Thursday, March 5, 2015
Travel to Minneapolis
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8-9 pm - Registration open in hotel loby
7-7:45 am - Late arrival registration
8 am - Bus leaves hotel
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Tour Gerten’s Greenhouse and Garden Center including discussion of their marketing strategies and initiatives (this company rivals Bachman’s in many respects, especially in the garden center area) Retail marketing focus.
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Tour Bailey Nurseries – St. Paul, MN
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(known for Endless Summer Hydrangeas and one of the top 3 nurseries in the US) including a presentation and discussion of marketing from the wholesale perspective. They have a very strong marketing division.
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Lunch at Bailey’s or Bachman’s
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Tour Bachman’s including presentation / discussion of their marketing strategies and initiatives. Retail Marketing focus
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Dinner
After dinner speaker: Marshall Dirks , Director of Marketing and Public Relations, PW Proven Winners Focus on the role of brand products in marketing – insights on the marketing of Proven Winners
All of the locations are less than an hour from the hotel and most only 30 minutes apart. Hotel would be by the airport with shuttle service available. No need to rent vehicles.
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Convene at conference hotel in Minneapolis
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Short oral report from each institution in attendance –update and current status / issues / initiatives
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Faculty and Graduate Student Presentations / Posters – open topic (15 min each, titles due Feb 1)
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Discussion on Marketing our Horticulture Programs – including update from ASHS/Longwood Gardens marketing initiative for a campaign for horticulture as a career
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Conclude program by 3 pm so participants can catch evening flights home
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Optional 3 pm Sat.: for those not departing until Sunday
Tour Tangle Town Gardens + Wise Acre Eatery in Minneapolis – example of progressive unique retail operation with their own “ locally grown featured food” restaurant.