2008 National Conference – What’s in it for you?

Hosted by industry favourite Debra Templar, this year’s conference will have a provocative plenary program as well as specifically targeted concurrent sessions for your business.

Prominent keynote speakers include:
 Robert Gottliebsen in Seachange for an Essential Industry, highlighting the political and media influences that impact on the industry.
Dr Wendy Craik, chief executive of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission discussing planning and policies of the Murray-Darling and the long term value this has to us.
 Professor Neville Norman on the changing corporate environment and the impact on our production and retail cycles.
 Dr Will Healy, who will provide an insight into international trends for production and retail environments.

Water or Whine? A stimulating panel session chaired by NGIA President Geoff Richards and featuring Robert Gottliebsen, Dr Wendy Craik, Dr Will Healy and Jolyon Burnett will attempt to consolidate the issues facing the industry and identify the best way to approach the future.

Technical Delegates
The production tour features prominent South Australian production business and D’VineRipe for the very latest in glasshouse and growing techniques as well as a relaxing and classy lunch at the Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre in the Barossa Valley.
Other technical sessions include:
 Plant growth regulators
 Economical modeling to improve profitability
 Labour-saving efficiencies;
 Results of the irrigation scheduling
 Understanding your growing media
 EcoHort and BioSeure HACCP

Pre-Conference: Soil testing workshop by Dr Will Healy, Ball Horticultural Company
Dr Will Healy will be conducting an informative pre-conference soil testing workshop which will be held at the conference venue on Tuesday, 25 March, 2008.
The workshop will run for approximately two hours, going over sampling procedures, testing techniques, interpreting and comparing results and correcting soil problems.
This session is suitable for any production nurseries or growing media supplier staff and is available only to conference delegates at the low cost of $80.00. If you are interested in attending, contact Conference Solutions by emailing ngia@con-sol.com.au or phoning (02) 6285 3000. Places are limited, so be quick!

Retail Delegates
The retail tour features four of the best garden centres South Australia has on offer. This tour will also enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre in the Barossa Valley.
Other retail sessions include:
 Benchmarking for retail nurseries
 If they see it they’ll buy it – power of merchandising
 Café’s and coffee carts – the essentials and the pitfalls
 Retailing green products – making money from the environment
 Turning shoppers into buyers

FMRC Benchmarking Team – special offer for retail delegates
Retail delegates have the opportunity to receive a FREE comparison report of garden retailers. Reports will be available for collection from Ian Brown at his session Benchmarking for retail nurseries on Friday, 28 March, 2008.
Conference Solutions will provide you with the FMRC information form when they send your confirmation of registration. In order to receive your comparison report, the FMRC Benchmarking Team must have your form by Thursday, 6 March, 2008.

Conference Gala Dinner – national award winners announced
The national winners of the 2008 Yates Nursery & Garden Industry Awards will be announced at the Conference Gala Dinner held Friday, 28 March, 2008.
Hosted by Jane Reilly, one of Adelaide’s most loved media personalities, the Gala Dinner is a celebration of the industry’s innovation, professionalism, achievement and leaders.

Register now!
If you would like to register for the 2008 Conference contact Conference Solutions on (02) 6285 3000 or email them at ngia@con-sol.com. Alternatively, visit the dedicated conference website via www.ngia.com.au.