America in Bloom national conference coming to St. Louis

Community leaders to meet for symposium and awards program


This year’s America in Bloom Symposium and Awards Program is scheduled to occur in St. Louis, Sept. 30-Oct. 2. The conference is expected to draw hundreds of community leaders and participating citizens from across the country. A free 3-session introductory series is scheduled for Sept. 30 to allow citizens and leaders in St.-Louis-area communities the opportunity to learn more about AIB. The sessions will cover: “What is AIB”, which will present an overview of the program and how it works; “What AIB Participation does for My Town, during which a panel of mayors and civic leaders will discuss the program’s benefits; and “How to get started with AIB”, a panel discussion that offers advice to first time participants.
Keynote presentations will be given by Peter Raven, president emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden on “Connecting a Botanical Institution with the Community”, and Anna Ball, president of Ball Horticultural Co., on “The Power of Plants: Opportunities for Community Quality of Life”. The symposium will feature 18 educational sessions and 3 themed tours of the St. Louis area.

Pictured: This year’s America in Bloom Symposium and Awards Program features 18 educational sessions and 3 themed tours of the St. Louis area.