CAST Horticulture Professionals Tour announced

Guests will be able to visit the major horticultural companies that distribute plant materials and supplies and get a first-hand look at the products and new varieties that are available to the horticulture industry. This excursion is designed specifically for members of the greenhouse, nursery and landscape industries, other horticulture professionals, and academics. It is an opportunity to meet fellow growers, breeders and other plant company representatives to see the latest new plant introductions, share ideas, update your understanding of what's happening in our industry, and travel with trained professionals.

Attendees should plan to arrive at the San Francisco Airport (SFO) on Wednesday, March 30, and will stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport (complimentary airport shuttle and breakfast included).

The journey begins on Thursday morning, March 31, when the bus departs from the hotel. That first day, the group will visit Danziger, Syngenta Flowers (includes lunch), Benary Seed, and Suncrest Nursery, which features Cohen Nurseries, Hishtil Nurseries, Jaldety Nursery, Kamel Plastic Pots, Nir Nurseries and Prudac. That night, participants will stay in the Courtyard by Marriott Salinas.

Friday, April 1 will be a busy day with a morning visit to Sakata Seed and American Takii, both in Salinas, followed by Dümmen Orange in San Luis Obispo in the afternoon. That night will be spent at the Crowne Plaza Ventura located on a beautiful Pacific Ocean beach (breakfast not included).

Saturday, April 2 begins with a visit to Santa Barbara Polo Club. This stop features PlantHaven, Pacific Plug & Liner, Plant Development Services (Southern Living Plant Collection and Sunset Western Garden Collection), Suntory and Vivero. Then participants are off to Ball Horticultural Co., which includes Ball FloraPlant, Ball Ingenuity, Darwin Perennials, Kieft Seed, PanAmerican Seed and Selecta One. Lunch will be supplied at this stop. The last stop of the day is at Green Fuse Grove, which features Beekenkamp, Hem Genetics, Schoneveld and Westhoff. At the end of the day, the bus travels to West Hollywood where overnight accommodations will be at the Ramada Plaza Hotel.

On Sunday, April 2, Uber, Lyft or a taxi will be available at the traveler’s expense for transportation to either the Los Angeles Airport or Burbank Airport where participants may return home or travel on their own to other locations.

This package trip includes the cost of first class hotel accommodations for four nights from March 31 - April 2, coach bus transportation from San Francisco to West Hollywood, airport shuttle on arrival, two breakfasts, lunches on the three travel days, and an experienced horticultural guide. Participants need to arrange their own transportation into San Francisco on March 30, and out of LAX or Burbank Airport on April 2, and cover their own dinner costs. Travel Concepts is available to assist with air reservations.

The cost of the trip is $770 per person in a double room or $1,290 per person for a single room. These rates are based on 30 participants and will be adjusted slightly if minimum capacity is not met. The trip is subject to change and may be cancelled if minimum capacity is not met. Full COVID vaccination is required of participants.

Space is limited. Register by Friday, March 4, 2022 to reserve a seat on this trip. Rooms will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Payment can be made by check or credit card. For online reservations, go to https://concepts.us.com/registration-2022-cast.asp.

For assistance arranging your flight transportation, you can contact Corporate Travel Concepts at 203-262-6260 or 800-274-5801 (Toll Free USA & Canada) or email info@concepts.us.com.

If you have questions regarding the details of the trip, contact Dr. Mark Bridgen at mpb27@cornell.edu or at 631-921-4941.