Time is running out to book your place at the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) Horticulture, The Conference on 25 September 2024 at the ICC Birmingham.
With only two weeks remaining, don't miss the chance to hear from key speakers and experts at this essential industry event.
Fran Barnes, HTA CEO, commented: “This year’s conference holds extra significance as we celebrate the HTA’s 125th anniversary. It’s a chance for the industry to come together and focus on the challenges and opportunities of the future.
“With experts like Dr Daniel Hulme leading the conversation on AI and emerging technologies, alongside vital discussions on business resilience, consumer behaviours and workforce planning, the conference will provide invaluable insights. I encourage everyone to join us in Birmingham for what will be an important event in shaping the future of our industry.”
The conference programme is packed with sessions addressing current industry topics with highlights including:
- Business Resilience: hosted by Boyd Douglas-Davies, Managing Consultant at The Boyd Partnership, this session will feature HTA members Justin Williams, Managing Director of Fron Goch, and George Hillier, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries Ltd. They will share insights gained over the past 125 years as their businesses have been passed down through generations, focusing on how they are working together to face the challenges of the future.
- Consumer Behaviours: David Denny, HTA Director of Research and Insights, will explore how global consumer, environmental, and regulatory trends are reshaping the UK horticulture market. He will offer insights into how the sector can leverage these changes to support green growth and meet rising consumer demands for transparency, traceability, and sustainability in the supply chain.
- Workforce Planning: Skilled people are the backbone of the industry, and this session moderated by Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Public Affairs, will explore strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. With a focus on succession planning and workforce evolution, it will also cover key initiatives like the Access All Areas DEI programme. The session will include Dougal Philip, Chairman at New Hopetoun Gardens, Wendy Baines, HR Director at Evergreen Garden Care and Martin Emmet, Director of The Farplants Group.
- Healthy Plants for the Future – Keeping our industry Pest & Disease Resilient: We depend on plants and we need them to be healthy, whether for growing, buying, selling or trading. This session presented by Pippa Greenwood, HTA Horticulture Manager takes a closer look at what is being done to keep our plants healthy and mitigate the risk of new pests and diseases taking hold. This session will include Bex Lawson, senior nematologist at FERA, Lisa Smith, Head of Plant Health Evidence and Analysis and Tree Health Policy at Defra, and Kersten Catella Sales & Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries.
Meteorologist and former BBC weather forecaster Peter Gibbs will share his insights at the annual dinner following the conference. The dinner will be a special celebration of the HTA’s 125th anniversary and will also feature the presentation of the 2024 HTA Grower of the Year Awards and the Pearson Memorial Award.
This is your last chance to book for this important event. With the latest insights, expert speakers, and valuable networking opportunities, Horticulture, The Conference is an unmissable event for anyone invested in the future of the industry.
To view the full programme and to secure your spot, visit: https://hta.org.uk/conference
