Some Ornamentals Events Moving to 2021, Others Going Virtual
May 27, 2020 
The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect several horticulture industry events planned for this summer. Here’s an update on a few ornamentals events that are either going virtual or have been canceled.
2020 Farwest Show Canceled
The 2020 Farwest Show, which had been scheduled to take place Aug. 26-28 in Portland, OR, has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to show producer the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN).
“We are very disappointed not to be able to hold Farwest in 2020,” says Farwest Show Chairman Patrick Newton of Powell’s Nursery Inc. “Our show dates to 1973 and is the biggest nursery trade show in the West. We know what Farwest means to the industry, and we will now focus on bringing the industry back together for a strong and vital show in 2021.”
OAN leaders initially held off making any decision on the 2020 Farwest Show, instead waiting to see how the pandemic might evolve, and how that might affect the ability to produce the show safely and successfully.
However, on May 7, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced her phased plans for reopening Oregon for business and public life. Included was a stipulation that large public events may not take place in Oregon at least through the end of September, or until treatments or vaccinations for the coronavirus are available. As a result, the Oregon Convention Center determined it could not host the event as scheduled.
The OAN is currently reaching out to exhibitors, partners, sponsors, speakers, and others connected with the show to communicate the decision and outline next steps. Any show registration fees will be refunded. Those who planned to attend will need to cancel any hotel reservations on their own.
“We had exciting plans for the 2020 show and will work hard to make the 2021 show even more exciting and useful,” says OAN Director of Events Allan Niemi. “We have a feeling that people will be more than ready to get together, do business, learn together, and celebrate a renewal of the industry’s success.”
The 2021 Farwest Show is slated to take place August 18–20, 2021.
IGC Show 2020 Postponed
Following the state of Illinois’ regulations on large gatherings, Independent Garden Center (IGC) Show Management has postponed the August 2020 IGC Show, which is aimed at grower-retail operations. Full details have yet to be announced, so stay tuned to the show’s website for updates, or send questions to [email protected].
Perennial Plant Association Hosting Virtual Presentations
Though the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) has canceled its 2020 Symposium, the organization is still hoping to stay virtually connected with its members, giving its members the tools to communicate in a similar manner with their customers.
On June 17, PPA and GardenComm (Garden Communicators International) are hosting a “New Ways to Communicate” webinar, in which five speakers will give quick 15-minute presentations on communication and marketing ideas to use this spring and summer. Attendees and their teams can pick up great ideas from their peers, and the event will end with a private garden tour and a virtual happy hour. Click here to register.
Later in June (date TBD), PPA will also host “Best of the Best Perennials: 5 Experts Choose their Favorite Perennial Plant of the Year Winners.” Check the PPA website for updates on that virtual event.
Cornell Floriculture Field Day
The 2020 Cornell Floriculture Field Day has been canceled. However, flower and foliage plant trials will continue. Check the trial gardens website for updates or follow the trials Facebook page, which will feature photos and videos of the trials throughout the growing season.
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