GWA’s biggest event of the year, the 2017 Annual Conference & Expo, is heading to Buffalo, New York, August 4-7, and you’re invited. This year’s conference features a line-up of unforgettable events and experiences, including beautiful gardens, dynamic education sessions, industry all-stars, essential networking and so much more.

Join garden writers, bloggers, photographers, speakers and communicators from across the world for special events designed to make new connections and reconnect with old friends, including networking events and receptions, including, First Timer Meeting, Meet the Authors and Morning Reboot, all culminating with the 2017 Awards & Honors Dinner with Emcee Allan Armitage. And don’t forget to head to the #GWA2017 Expo for a colorful showcase of new varieties, products and services from exhibitors changing the horticultural landscape.

GWA and the GWA Foundation are excited to announce the second annual #GWA2017 NextGen Scholarship. This year, three scholarships will be offered, covering #GWA2017 conference registration as well as up to $1,000 in travel ($1,500 value).

Ideal scholarship recipients would be working as a garden writer, blogger, speaker or photographer under the age of 40. Previous GWA NextGen scholarship recipients are not eligible for 2017 scholarships. Scholarship applications are due Monday, June 20.

Interested in sponsoring a scholarship recipient? Contact Ashley Hodak Sullivan at asullivan@kellencompany.com or 212.297.2198 for more information. 

Pre-Conference Workshop
Write Better Now: Tips & Techniques to Power Up Your Next Project
Thursday, August 3 - Friday, August 4

Would you rather schedule a root canal than sit down to write? Does the whole process feel like an uphill slog? This workshop, lead by Mary-Kate Mackey, offers tips and tactics to make your writing tasks easier, faster, and less stressful. The workshop features short-cuts for sharpening ideas, a variety of structures to free up your creativity, and information about the picky details every garden writer must have—including a quick run-down on handling scientific plant names. Brief hands-on exercises will help you nail down the skills. Plus, if you sign up early, we'll ask about the exact writing challenge you want to address. This is coaching the way you need it—straightforward, specific, and tailored to you. Additional registration required. Learn more here

First Time Attendee Meeting
Friday, August 4

New to GWA or GWA Annual Conference & Expo? Join other newbies and veterans alike for a fun and engaging networking session. Connect with new friends. Learn the ropes of GWA. Grow your opportunities to make the most of #GWA2017. 

Interested in mentoring a GWA newbie? GWA members are invited to meet those new to GWA and Annual Conference & Expo. Whether you come to share your stories or build your network, this meeting is a great opportunity to continue your GWA legacy. 

Meet the Authors
Friday, August 4

We will provide you with a table to meet the Buffalo Area Garden Loving Public! Registration will be first come, first serve. Talking Leaves, Buffalo's oldest independent book store, will be on-site selling books. You can either bring your own books, or use Talking Leaves Bookstore Services (for an extra fee which will handle shipping and sales). Additional registration required for authors. Learn more here

If you would like to attend Meet the Authors, not as an author, registration is not required. 

#GWA2017 Expo
Friday, August 4 - Saturday, August 5

Head to the #GWA2017 Expo and see plants, products and people that inspire new ideas. Friday and Saturday evening will be exclusively dedicated to the tradeshow floor and opportunities to connect with new contracts and concepts. 

Interested in exhibiting? Learn more here

Morning Reboot
Sunday, August 6

Awards & Honors Dinner
Monday, August 7

Join GWA and emcee Allan Armitage for an evening of networking, friendship and celebration on Monday evening as we congratulate and honor our colleagues. During the Awards & Honors Dinner, the 2017 GWA Honors recipients will be recognized for their excellence and service in the green communications industry. Additionally, winners of the 2017 GWA Media Awards Silver Medal of Achievement will be recognized and the coveted Gold Medal winners will be announced.