US (OR): 2015 International Trials Conference opens with focus on the importance of improved plant trialing

Dr. Allan M. Armitage, Professor Emeritus, University of Georgia; World Traveler, Writer, and Speaker, will headline a distinguished list of industry experts at the 2015 International Trials Conference, held in conjunction with 2015 Farwest Show in Portland, Oregon, USA. His Keynote, The Importance of Being Honest, will be delivered Tuesday, August 25, and looks at the benefits, challenges, and potential for improved plant trialing and the implications therein for end users- landscapers, designers, and gardeners. Later in the day, Armitage will co-facilitate a breakout session with Diane Blazek, Executive Director, All-America Selections/National Garden Bureau on aspects of setting plant
standards.

The International Trials Conference convenes Monday, August 24, and ends on Thursday, August 27. It dovetails into the 2015 Farwest Show, scheduled for August 27-29. The trials conference, attended by plant professionals and industry leaders from around the world, convenes biannually to share ideas on evaluation strategies, develop trialing standards, and explore the plant characteristics demanded by plant buyers and growers. Its ongoing mission is to encourage the creation of universal evaluation criteria and collaboration among plant trial locations, resulting in more meaningful trial data.

Over the course of four days, industry experts with first hand perspectives will cover a range of plant trialing topics touching on trial gardens, data collection, edibles breeding, quality issues, trials in Asia, trial impacts on plant marketing, and more. A complete list of schedules, speakers, and topics is available at www.FarwestShow.com. In addition to the speakers agenda, the Conference includes an opening reception, tours of area nurseries and trial sites, and ducational sessions.

“The world of horticulture always needs new plants and new ideas,” said Dr. Allan Armitage, keynote speaker. “One of the cornerstones of introducing good plants and ideas is trialing. If you have any interest in trialing, this conference must not
be missed.”

The conference is open to all industry professionals who have interest in plant trialing. Registration is required. For questions and immediate information, email TrialsConference@oan.org. High-visibility corporate sponsorship packages are
available to support the 2015 International Trials Conference.

For more information
Farwest
Allan Niemi
Email: aniemi@oan.org
www.FarwestShow.com