seminars focused on:

  • Business Management
  • Growers & Plant Health
    
  • Landscape Design & Install
  • Tree Care/Northern Rockies Tree School
    

  Industry-leading speakers will address a variety of topics that are top-of-mind in the green industry. Many seminars qualify for Continuing Education credits from the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Urban Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM), and Idaho Department of Agriculture (ID). We will link available CEUs here when available. View the full conference schedule here.
  

  Connection-Building Trade Show

  Discover new varieties, new products, and new services at the Trade Show. The trade show is your opportunity to meet suppliers that can help you find solutions that will set you up for success. Grow your network. Grow your customer base. Grow your company.
  

  Register by December 1st and $ave!
  Register before the Early Bird deadline of December 1st for the best rates. Online registration is open through December 25th. Your registration includes admission to the Trade Show Exhibits free of charge and the seminars do not overlap with the Trade Show so you can attend both!

  Follow the link to register online, or to download a printable Attendee Registration Form, click here.

  To view Members-Only Discounted Registration prices, log in using the email address associated with your MNLA membership. 

  Conference Schedule
  

  Monday, January 6th	Workshops: First Aid CPR AED Course Hardscape University - Day 1 of 2
  Tuesday, January 7th	Workshops: Plant Health Care Clinic Irrigation College Hardscape University - Day 2 of 2 Social Media Marketing Workshop Leadership & Team Building Workshop Trade Show Welcome Reception
  Wednesday, January 8th	Conference Seminars Trade Show Awards Banquet
  Thursday, January 9th	Networking Brunch Conference Seminars
  Friday, January 10th	Workshop: Segmental Retaining Walls

  
  

   
  

  Looking for More Details on the Montana Green Expo Events? Read on to find out what's in store:
  

  The Trade Show portion of the MT Green Expo will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday. Visit with vendors and see what’s new for the upcoming year! Growers, educators, and industry suppliers  are all part of the trade show. A Cocktails with Exhibitors event will be held on Wednesday evening for a fun way to make new connections with exhibitors.

  The Annual Banquet and Awards Show will be on Wednesday evening. Relax, kick back and enjoy a delicious dinner and great entertainment. Find out who the winners are for the Best of Montana Landscapes and Container Planting contests, and meet the Member-of-the-Year!  A banquet ticket is included with all full 2-day conference registrations. If you register for 1-day only and would like to attend the Awards Banquet, contact the MNLA office to register.
  

  Networking Brunch will be held Thursday morning. Join us for a fun mix-and-mingle networking opportunity with your industry peers.

  The Annual Meeting Luncheon will be open to all attendees on Thursday, and is a good time to catch up with the MNLA Board of Directors to hear about plans for the future of the Association. You will have the opportunity to ask your questions and offer suggestions. Board member elections will be held during the Annual Meeting; we encourage you to come participate in electing the leaders that will shape the future of the MNLA.
  

  A Certified Plant Professional (CPP) Exam will be offered on Tuesday. This is one of only two times a year that we offer testing for this certification. Space is limited, so make sure you register early. You can register for the exam by following this link: Certified Plant Professional Exam Registration.

  Lodging. We have a room block set up at the Hilton Garden Inn for Montana Green Expo attendees. We have negotiated a discounted rate of $130/night. The group discount does expire, so reserve your room early. To receive the discounted rate, reserve before December 23rd, 2024. Room reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly: 406-532-5300, or by following this link to book online. You may need to adjust the dates in online booking to view all available rooms. Ask for the Montana Nursery and Landscape Association group rate when booking over-the-phone. Discounted room block rates extend to 3 days before, and 3 days after, the conference if you need to extend your stay.

  Very Important: MNLA does NOT use a third-party service for hotel reservations. You should make your reservations directly with the hotel through our booking link, or by calling the hotel directly. If contacted by a company representing themselves as an authorized housing company for the conference, please note that MNLA does not contract for such services and these companies are not affiliated with the MNLA or Montana Green Expo. (If you have made reservations through such a third party, you may wish to consider cancelling those reservations and notifying your credit card company to ensure that no fraudulent charges are posted against your account.)
  

  We look forward to seeing you at the Montana Green Expo!

  
  

  
  Thank you to our Generous Sponsors

  Blooming Nursery
  

  Great Falls Farmers' Market
  

  Western States CAT      
  

                  
  

  Online registration closes December 25th. To register after that time, contact us, or register in-person at the Montana Green Expo Registration Table, located on the North Rotunda of the Hilton Garden Inn, 3720 N. Reserve Street, Missoula, MT, from 7:30 - 8:00 am on Jan. 7th, 8th, or 9th.

  
  

  Questions? Contact us: expo@plantingmontana.org or call 406-755-3079.
  

  *While we try to keep the schedule that is posted on our website, schedules may change in order to accommodate the special needs of the presenters or the hotel. MNLA reserves the right to substitute speakers or modify the convention schedule as the need arises. The final schedule will be printed in programs that will be available at the registration desk. Changes may also be announced outside seminar rooms or posted on the announcement board at the registration desk.
  

  Show details
• Northern Rockies Tree School @ the MT Green EXPO 2025 - Conference

  • Start
    January 07, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    January 09, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • Location
    Hilton Garden Inn, 3720 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT

  Register

  
  

  Northern Rockies Tree School

  at the
  

  Montana Green Expo

  January 7th-9th, 2025  -  Missoula, MT
  

  
  

   The Northern Rockies Tree School (NRTS) has joined forces with the Montana Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA) to create an event that will bring the horticulture industry together and plant the seeds for success. We are proud to once again offer the great programming you have come to expect from the NRTS, and also open up the Montana Green Expo conference to you as well; your registration gives you access to all the programming for the Northern Rockies Tree School, and the Montana Green Expo.

  Join us in the new year, where we will bring in world-renowned experts to highlight best practices, explore innovative and creative business solutions, and help you grow your business.
  

     
  

  Can't-Miss Opportunities at the Northern Rockies Tree School and the Montana Green Expo
  

  Hands-On Workshops

  There will be several in-depth Workshops held prior to the conference. A separate registration is required for each of the workshops. We are excited to offer the following workshops this year:

  Monday, January 6th:

  • First Aid CPR AED Course - American Red Cross

  Tuesday, January 7th:
  

  • Plant Health Care Clinic, presented by Victor Gust with Warne Chemical
    

  • Irrigation Workshop
  • Social Media Marketing Workshop
  • Leadership & Team Building Workshop
    

  You can add workshops during the online registration process, or select their name from the list above to download a printable registration form. Pre-registration is required for all workshops. No on-site registrations.
  

  Four Education Tracks

  Four tracks guarantee there's something for everyone. We have seminars focused on:

  • Tree Care/Northern Rockies Tree School
    
  • Business Management
    
  • Growers & Plant Health
    
  • Landscape Design & Install
    

  Industry-leading speakers will address a variety of topics that are top-of-mind in the green industry. View the full conference schedule here. Many seminars qualify for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Montana Dept. of Agriculture (MDA), and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). We will link available CEUs here when they have been approved by the accrediting agencies.
  

  Connection-Building Trade Show

  Discover new varieties, new products, and new services at the Trade Show. The trade show is your opportunity to meet suppliers that can help you find solutions that will set you up for success. Grow your network. Grow your customer base. Grow your company.
  

  Register by December 1st and $ave!
  Register before the Early Bird deadline of December 1st for the best rates. Online registration is open through December 25th. Your registration includes admission to the Trade Show Exhibits free of charge, as well as lunch both days of the conference, and admission to the Awards Banquet Dinner and several networking receptions.

  Follow the link to register online, or to download a printable Attendee Registration Form, click here.
  

  As always, members of the Montana Nursery and Landscape enjoy registration discounts. To view Members-Only registration prices, log in using the email address associated with your MNLA membership. Not a member? Dues are only $195/year, and are pro-rated from July 1st. Instantly join online to receive membership discount: www.plantingmontana.org/join.
  

  
  

  Monday, January 6th	Workshop: First Aid CPR AED Course
  Tuesday, January 7th	Workshops: Plant Health Care Clinic Irrigation College Social Media Marketing Workshop Leadership & Team Building Workshop Trade Show Welcome Reception
  Wednesday, January 8th	Conference Seminars Trade Show Awards Banquet
  Thursday, January 9th	Networking Brunch Conference Seminars

  Looking for More Details on the Schedule of Events? Read on to find out what's in store:
  

  The Trade Show portion of the Montana Green Expo will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday. Visit with vendors and see what's new! Growers, educators, and industry suppliers  are all part of the trade show. A Cocktails with Exhibitors event will be held during the first day of the trade show for a fun way to make new connections with exhibitors.

  The Annual Banquet and Awards Show will be on the first evening of the conference. Relax, kick back and enjoy a delicious dinner and great entertainment. Find out who the winners are for the Best of Montana Landscapes and Container Planting contests, and meet the Member-of-the-Year!  A banquet ticket is included with all full 2-day convention registrations. If you register for one-day only and would like to attend the Awards Banquet, contact the MNLA office to add the banquet to your registration.
  

  Two networking events will be held Thursday morning: Women in Horticulture Muffins & Mimosas Brunch and Coffee & Conversation: Guys in the Green Industry. Join us for a fun mix-and-mingle networking opportunity with your peers.
  

  The Annual Meeting Luncheon will be open to all attendees on Thursday, and is a good time to catch up with the MNLA Board of Directors to hear about plans for the future of the Association. You will have the opportunity to ask your questions and offer suggestions. Board member elections will be held during the Annual Meeting; we encourage you to come participate in electing the leaders that will shape the future of the MNLA.
  

  A Certified Plant Professional (CPP) Exam will be offered on Tuesday. This is one of only two times a year that we offer testing for this certification. Space is limited, so make sure you register early. You can register for the exam by following this link: Certified Plant Professional Exam Registration.

  Lodging. We have a discounted room block set up at the Hilton Garden Inn for conference attendees, at a rate of $130/night. The group discount does expire, so reserve your room early. To receive the discounted rate, reserve before December 23rd, 2024. Room reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly: 406-532-5300, or book online using this link. You may need to adjust the dates in online booking to view all available rooms. Ask for the Montana Nursery and Landscape Association group rate when booking over-the-phone. Discounted room block rates extend to 3 days before, and 3 days after, the conference if you need to extend your stay.

  Very Important: MNLA does NOT use a third-party service for hotel reservations. You should make your reservations directly with the hotel through our booking link, or by calling the hotel directly. If contacted by a company representing themselves as an authorized housing company for the conference, please note that MNLA does not contract for such services and these companies are not affiliated with the MNLA, Northern Rockies Tree School, or Montana Green Expo. (If you have made reservations through such a third party, you may wish to consider cancelling those reservations and notifying your credit card company to ensure that no fraudulent charges are posted against your account.)
  

  
  

  We look forward to seeing you at the Northern Rockies Tree School @ the Montana Green Expo!

  
  

  Interested in Supporting the Event? Contact us about sponsorship and donation opportunities.
  

         
  

                  
  

  Online registration closes December 25th. To register after that time, contact us, or register in-person at the Montana Green Expo Registration Table, located in the North Rotunda of the Hilton Garden Inn, 3720 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT from 7:30 - 8:00 am on Jan. 7th, 8th, or 9th.

  
  

  Questions? Contact us: expo@plantingmontana.org or call 406-755-3079.
  

  *While we try to keep the schedule that is posted on our website, schedules may change in order to accommodate the special needs of the presenters or the hotel. MNLA reserves the right to substitute speakers or modify the convention schedule as the need arises. The final schedule will be available at the registration desk. Changes may also be announced outside seminar rooms or posted on the announcement board at the registration desk.
  

  Show details
• CPP Exam at MT Green Expo 2025

  • When
    January 07, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Hilton Garden Inn, 3720 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT
  • Spaces left
    17

  Register

  

  Prove your plant knowledge!
  

  The next Certified Plant Professional (CPP) Exam will take place on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm (during the MT Green Expo convention), at the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula, MT. A discounted room block has been arranged at the Hilton; ask for the Montana Nursery and Landscape Association rate when making your room reservation to receive the discounted rate.
  

  Eligible applicants need to apply online by following the link to register, or submit a completed application, documentation of nursery employment and the appropriate fees to the MNLA office by December 15th, 2024. Download the application form here. If you are a current MNLA member, or work for an MNLA member, you are eligible to register at the discounted members-only rate.
  

  The certification tests are generally given twice a year, in January at the annual Montana Green Expo and in July at the annual SummerTour. The exam consists of a plant identification test and a written test. The exam is based on the Certification Manual and on practical information gained from employment in the industry, and on identification of the correct genus, species, common name, and cultivar (if appropriate) for each plant.
  
  The ID portion of the exam is 50 plant specimens, based upon plants covered in Choosing Trees and Shrubs for Montana Landscapes, by George Evans and Alan Epps, as well as lists of Montana perennials and woody plants. These publications and lists are included in the manual. The second portion of the exam is a 200 question written exam of the principles and practices of virtually all aspects of the nursery industry. A passing grade is 75% for both parts of the exam. Bring at least two sharpened pencils to take the exam. We also recommend that you bring several sheets of scratch paper.
  
  Please see the Education & Certification page on our site for details on eligibility and renewal as well as a number of additional forms and how to order your CPP Manual (a highly recommended book for preparing for the exam). Manuals are available as either a hard-copy version or PDF format, and can be ordered by submitting an order form to the MNLA office before December 15th.

  Questions? Contact us.
  

  
  

  Show details
• MT Green EXPO 2025 - EXHIBITORS

  • Start
    January 07, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    January 09, 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Hilton Garden Inn, 3720 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT

  Register

  We hope the following information will help you efficiently prepare for the 2025 Montana Green Expo in Missoula, MT. Booth reservations are currently being accepted, and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. We look forward to having you join us for this exciting annual event! For questions that are not answered here, please contact us at: 406.755.3079  or email expo@plantingmontana.org.

  SCHEDULE OVERVIEW Montana Green Expo - Trade Show & Convention January 7-9, 2025
  Exhibitors optional MOVE-IN	Mon., Jan 6	3:30pm -7:30pm
  Exhibitors MOVE-IN	Tues., Jan 7	7:00am - 12:00pm
  Exhibitor Meeting	Tues., Jan 7	1:15pm - 1:30pm
  Trade Show Open	Tues., Jan 7	2:00pm - 5:00pm
  Welcome Reception	Tues,  Jan 7	5:00pm - 7:00pm
  Trade Show Open	Wed,  Jan 8	2:30pm - 6:30pm
  Cocktails with Exhibitors on Trade Show Floor	Wed,  Jan 8	5:00pm - 6:30pm
  Awards Banquet & Silent Auction	Wed,  Jan 8	6:30pm - 9:30pm
  Exhibitors MOVE-OUT	Thurs., Jan 9	7:30am - 3:00pm

  REGISTRATION INFORMATION
  1	Booth Reservations:  You can request up to three choices for booth location. Check the 2025 Expo Map for available booths. We will do our best to accommodate your booth choice, but know that booths fill up quickly and the space you request may no longer be available. We will contact you with alternative options if this occurs. You can also download the Booth Booking Form and email in your registration if you prefer.  A booth contract will be sent to you once we have assigned a booth per your choices. Payments are due within 15 days of booking your space.
  2	Name Badge and Special Event Tickets: One FREE Convention registration is included with your booth rental, which includes all conference seminars on Wednesday and Thursday, plus lunch on Wednesday for that person. They must have a Convention badge to attend the seminars and keynote. If you wish to register additional representatives for the convention seminars, you can add them on the Name Badge and Special Event Registration Form. Sign-up reminders  will be emailed to all exhibitors prior to the EXPO. If your representatives plan to attend additional meals and/or special events like the Awards Banquet Wednesday evening, or Lunch on Tuesday or Thursday, they will need to register for those meals. Download the Exhibitor Name Badge and Special Event Registration Form and indicate which events they will be attending, the names of each representative, and email to: expo@plantingmontana.org.
  3	Lodging: A discounted room block has been set up at the Hilton Garden Inn, at a rate of $130/night. Book your rooms early by calling (406) 532-5300 and asking for the Montana Nursery and Landscape Association rate, or follow this link to book online. Rates expire December 23, 2024.
  4	Trade Show Move-In: Exhibitor MOVE-IN- starts the afternoon of Monday, January 6, 2025. All exhibitors must be moved in by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, January 7th.
  EXPO Convention Services: We will again be working with K&J Convention Services. Additional furnishings, carpeting, booth setup assistance, drayage, and other booth accessories will be available for ordering through K&J. To view available services, visit their website: https://kjconventions.com/mtgreen beginning in mid-November.

  Sponsorship at the Expo

  Your sponsorship will make the event more successful. We invite you to take advantage of one of the many opportunities for sponsorship at the Montana Green Expo. We are happy to consider creative ideas to help, including convention bags, lanyards, coffee breaks, networking receptions, etc. There are opportunities to be recognized during specific seminars or receptions, and to have your logo listed in the attendee event app. Contact us about sponsorship opportunities, or download our Sponsorship Form. Silent Auction Fundraiser Our annual fundraising event will be held during the Awards Banquet on Wednesday evening. Please consider donating in a way that is meaningful to you. All proceeds directly benefit our members through our Scholarship Program and Community Beautification Fund. This is a great opportunity to support MNLA members through this fun event. Download the donation form here. All donors will be recognized on the item's bidding form.

  Exhibitor Demonstrations

  Book a 15 or 30 minute time slot to reserve a demonstration of your product or service in our designated demo area on the trade show floor.  There is NO CHARGE - just register in advance. All demos will be promoted to the attendees via push notification in our event app.

  Show details