This episode, the Squad was psyched to be joined by their friend Kate Terrell (representing the Quad Cities, Wallace’s Garden Center, Boy Scouts of America and Cubs fans around the world) to recap AmericanHort’s Cultivate ’26 event in Columbus, Ohio a couple weeks ago. Kate, Mason and Bill were there—all with different goals and roles—and Seth was not. So, he asked the three of them questions and by the end felt like he didn’t miss a thing, although he’s planning to attend again in 2027.

They discussed new products, strategies for getting done what needed to get done at a show that size, afterhours events, the value of networking, why in-person events are so important, reasons to attend every year and much, much more. #cultivate26

Kate brought the perspective of a garden center and greenhouse owner, attending to find new products and ideas, as well as catching up with peers and fulfilling her leadership roles. Mason discussed the value of being a vendor at the show, as well as representing affiliated groups like America In Bloom, NICH and HRI Leadership. Bill shared how he navigates the show as a media member and representative of a technical services team.

Although this may sound sort of dry, the conversation was anything but! If you know these four, you can only imagine the stories shared and laughter generated!

Then they spun the Plant Wheel of Excitement—landing on Peony—mentioned some important folks in Shout Outs and perhaps dropped a ruthless Hot Take (and one related to #Jimothy, the racoon.)

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