Green and Growin’ 26 post-event recap
Green and Growin’ 26, hosted by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association (NCNLA), wrapped up a successful week in Greensboro, bringing together green industry professionals from across the state and beyond for education, networking, and business development.
Held January 19–23, 2026, the annual event featured multiple days of educational sessions, a well-attended marketplace trade show, and opportunities for connection among growers, landscapers, suppliers, educators, and industry partners.
Green and Growin’ 26 welcomed more than 1,200 education attendees and more than 2,700 Marketplace participants, reflecting strong engagement across both education sessions and the Marketplace floor.
Education sessions covered a wide range of timely topics, including business management, leadership, workforce development, production practices, and emerging industry trends, offering practical takeaways for professionals at every career stage. The education program also featured keynote presentations by Dr. Melinda Knuth of NC State University and Rayne Gibson of Taproots Horticulture Consulting, offering perspectives on the economic impact of North Carolina’s green industry and the leadership skills needed to guide teams and businesses in a changing industry.
The marketplace brought attendees together with exhibitors showcasing plants, equipment, products, and services used across the green industry. The trade show supported hands-on demonstrations, product discovery, and conversations that help build lasting business relationships.
“Green and Growin’ continues to be a place where our industry comes together to learn, connect, and support one another,” said Jon Schwarz, NCNLA president and owner of Pender Pines Garden Center. “The energy, collaboration, and engagement we saw this year speak to the resilience and momentum of North Carolina’s green industry.”
Planning is already underway for next year’s event, to be held January 18-22, 2027 in Greensboro.
