Show notes
In this episode, the Squad discusses the harsh realities of trade shows in 2026, industry relevance and strategies for maximizing your presence at iconic events like Cultivate. They also share practical tips for networking, how NOT to carry business cards and ways to get invited to post-show receptions with mini beef Wellington apps. This week’s Plant Wheel of Excitement lands on vegetative petunias and Mason shares a hot take related to AI. iLandscape Show Episode: https://youtu.be/zmErzJdoHO400:00 - Welcome and episode overview01:22 - Fourth of July experiences and rain in Illinois07:03 - Preparation for Cultivate trade show: booth setup and key activities12:08 - How to decide which trade shows to attend—and maximizing ROI14:03 - The role of education sessions and strategic scheduling at industry events18:16 - The value of networking, relationship-building and event engagement strategies22:22 - Practical tips for pre-arranging meetings and avoiding time-wasters25:20 - Tips for choosing which sessions and speakers to prioritize at Cultivate28:43 - Exploring new plant varieties and product displays—what's worth your time33:33 - The significance of industry receptions, special events and how to get invited39:41 - Best trade show appetizers and social tips for mingling44:25 - Team dynamics at trade shows: staying connected and approachable55:40 - Vegetative petunias: trends, pros, cons and landscape use58:34 - Fertilizer practices for petunias and other annuals62:14 - The hype and reality of AI in horticulture and plant breeding64:12 - Closing thoughts: plans for Cultivate recap and upcoming episodes