8am-9am
Crop Culture Unplugged: Seed Annuals
Knowledge leaders: John Williams
This open interactive session will provide answers to your seed annual production questions and quandaries. John will lead an informal discussion focusing on the production issues identified in the questions raised. This is your opportunity to discover answers for the seed annual production issues that are challenging you.

8am-9am
Ask the Docs About Critter & Crud Control
Knowledge leaders: Ann Chase, Richard Lindquist
Sponsored by OHP Inc
Join Ann and Dick in this open forum as they share insights about the future of pest management and answer your indoor and outdoor pest management questions. Be sure to bring all the pest management questions that have been "bugging" you. (1 hour 6D)

 

8am-9am
A Practical Look At How Plug Size Influences Finish Quality and Profitability
Knowledge leaders: Brian Weesies
Every grower wants to produce high quality finished plant material in a profitable manner. One of the key decisions in this process is what plug or liner size to start with. Growers will learn how different plug sizes not only influence the bottom line, but also the look of the finished plant. 

9:15am-10:30am
Crop Culture Unplugged: Begonias Production Secrets
Knowledge leaders: Lloyd Traven
This interactive session will provide answers to your bothersome begonia production issues. Lloyd will guide an open, informal discussion focusing on the production issues identified by the questions raised. You will find solutions as you and other growers share your experiences.

9:15am-10:30am
Innovations in Energy Savings in Greenhouses
Knowledge leaders: Stef Huisman, Theo Eeuwes
Sponsored by Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality
Energy costs are one of the major challenges facing growers. Saving energy has been an important goal for growers in the Netherlands for several years; many have responded by introducing new production techniques and technologies into their facilities. Learn what Dutch growers are doing and the new concepts and technologies that have become available, including the “closed greenhouse” and the “energy supplying greenhouse.”

9:15am-10:30am
Surf's Up - Who's on the Web
Knowledge leaders: Bridget Behe
Most of us can't imagine life without cars, cell phones, and computers. Are customers any different? Internet marketing is a way of life for many businesses. Customers are looking online for information about gardening. Recent research at Michigan State University shows who is seeking information and who is buying plants and related products online. Bridget will share cutting-edge research results and suggest ways to implement findings to make your online marketing efforts more successful.

9:15am-10:30am
Pesticide Resistance and Your Bottom Line
Knowledge leaders: Raymond Cloyd, Rick Yates
Sponsored by BASF Turf and Ornamentals
This session is definitely a must for anyone wanting to reduce pesticide resistance, effectively manage insect and mite pests, and keep the effective pesticides that are still available. Learn how pesticide resistance develops, the mechanisms of resistance, factors that contribute to resistance, and what you can do to minimize or prevent the development of resistance in insect and mite pest populations. Finally, costs associated with pesticide resistance will be discussed. (1 hour 6D) 

10:45am-12pm
Crop Culture Unplugged: Poinsettias
Knowledge leaders: Jim Barrett
Sponsored by Syngenta, the makers of Bonzi®

Come with poinsettia questions and issues you want addressed during this open discussion. Find out what growers' experiences are with cool temperature production, whitefly control, variety selection, growth regulators, fascination, and other production issues.

10:45am-12pm
Taking Charge of Your Future: Resume Writing & Job Searching
Knowledge leaders: Janine Moon
Sponsored by BioWorks

Get the secrets for success in today's employment market. You'll leave with tips, tools, and samples so your job search and resume put you at the front of the pack!

10:45am-12pm
The Three Cs of Effective Pesticide Application: Calibration, Coverage, Control
Knowledge leaders: Luis Canas
There are many factors that influence the effectiveness of a pesticide application. Chief among these are proper equipment calibration and adequate coverage. Learn the how-tos for proper calibration, tips for testing and calibrating different types of sprayers, and techniques for obtaining good coverage. (1 hour Core)

 

10:45am-12pm
Strategic Web Design
Knowledge leaders: Phil Adikes
With 7.3 million pages added to the Internet everyday, having an effective web presence is getting harder, but no less necessary. You will learn to strategically market on the web to build relationships, traffic, and referrals. Learn about push/pull marketing and the calls to action that work.

10:45am-12pm
Energy Strategies for the Future
Knowledge leaders: Don Campbell, Thomas Demaline, Peter Ling
Sponsored by Svensson

High energy costs are threatening the profitability of our industry. This session will cover proven approaches for lowering the cost of heat generation, more efficient delivery of the heat, and other cultural and environmental control considerations that can contain energy's contribution to the rising cost of the plant production. In addition, be prepared to think "outside the box" as we explore and evaluate the practical potential of alternative heat and energy sources.

1pm-2:15pm
Taking Charge of Your Future: Interviewing & Negotiating Your Career
Knowledge leaders: Janine Moon
Making your interview a relevant and intriguing conversation will get you to the next round every time. Doing your homework and partnering with the decision-makers will get you an offer. Knowing both your needs and wants can help define your negotiation strategies. Learn the marketing strategies that make hiring managers want you. You'll walk away with tips, approaches, and practice interactions that will sharpen these career management skills.

 

1pm-2:15pm
And the Survey Says Part 1: Summary of Insecticide Trials Against Major Pests
Knowledge leaders: Raymond Cloyd
Have you ever wondered how effective pest control materials really are against the major insect and mite pests you encounter in your greenhouses? Well, brace yourself for an extensive session summarizing the results of numerous insecticide and miticide trials evaluating currently-available and potentially new pest control materials. In addition, helpful hints on how to maximize the effectiveness of pest control materials will be discussed. (1 hour 6D)

1pm-2:15pm
Crop Culture Unplugged: Garden Mums
Knowledge leaders: Hank Bukowski
Sponsored by Yoder Brothers Inc

Ever wonder why your mums get too big or were stunted? Why did it flower so late or too early? When should I growth regulate and with what chemical? Come join this informal open discussion where no question will go unanswered! Florel applications, PGR timing, insect problems, and manipulating flower timing can all be addressed to help you grow a quality garden mum.

1pm-2:15pm
Greenhouse Simulators: Useful Software for Greenhouse Management
Knowledge leaders: Jonathan Frantz, Efren Fitz
There are many useful simulators and calculators available on the Internet for little or no cost. This session will briefly review some that have been found helpful for calculating anything from growth regulator concentrations to production costs for common floriculture crops. You will have the opportunity to experience Virtual Grower and Greenhouse Environment Simulator. A list of greenhouse software available online will be distributed at this session.

1pm-2:15pm
Success = Great Leaders + Great Teams Part 1: Am I the Leader I Need to Be?
Knowledge leaders: Harold Lloyd
Sponsored by American Nursery & Landscape Association

Do you have what it takes to be a leader? Learn the 10 qualities all great leaders seem to possess. We will measure your propensity to lead and guide you toward improving your leadership qualities. Whether leading the perennial department or the company, this session is ideal for anyone who has the need and desire to lead.

1pm-2:15pm
Building an E-Newsletter Program that Works
Knowledge leaders: Phil Adikes
Learn how to make your e-newsletter feel like a gift to the reader, get it opened, and how to convert that interest into sales. Get ideas to increase your subscriber list, build your open rate, and make grateful readers.

2:30pm-3:45pm
Taking Charge of Your Future: Planning Your Future
Knowledge leaders: Janine Moon
Take charge of your career path! You'll leave this session with a step-by-step process that, when mixed with your initiative, purpose, and hard work, you can follow to craft a career that leverages your strengths and satisfies your spirit.

2:30pm-3:45pm
Success = Great Leaders + Great Teams Part 2: Building the Dream Team
Knowledge leaders: Harold Lloyd
Sponsored by American Nursery & Landscape Association

Great leadership is the key to success. Great teams are the foundation success is built upon. With great foremen, managers, or seasonal employees in short supply, the viable alternative is to “build your own.” The good news is, “building” creates more loyalty and a stronger organization. Learn how incorporating five management skills (orientation, communication, discipline, recognition, and performance reviews) can build your team into a dream team and help attract new employees in a competitive marketplace.

2:30pm-3:45pm
Search Engine Optimization
Knowledge leaders: Phil Adikes
Having a great web site only counts if someone sees it. Learn how to attract people when they are researching garden problems and project ideas. Phil will teach you the hot search terms and the keys to getting your page listed ahead of the mail order people and box stores.

 

2:30pm-3:45pm
Fuel-Efficient Poinsettia Production
Knowledge leaders: Hank Bukowski, Jim Faust
Sponsored by Svensson

Learn how you can reduce your fuel bills while maintaining the quality and timing of your poinsettia crop. Discover the practical techniques that have been proven on modern varieties at commercial facilities and in research studies. These techniques provide guidance for reducing your thermostat without sacrificing crop performance. New research that reveals the critical temperatures that affect bract expansion will be discussed. Finally, the keys to success and the potential pitfalls for cool poinsettia production will be discussed.

 

2:30pm-3:45pm
And the Survey Says Part 2: Summary of Fungicide Trials Against Major Diseases
Knowledge leaders: Ann Chase
Sponsored by BASF Turf and Ornamentals

Learn the results from recent trials on controlling diseases of ornamentals grown in the greenhouse and nursery. Industry standards, biocontrols, other green products, and the newest systemic chemistries will be included. Participants will receive a summary of the top products for each disease group. (1 hour 6D)

2:30pm-3:45pm
Crop Culture Unplugged: Geraniums
Knowledge leaders: Allen Hammer
Why am I having so much trouble keeping control of the media pH in my geranium pots? What is causing the yellowing and browning of the leaf edges? This is your opportunity to ask questions and share knowledge on all things related to geranium culture. Come prepared to question and contribute to solve the geranium issues that are important to you.

4pm-6pm
OFA Awards & Consumer Buzz Live! With Consumer Publication Editors Presented by Green Profit
Sponsored by GrowerTalks and Green Profit

Join your peers at this kick-off event as we spotlight OFA award winners and other industry recognitions. The awards program will be followed by the opening session - Consumer Buzz Live! All Short Course attendees are welcome to attend this session. Consumer Buzz Live! Presented by Green Profit Consumer Buzz Live has gained a reputation of surprising, and perhaps appalling our industry with the candid responses from Average Joes and Janes about their gardening experiences, habits, and needs. We're shaking it up this year by posing questions to a panel of "experts" on consumer gardening trends -- editors of leading consumer gardening magazines. These major publishing companies spend vast amounts of time and money delving into what their readers are planting, what products they want, how they view gardening, and so much more. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to find out first hand what really makes the consumer gardener tick! Come armed with questions and prepare to be enlightened.

6pm-7:30pm
OSU Annuals and Mixed Container Trials
Board a shuttle bus at the Convention Center Connector for a short ride to The Ohio State University Learning Garden Annuals & Mixed Container Trials. View, compare, and evaluate the different annual cultivars and the container trials at your own pace. Results from past trials can be viewed at http://floriculture.osu.edu. Shuttles will depart the convention center and OSU approximately every 30 minutes. Final departure from OSU will be at 7:30 p.m. Return trips will drop off at the OFA Short Course hotels. Open to anyone with a badge.