2018 Western offers events for young professionals

The 2018 Western will feature several events to connect with college students and young professionals. The show takes place Jan. 17-19 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Western Nursery & Landscape Association (WNLA) established a Student Advisory Committee in 2016 to strengthen its ties with college students. The Student Advisory Committee is charged with developing ideas and recommendations on educational programming, networking and other member benefits that would serve WNLA’s student members now and in the start of their horticulture careers.

To connect with college students at the 2018 Western, Sven Svenson, Ph.D. of Southeast Missouri State University, will moderate a Student Advisory Committee discussion. Afterward, students are invited to lunch with the WNLA board of directors to share their ideas and recommendations. In addition, special student events at the 2018 Western include a Student Forum by keynote speaker Rebecca Lindenmeyr and a reception for students and student sponsors to enjoy refreshments on the 40th floor of the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center.

WNLA also added the Western Student Volunteer Program for the 2018 Western. Professors in the region recommended 10 top students to represent their colleges and WNLA at the show. The 10 students will provide four hours of service, which gives them an opportunity to work behind the scenes with WNLA staff and board members.

To connect with young professionals in the industry, WNLA invited emerging leaders ages 35 and under to attend a morning discussion and networking event at the 2018 Western. Jamie Berry of the University of Missouri – Kansas City will facilitate an interactive discussion on some of the challenges and opportunities facing young professionals in the industry.

Additionally, a new Micro Mentoring Lunch will give young professionals an opportunity to connect with successful leaders who have made an impact on the horticulture industry. Young leaders will be able to discuss the industry, career development, future of horticulture and build their network. Tables will be assigned and will have two young professionals meeting with each industry leader. Lunch tickets cost $20 and are limited to 20 young professionals.

Find out more details about the 2018 Western online here.