Second annual Carolina Nursery Summit returns June 23 in Raleigh

Editor's note: Due to scheduling and logistical considerations, NCNLA has made the decision not to move forward with the 2026 Carolina Nursery Summit as originally planned on June 23 in Raleigh, the association announced June 3.

Registration is now open for the second annual Carolina Nursery Summit, hosted by the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association on June 23, 2026, at the NC State McKimmon Center in Raleigh.

Designed specifically for nursery, greenhouse and garden center professionals, the Carolina Nursery Summit brings together growers, managers, employees and industry decision-makers for a full day of education, networking and practical discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s ornamental plant industry.

This year’s program will feature expert-led sessions on pest management, root health, automation, workforce efficiency and customer onboarding. Speakers include JC Chong of SEPRO Land, who will present "New Management Approaches to Beetles in Nurseries," offering research-based updates on controlling redheaded flea beetle, ambrosia beetles and flatheaded borers through insecticides, repellents, biological control and cultural practices.

Kristopher Criscione of Virginia Tech will present "Integrated Container Rootzone Management for Improved Root Growth and Development," focusing on strategies that support healthy root systems in container-grown nursery crops. The session will address substrate selection, water management, aeration, nutrient delivery, rootzone monitoring tools and the connection between rootzone conditions, pest pressure and disease management.

The event will also explore emerging technology and labor-saving solutions during "Amplify Your Workforce," presented by Isaac Hennen of Burro. This session will highlight how autonomous robots can help nursery operations reduce labor costs, improve efficiency and support tasks such as plant transport, spacing, consolidation, scouting, mowing, spraying and harvesting support.

Rounding out the afternoon, Katie Elzer-Peters of The Garden of Words will present "Zero to Hero: How to Create a Simple Onboarding Workflow for New Wholesale & Nursery Clients." The session will provide practical strategies, templates and workflow ideas to help businesses follow up with new contacts, encourage repeat orders and simplify the customer onboarding process using systems they may already have in place.

"The Carolina Nursery Summit is about bringing our nursery community together in a way that feels intentional and productive," said Katie Bennett, executive vice president of NCNLA. "It gives people the chance to learn from one another, share ideas and leave with something they can take back and put into practice right away."

In addition to educational programming, the Carolina Nursery Summit includes time for attendees to visit with sponsors, make industry connections and network with peers throughout the day. Lunch is included with registration.

The Carolina Nursery Summit is open to both NCNLA members and non-members. Registration is $150 for NCNLA members and $175 for non-members.

To register and view the full schedule, speaker lineup and event details, visit ncnla.com.