Saturday, July 12

8am-9am
Hints and Tips for 1st Time Attendees (And Everyone Else)
Knowledge leaders: John Clark, Alicia Wells
Don't be imtimidated by your first trip to the OFA Short Course. Learn some "insider tips" to finding your way around the trade show, seminars, not-to-miss events, and where to get a good fast lunch. Join John, who has learned the ropes from the inside out, and Alicia to get you on the fast track to Short Course success. Attendees will also get a sneak peek at the trade show before anyone else. This session is open to all Short Course registrants.

9:15am-10:30am
Reaching Beyond Excellence
Knowledge leaders: Jim Mathis
What are the three essential qualities people who “reach beyond" have in common? What virtues do they possess within themselves that help them go above average to accomplish great things? The answer: They persevere in the face of obstacles; they reinvent themselves when times change; and they do great things for the benefit of others. How can you instill these qualities in your life? How can they take your organization to a new level right away? Jim shares the inspirational answers to these questions. Leave with renewed vision!

1pm-2:15pm
Leadership Chemistry 101
Knowledge leaders: William McCulley
This interactive session will explore recipes for leadership that can create a great base for any company. Letting go of old traditions and adopting a new mind set for successful leadership can render many leaders and managers with a feeling of vulnerability, but without fear there is no courage. In this session you will learn the many components of successful leadership and how you can implement them in your life and in your team.

2:30pm-3:45pm
Industry Success Stories
Knowledge leaders: Stan Pohmer, Dan Heims, Jim Eason, Matt Horn
Dan (finds and grow exotic plant products), Jim (owns a broker company), Matt (owns a destination garden place), and Stan (industry consultant) will share with you what they are doing in the industry today and some tips that they've learned along the way that helped them succeed.

4pm-5pm
Leading with Spirit
Knowledge leaders: Jim Mathis
According to a recent survey on the American workplace, 58 percent of workers say they like their co-workers. That means 42 percent are in a dissatisfying relationship with their teammates. Lear the roles that the right people, the right attitude, and overcoming a “culture of lack” can play to move average people to excellence in management. Jim will share the answers to these questions to lead you on the path to remarkable leadership thinking.

9:15am-10:30am
AFE/OFA Roundtable on the Needs for Floriculture Students
Learn the needs of today’s floriculture students as described by the students themselves. Dr. Mike Mellano will open the meeting and a panel of students, led by Melissa Kitchen and Brian Krug, will share insights on our topic. Audience participation will be encouraged. Find out about the availability of scholarships and internships and other topics of importance to today’s floriculture students.


8pm-10pm
Unplugged
Sponsored by BASF Turf and Ornamentals
Back by popular demand! A cool networking event for young industry professionals! Looking to connect with peers and see what other young professionals are doing in the industry? Stop by “Unplugged,” a casual and fun networking event for young industry professionals. Hang out with your peers at the Spice Bar (note the new location) near the Convention Center for food, drinks, and LIVE music. OFA Short Course badge and ID required for entrance. The Generation Next committee, sponsors of “Unplugged,” is dedicated to the development of young and new horticulture professionals. We believe that personal relationships and contacts are the keys to a successful long-term career and future involvement in OFA. “Unplugged” will provide younger industry professionals new opportunities while having a great time in the process.