In this episode, the Squad discusses the harsh realities of trade shows in 2026, industry relevance and strategies for maximizing your presence at iconic events like Cultivate. They also share practical tips for networking, how NOT to carry business cards and ways to get invited to post-show receptions with mini beef Wellington apps. This week’s Plant Wheel of Excitement lands on vegetative petunias and Mason shares a hot take related to AI.

iLandscape Show Episode: https://youtu.be/zmErzJdoHO4

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview

01:22 - Fourth of July experiences and rain in Illinois

07:03 - Preparation for Cultivate trade show: booth setup and key activities

12:08 - How to decide which trade shows to attend—and maximizing ROI

14:03 - The role of education sessions and strategic scheduling at industry events

18:16 - The value of networking, relationship-building and event engagement strategies

22:22 - Practical tips for pre-arranging meetings and avoiding time-wasters

25:20 - Tips for choosing which sessions and speakers to prioritize at Cultivate

28:43 - Exploring new plant varieties and product displays—what's worth your time

33:33 - The significance of industry receptions, special events and how to get invited

39:41 - Best trade show appetizers and social tips for mingling

44:25 - Team dynamics at trade shows: staying connected and approachable

55:40 - Vegetative petunias: trends, pros, cons and landscape use

58:34 - Fertilizer practices for petunias and other annuals

62:14 - The hype and reality of AI in horticulture and plant breeding

64:12 - Closing thoughts: plans for Cultivate recap and upcoming episodes