Learning Opportunity: Five Panel Discussions at Cultivate’25 You Should Attend
July 2, 2025 
Photo: Julie Hullett
Whenever I travel to industry conferences that are built on education, I immediately seek out panel discussions for two reasons: 1) they offer perspectives from multiple industry members who may have different experiences but ultimately common goals, and 2) they encourage dialogue and can often spark new ideas.
Taking a look at the educational program for Cultivate’25, there are a number of panel discussions on the schedule that would be worth attending. Here are just a few of them.
Managing & Motivating the Multi-Generational Green Industry (Saturday)
For the first time in history, five generations collide in the workforce: The Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. Generation Z is quickly infiltrating the industry, and Millennials are stepping up to take over the preceding leadership positions, bringing new ideas surrounding technology, management and communication styles, company culture, and personal and professional values and expectations. In this panel, professionals across the four prominent generations in the workforce share their experiences, providing perspective and insight into what once was versus today’s reality.
Cutting Through the Noise: Practical AI in Cultivation Operations (Saturday)
AI is revolutionizing horticulture and agriculture, but where does it truly add value today —and where does the hype fall short? This session explores AI’s practical applications, from early plant stress detection and optimized workflow management to smarter yield planning and labor allocation. Attendees will gain insights into adoption strategies — whether to build AI tools in-house or partner with specialized tech providers — and real-world examples of AI enhancing, rather than replacing, human work.
Bringing a Safety-First Mindset to Your Greenhouse & Nursery Operations (Saturday)
Greenhouse and nursery operations are complex environments with many moving parts. Adopting a safety-first mindset is essential to protect employees and ensure smooth, productive operations. This session will provide an overview of how to embed safety into your company culture. Hear from a panel of growers who will share diverse perspectives and real-world examples of safety practices in action. Learn more in this recent episode of the Greenhouse Grower to Grower podcast.
Disease Updates (Monday)
Improvements in disease control are constantly being developed. Join a group of leading industry professionals to discuss the new control methods, products, and innovations that help growers protect their crops.
Biological Control: Global Perspectives and Future Challenges
The biocontrol industry is growing rapidly and is here to stay. However, it has faced significant challenges — and new ones are always on the horizon. In this panel discussion, moderated by Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, international experts will share their experiences advancing biocontrol across the globe. They’ll explore current trends, challenges, and the future of biological control worldwide. Panelists from BioPlanet, BioBest, and BioBee will join the conversation.
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