Registration open for 2026 Perennial Plant Association National Symposium

Registration is now open for the Perennial Plant Association's 2026 National Symposium, which will be held July 27 to 30 in East Lansing, Michigan.

The annual event brings together perennial plant industry professionals for education, networking and inspiration.

Monday will kick off with perennial tours and conclude with a tour and dinner at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, with a trade show social scheduled for Tuesday.

Exclusive tours designed especially for horticulture professionals, including visits to private and public gardens, growers and retailers, are scheduled for Wednesday, concluding with a dinner party at the Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens.

PPA will also recognize those who have made a significant impact to the horticulture industry with the Special Recognition Awards, offer the opportunity to meet the Perennial Plant Foundation scholarship winners and unveil the 2027 Perennial Plant of the Year.

Speaker highlights include:

• Daniel Hinkley: Plantsman, author, lecturer, nurseryman and horticultural consultant
• Shannan Gibb-Randall: Principal of InSite Design Studio
• Stefano Marinaz: Director of Stefano Marinaz Landscape Architecture
• Jeff Epping: Founder of Jeff Epping Design & Consulting, former director of horticulture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens
• Breeder spotlight featuring Dave MacKenzie, Brent Horvath and Justin Lombardoni

Tour stops include:

• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
• Oudolf Garden Detroit
• Wholesale growers, including Hortech, Opel Growers, Mast Young Plants and Raker-Roberta's
• Private home gardens, including Susan Martin, Dale Deppe and Chris Hansen
• Walters Gardens
• Michigan State University Horticulture Gardens

“I’ve had the opportunity to present this year’s symposium to a number of people, and the reaction has been immediate and unmistakable — excitement all around. The moment they see the destination and itinerary, they’re sold. Even before diving into the tour sites and speakers, just knowing it will be held in East Lansing, Michigan, says a lot. I encourage you to explore the details — this is truly a must-attend conference,” said PPA Board President Ed Lyon

The early-bird registration deadline is June 16, 2026, and the final registration deadline is July 14, 2026.

For more information on the National Symposium and to register, visit perennialplant.org/event/2026ns.