Interiorplantscapers have been attending the OFA Short Course for over 30 years.  I should know, I was one of those early attendees.  I have many fond memories and a lot of gratitude for everything I learned back then. Lots of great seminars and education and all with the guidance and excellent work of the OFA staff.  With staff from Ohio State available as a background resource, the Educational Program and huge Trade Show covers all areas of horticulture, not just interiorplantscapers.  Florists, Growers, Garden Center owners,  many OSU alumni, show up every July in Columbus, OH for camaraderie, learning, new products and to connect with their vendors and friends.

For us , interiorplantscapers, the seminars and mini trade show are concentrated into Sunday, July 12 (owners and managers), and Monday, July 13 (technicians and others wanting tech training).  Program Chair Rich Batcho of Batch O’ Blooms and his committee have put together a program well thought out .  It covers a lot of territory and all this by some of our most well known experts.  On Sunday, the Terrific Trio of Vicky Cate, Kathy Fiedw, and Lynn Griffith will cover "Greening Your Green Business" ,How to Find and Keep your best Employees with Kathy,  and 7-10-14 Frequency Modules by Vicky. Holiday elves from Engledows, led by Lael George will show off the latest and greatest in Holiday Decor and a mini trade show of key vendors will be present as well.Then, on Monday, July 13, Kathy, Vicky, and Lynn will cover pertinent topics techs need to know.  Lynn Griffith will also be reviewing Disease and Nutrients. 

You get the idea , and if you are into other aspects of horticulture there is always the Monster Trade Show and a wealth of other seminars.  It is a cornucopia of hort.  Check out the registration and other pertinent information at www.ofa.org or www.ofa/sessions.aspx . 

The main thing is that educational sessions are a super valuable resource and one every company needs.  Don’t miss this great opportunity.