October 18 @ 5:00 pm – October 22 @ 12:00 pm
Save the date for the 2026 IPPS Southern Region Annual Meeting in Houston, TX
IPPS Southern Region
2026 IPPS Southern Region Annual Meeting
Houston, Texas • October 18–22, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Intercontinental Airport
15747 JFK Blvd, Houston, TX 77032
Join us in Houston for the 2026 IPPS Southern Region Annual Meeting, an inspiring week of learning, networking, and behind-the-scenes exploration with professionals from across the green industry. Hosted at the conveniently located DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Intercontinental Airport, this year’s meeting offers easy access, comfortable accommodations, and seamless travel for attendees nationwide.
Participants will enjoy a dynamic program featuring industry-leading speakers, innovative research, technical tours, and plenty of opportunities to connect with growers, educators, researchers, and allied professionals. From propagation to production systems, landscape innovations to sustainability insights, the Southern Region continues its tradition of “Seeking and Sharing Knowledge” in a welcoming, collaborative environment.
Save the dates and plan to join us in Texas for a memorable event filled with fresh ideas, meaningful conversations, and the professional connections that make IPPS Southern Region the best development community in the green industry. More details, registration, and the full schedule will be posted in summer 2026.
2026 Tour Stops
Two days of tours are a highlight of the IPPS Southern Region Annual Meeting, offering attendees the opportunity to explore some of the most innovative nurseries, research facilities, and horticultural operations in the host region. These behind-the-scenes visits provide valuable insight into production practices, new technologies, and plant diversity while fostering meaningful conversations among growers, researchers, and industry leaders. The tours embody the IPPS mission to “seek and share” knowledge through firsthand learning and professional exchange.
Monday 19 October 2026
Everde Growers : Everde Growers is a leading horticultural producer with a coast-to-coast presence across the United States. The company operates more than 6,700 acres of production across 15 farm locations in Texas, Florida, California, and Oregon. Known for consistent quality, Everde relies on refined growing techniques and careful pruning practices to produce reliable, high-performing plants. Its diverse inventory includes trees, shrubs, perennials, palms, grasses, succulents, tropical plants, fruit crops, and many other landscape selections.
Greenleaf Nursery Company: Greenleaf Nursery Co. is one of North America’s largest wholesale nursery growers, producing millions of container-grown plants annually for retailers, distribution centers, and landscapers across the U.S. and Canada. Its diverse offerings include a wide selection of evergreen and deciduous shrubs, more than 70 ornamental grasses, shrub roses available year-round, a broad conifer lineup from its “Predictable Quality” program, annual and perennial color, tropical plants, and an extensive assortment of shade and ornamental trees.
Houston Botanic Garden: The Houston Botanic Garden is a 132-acre living museum dedicated to plants, conservation, and public education along Sims Bayou in southeast Houston. Opened in 2020, the garden features curated global plant collections, themed display gardens, and natural ecosystems that highlight the diversity of the Gulf Coast landscape. Visitors explore trails, water features, and seasonal plant displays while learning about horticulture, sustainability, and the vital role plants play in supporting healthy communities and resilient environments.
Wednesday 21 October 2026
Magnolia Gardens Nursery: Magnolia Gardens Nursery is a family-owned wholesale nursery known for producing high-quality plants for landscape professionals and garden centers across the region. Specializing in a wide selection of shrubs, trees, perennials, and seasonal color, the nursery emphasizes reliable production and strong plant performance in southern landscapes. Through careful growing practices and a diverse inventory, Magnolia Gardens Nursery supports the horticulture industry with consistent quality and plants suited for the Gulf Coast climate.
MGN Liners: MGN Liners is a specialty nursery focused on producing high-quality liner plants for the wholesale nursery industry. Its diverse liner program includes shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and other landscape plants. With an emphasis on consistency, healthy root systems, and reliable availability, MGN Liners helps growers produce strong, uniform plants for the marketplace.
Creekside Nursery: Creekside Nursery is a respected wholesale grower serving landscape professionals and garden centers throughout the region. The nursery produces a broad range of high-quality landscape plants suited to Gulf Coast conditions, including trees, shrubs, and ornamental selections. With a focus on reliable production, strong plant health, and consistent availability, Creekside Nursery supports the green industry by providing durable plants that perform well in southern landscapes and challenging climate conditions.
Twinwood Farms: Twinwood Farms, located on more than 5,000 acres is dedicated to sustainable agriculture and resilient landscape production. The farm integrates biodiversity across its operations, helping plants thrive despite Texas’ unpredictable weather. Twinwood produces turfgrass, container-grown plants, specimen trees, and field-grown trees while also offering contract growing services. Known for innovation and scale, the operation combines advanced technology, including drone monitoring, with thoughtful growing practices to supply high-quality landscape materials.
Thank You Local Site Committee
Site Chair: Paul Winski (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension)
Members:
- Mark Rainey (Rancho Encino Tree Farm)
- Bill Barr (Retired Everde Growers)
- Drew Tidmore (Greenleaf Nursery)
- Jessica Lowery (Creekside Nursery)
- Robert Grove (Brookwood Horticulture)
- Brad Abrameit (Magnolia Gardens Nursery)
Auction Coordinators:
- Dr. Andrew King
- Bill Barr
Sponsorship Details
The International Plant Production Society, Southern Region of North America, cordially invites you to sponsor our upcoming annual meeting, scheduled for October 18–22, 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Intercontinental Airport 15747 JFK Blvd, Houston, TX 77032.
Event Overview: This highly anticipated event gathers professionals from across the green industry and academia for unparalleled educational programs and tours. Your sponsorship plays a pivotal role in managing costs and ensuring our members access the best opportunities available in horticulture today.
Your Sponsorship Impact: By sponsoring our event, you contribute directly to the success of this significant horticultural gathering. Detailed sponsorship levels and benefits are enclosed for your review.
Next Steps: For more information on the event and sponsorship opportunities, please download the materials below. A member of our event planning committee will follow up with you soon to discuss how we can collaborate effectively. We eagerly anticipate your participation in this influential event shaping the future of horticulture in our region.
Best regards,
Dr Kevin Parris Sponsorship Chair: parrisk@sccsc.edu
Paul Winski Local Site Chair: paul.winski@ag.tamu.edu
Thank You 2026 Sponsors
