PLNA Celebrates the 2025 Annual Conference

PLNA members, guests, students, and professionals gathered on February 5 and 6 in bucolic Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the 2025 PLNA Annual Conference. Despite winter weather, the conference offered an invigorating opportunity to learn, connect, and prepare for Spring. The event marked PLNA’s second annual conference following the organization’s 120th-anniversary celebration, and it proved to be another resounding success. Attendees connected with friends and colleagues, engaged with exhibitors in the bustling expo hall, and expanded their expertise through educational sessions.

The conference opened with compelling keynote presentations, including Ed Hansen of EXT.tech, who shared strategies for fostering positivity in the workplace, and David McKinney from the Iowa Arboretum, who emphasized the significance of naturalistic landscapes. The following sessions continued with a range of topics, from the use of native plants and emerging industry trends to strategies for protecting landscapes against invasive species.

Additionally, the 2025 conference introduced an exciting new element—an expanded expo hall featuring industry leaders. Companies from across the region showcased cutting-edge products and services, providing attendees with valuable resources to enhance their work, and of course—plants!

We were pleased to honor the following individuals during the Awards Luncheon:

• The 2025 Green Achiever Award was given to Arden Pontasch
• The 2025 Exceptional Leadership Award was given to Paul Kimicata
• The 2025 PLNA Hall of Fame Award was given to Andy Ernst
• The 2025 Fredrick J. Mummert Distinguished Service Award was given to William D. Wells, Sr.

Congratulations to all our recipients! Thank you for being pillars of our community.

As the conference adjourned, it was evident that the event proved to be more than just an annual gathering—it is a cornerstone of the horticulture community, fostering connections, promoting excellence, and strengthening the industry. With its perfect balance of education, networking, and hands-on experiences, the 2025 PLNA Annual Conference set the stage for a bright future for PLNA and its members.

Thank you, again, to all of the speakers, sponsors, award recipients, and attendees who helped make the conference a success. PLNA is strong and successful because of all of you.

The tradition continues! Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the 2026 PLNA Annual Conference February 4-5, 2026 in Gettysburg, PA! Watch e-News, the website, and PLNA’s social media for updates.