Sometimes, the horticulture industry takes better care of its plants than its people. For well-known green industry consultant and speaker John Kennedy, that's one problem that must be corrected.
Kennedy will be the keynote speaker at this year's Farwest Show. In "Plant Your People," he will share innovative approaches to employee investment and team development, offering a four-step plan to nurturing and supporting well-rooted teams, so they are ready to grow on day one.
"When green industry professionals need guidance on strategic planning, benchmarking, workplace culture, onboarding, retention, teamwork and leadership development, they turn to John Kennedy," said Jamie Moore, events and education coordinator for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which produces the show. "We are thrilled to feature him as our keynote speaker at Farwest on the opening day of the show. His inspiring presentation will provide the ideal launch point for three days of making and renewing connections, recharging knowledge, finding great plant material, enjoying great company, and adding to your toolbox of success."
Over the past 25 years, Kennedy has presented to nearly 500,000 audience members worldwide delivering a dramatic and sustainable impact on scores of companies and associations within the horticulture industry. His extensive client list includes Proven Winners®, Willoway Nurseries, Everde Growers, AmericanHort, Louisiana Nursery, Manor View Farm, The Garden Center Group, Maryland Wine Association, Cape May Brewing Company, NAFDMA, Meadows Farms Nurseries, Summer Winds Garden Centers, Prides Corner Farms, Walters Gardens, and over 100 state associations, landscapers, growers, farms, nurseries, and independent garden centers throughout North America.
The Farwest Show will take place Wednesday–Friday, August 20–22, 2025, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. Kennedy's keynote will happen at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 20. The same session will also include an update on the state of the nursery industry from OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone.
"For the well-rounded nursery professional, Farwest provides a supercharging boost for your business and your career," Moore said. "A nonstop set of experiences awaits, from when you walk through the door in the morning, on through the seminars and expo hours, straight through to the end of the day, including our evening social events on Wednesday and Thursday."
Farwest registration is now open at FarwestShow.com/Register. A variety of passes are available to suit various needs. Early Bird rates are good through July 31. Official Farwest hotels are also available for booking. They are located within walking distance of the Oregon Convention Center, making for a nice headquarters for the weeklong trade show experience. Discounted room rates are available through the Farwest room block at FarwestShow.com/Hotels.
Oregon is a nursery industry epicenter, with $1.2 billion worth of plant sales in 2022, the most recent year tallied. Oregon's nursery offerings are incredibly diverse, including trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, vegetable starts, herbs, climbers, tropicals, houseplants and much more.
For more information:
Farwest Show
Jamie Moore, OAN events and education coordinator
Email: [email protected]
T: 503-582-2010
farwestshow.com
Oregon Association of Nurseries
www.oan.org