2026 FALL EVENT SESSIONS, SPEAKERS, AND FACILITATORS
The Fall Event is all about sharing, learning, and growing. And this year's event is packed full of incredible networking and learning opportunities.
Our speakers and facilitators are leaders in the industry – thought leaders who embody The Group's spirit of ingenuity and entrepreneurial drive. These powerful sessions with inspired thinkers can shape your future in the ever-evolving world of garden retailing. Be ready to dive in, share, and learn – and Get Connected in Cleveland!
Although The Fall Event Program officially begins at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 28, 2026, you have the opportunity to participate in optional sessions on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. See The Fall Event 2026 Schedule for a complete list of activities and rooms.
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
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ROBERT HAYTER
LKC Engineering
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2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Special Owners Only Session – Special Registration Required
Fiscal and Monetary Policies Affecting Your Business and Personal Wealth
Hosted by Robert Hayter
Is your business prepared for long-term inflation and an economic downturn?
Come learn to navigate the new normal in an era of Uncertainty, High-Debt, and Inflation.
Beyond the headlines is the real story you need to hear. After hundreds of hours of research, Robert has crafted a framework for defensive management- thinking for you as a business owner. He has presented this four-hour workshop to more than 15 companies. Each of them is now aware of things to consider in (1) Protecting the Purchasing Power of Money, (2) Steps to be more prepared for an Economic Downturn.
CLICK HERE for this Special Owners Only Session description, speaker bio, and special registration details.
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9:00 am - 10:30 am
Strategies & Solutions to Drive Garden Center Sales
Featuring Our Partners for Success
Facilitated by John Kennedy
This session explores practical strategies and proven solutions to help drive sales in today’s garden center environment. Featuring insights from our Partners for Success and facilitated by John Kennedy, the discussion will highlight actionable ideas, real-world examples, and tools to boost performance across your business.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with industry experts who offer real-world applications to help you strengthen results and identify new opportunities for growth.
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11:00 am - 12:00 pm
POS Users' Group Meetings
The POS Users' Group Meetings are designed to allow you to connect with other centers and see how they're leveraging these systems to meet their needs. You may learn something new – or teach others some of your tricks. Or, if you're considering purchasing one of these POS Systems, it's a great time to learn more about it and talk with other centers. These meetings are hosted by the POS providers.
- Counterpoint POS Users' Group Meeting - xxx Room
- Epicor POS Users' Group Meeting - xxx Room
- Shopify POS Users' Group Meeting - xxx Room
- VMX POS Users' Group Meeting - xxx Room
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11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Sponsor Connections & Networking Nibbles
Jump into The Fall Event 2026 at our Sponsor Showcase—your first opportunity to connect, explore, and engage. Meet our valued sponsors, discover their latest products and services, and gain insights to support your business.
This curated, interactive experience is designed for easy conversation and meaningful connection. Mix and mingle with fellow attendees while visiting sponsor displays before the Welcome Session begins at 1:00 PM.
Refreshments and light fare will be served.
You'll have a chance to visit with our Sponsors during other breaks on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
SEE A FULL LIST OF SPONSORS
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DANNY SUMMERS
Managing Director
The Garden Center Group
Learn more about
Danny Summers
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1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Welcome to Cleveland Opening Session
Danny Summers, The Garden Center Group
The Fall Event is built on sharing, learning, and growing—and this year’s program is filled with opportunities to do just that. In this opening session, Danny sets the stage for a distinctive, open-forum experience designed to spark ideas and meaningful connections.
You’ll hear from inspired thinkers and industry leaders who will challenge your perspective and help you navigate the ever-evolving world of garden retail. With this year’s focus on Get Connected, you’ll discover new ways to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and move your business forward.
This is a must-attend kickoff to your three days in Cleveland—designed to help you capture inspiration, uncover practical insights, and tap into the collective knowledge of your peers. You’ll leave The Fall Event more connected, more informed, and ready to grow.
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CHRIS BASHINELLI
National Geographic Explorer
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2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
The Power of Connection: How Garden Centers Can Deepen Relationships, Build Community, and Drive Growth
Chris Bashinelli, National Geographic Explorer
What if the real secret to growth today isn’t persuasion—but connection?
In a world where trust is the ultimate currency, customers and employees are craving something deeper. Yet in the rush to increase sales or efficiency, we often sacrifice the very thing that fuels long-term success: genuine connection.
Garden centers are uniquely positioned to lead this shift.
CLICK HERE for session description, speaker bio, and special registration details.
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CHRIS BASHINELLI
National Geographic Explorer
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3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
The Power of Connection from Insight to Action
Chris Bashinelli, National Geographic Explorer
This highly interactive experience will help you immediately apply the principles of connection within your business – and with one another.
With a blend of guided exercises, group collaboration, and experiential learning, we will turn insight into action. At the core is a simple idea: the same conditions that help plants thrive—care, consistency, and resilience—are the ones that help people and businesses grow.
Throughout the experience, there will be a strong emphasis on audience engagement and peer connection—creating a rare space where members can collaborate, share ideas, and build trust, even as competitors.
The result is more than just strategy—it’s a shift. You will leave with practical tools, stronger relationships, and a deeper connection to your work, your community, and your peers.
It's time to turn insight into action—and Get Connected!
CLICK HERE for session description, speaker bio, and special registration details.
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| TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 |
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8:30 am - 9:30 am
Jam Session – Live P2P Sharing
Presenters to be Announced
This session is built on the power of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) exchange—sharing information, ideas, and support with those who best understand your business. Moving beyond traditional, speaker-led formats, this experience emphasizes active learning through open discussion, real-world insights, and shared experiences.
Engage with fellow garden center operators, explore practical solutions, and gain perspectives you can apply immediately. It’s a collaborative environment designed to spark ideas, strengthen connections, and deliver meaningful takeaways.
Don't miss this knowledge transfer opportunity!
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TIM QUEBEDEAUX
Retail KPI Consulting
Tim manages all
financial programs for
The Garden Center Group
Learn More About
Tim Quebedeaux
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9:30 am - 10:30 am
Get Connected with Best Practices Garden Centers...
Insights from the Most Profitable Leaders in The Garden Center Group
Tim Quebedeaux, RetailKPI
The Annual P&L Study has been an industry-exclusive benchmark since 2004 and remains one of the most comprehensive financial studies in garden retail. While the Weekly Department Review (WDR) tracks sales and margins by category, the Annual P&L Study goes deeper—analyzing sales, expenses, and key performance metrics, and comparing results across Best Practices, High Achievers, and the group as a whole.
In this session, Tim Quebedeaux will highlight the key performance indicators (KPIs) from the 2025 P&L Study, including inventory turns, margin targets by category, and Gross Margin Return on Inventory Investment (GMROII). Understanding and managing the numbers can drive profitability.
What sets Best Practices Centers apart? Is there a formula for success? In this data-driven session, Tim will take a closer look at what the most profitable leaders in The Group are doing differently—and how those strategies translate into stronger performance. Through real-world comparisons, key metrics, and actionable insights, you’ll discover practical ideas and proven approaches you can apply within your own operation.
Even if you did not participate in the 2025 study, this session offers valuable takeaways. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of critical financial metrics, uncover trends shaping the industry, and walk away with practical insights to help elevate and improve your business performance.
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TIM QUEBEDEAUX
Retail KPI Consulting
Tim manages all
financial programs for
The Garden Center Group
Learn More About
Tim Quebedeaux
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11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Get Connected with Best Performers
Learn How You Can Improve Your Profitability By Category
Tim Quebedeaux, Retail KPI
Who’s leading the way in the Group’s top-selling categories—and what are they doing differently?
In this data-driven session, Tim will spotlight the best-performing garden centers across key product categories and uncover the strategies, trends, and metrics behind their success. Gain valuable insights into what top performers are doing to drive sales, improve margins, and strengthen overall performance.
Whether you’re looking to benchmark your operation, identify new opportunities, or discover proven ideas you can apply in your own center, this session delivers practical takeaways grounded in real-world results.
Come ready to compare, learn, and Get Connected with the Best Performers in The Group!
Tim Quebedeaux's sessions are highly valuable because they offer a data-driven approach to garden center management. By understanding key financial metrics and industry trends, retailers can make informed decisions to enhance profitability and navigate the challenges and opportunities within the horticulture industry.
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JEAN MARTIN
HR Management Consultant
Seawright & Associates
Learn More About
Seawright & Associates
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12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Special Owners-Only Luncheon
Connect and Protect: Cultivating Compliance Through HR
Jean Martin, Seawright & Associates
Does your company prohibit employees from using only “illegal” drugs, or notify them that unauthorized overtime will not be paid? Do you struggle with how to define “full-time” or “seasonal” or wonder if you need to prohibit employees from using AI glasses?
Join Jean Martin of Seawright & Associates for a Special Owners-Only Lunch Session to learn about the most common HR “disconnects” businesses make that put them at risk, and how to correct and connect into compliance.
PLEASE CHECK OFF THIS SESSION WHEN REGISTERING IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. THIS HELPS US PLAN FOR SEATING AND FOOD.
SPACE IS LIMITED, SO WE ASK THAT YOU LIMIT ATTENDANCE TO OWNER AND/OR DESIGNATED HR SPECIALIST.
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BRIAN BLASKO
Speaker, Trainer,
Author & Fun Guy
JOHN KENNEDY
BoomerWrangle
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2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Connecting the Dots with Creativity
Brian Blasko, Nationally Recognized Speaker, Trainer, Author & Fun Guy
John Kennedy, BoomerWrangle
How does a garden center business owner become “comfortable being uncomfortable” with their ability to innovatively and creatively problem-solve, knowing that consistency and standards are actually key to successful retailing? That is a dilemma worth addressing, and Brian Blasko and John Kennedy will tackle it head-on with “Connecting the Dots… with Creativity.”
Join this dynamic duo as they take you on a fun-filled journey balancing hands-on experiential learning and re-enforced messaging on teamwork, human connection, and creative problem-solving to produce outcomes of happiness and engagement.
CLICK HERE for session description, speaker bio, and special registration details.
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HERE'S A COMPLETE
LIST OF
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
AND LOCATIONS
(COMING SOON)
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3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Connections in Real Time: Real Issues, Real Solutions
Facilitated by Thought Leaders
Sharing and collaboration are at the heart of The Group—and The Fall Event is the ideal place to engage with experts, fellow garden retailers, and industry partners. These breakout sessions are designed to spark authentic conversations, explore real challenges, and uncover practical solutions you won’t find anywhere else.
During this interactive two-hour block, you’ll have the freedom to choose the topics that matter most to you. Follow your interests, contribute your ideas, and benefit from the collective knowledge of The Garden Center Group community.
Be prepared to actively engage—observe, question, analyze, and collaborate, and GET CONNECTED in CLEVELAND! These sessions are built for participation, not passive listening, giving you the opportunity to turn shared experiences into actionable insights and meaningful connections.
With several breakout options available, planning ahead is key. Consider what challenges you want to address or what ideas you’re looking to explore to make the most of your time.
You’ll leave more connected, more informed, and better equipped to grow.
More details on breakouts and topics coming soon!
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Located along the southern
shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland
is situated across the lake
from Ontario, Canada,
and is approximately
60 miles west of the
Ohio–Pennsylvania state line.
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8:30 am - 7:00 pm
The Fall Event Tour
This year’s tour day is jam-packed with garden retailing at its best! We’ve created a full-day tour of XXX of the Cleveland area's best retail garden centers, including lunch and a reception. Be ready to connect with fellow retailers, our service pros, and our sponsors, and discover new possibilities for profit. Bus captains will provide behind-the-scenes statistics to prepare you for each stop, plus a little Cleveland Trivia along the way.
So hop on board and be ready to enjoy a beautiful fall day of discovery in and around Cleveland and return to the hotel in time to relax and continue conversations with your Group peers.
Buses depart curbside from the front of the Hotel Cleveland at 8:30 am sharp and will return by 7:00 pm.
See Tour Stop Details (Coming Soon)
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2025 Post-Tour
Panel Discussion
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7:30 am - 9:00 am
Cleveland Post-Tour Panel Discussion
Moderated by Danny Summers
You’ve experienced some of the Cleveland area’s best garden centers—now take the next step. This interactive panel gives you the opportunity to engage directly with the owners and managers behind the tour stops and ask the questions you didn’t get to during your visits.
Driven by participant input, this session features crowdsourced questions gathered throughout the tour, with top-voted topics shaping a dynamic and insightful Q&A. Bring your curiosity, your questions, your perspective. Expect honest insights, practical takeaways, and a few surprises as the discussion unfolds.
Don’t miss this lively and engaging discussion designed to deepen your learning and extend the value of the tour experience.
Continental breakfast will be served during this 90-minute session.
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DANNY SUMMERS
Managing Director
The Garden Center Group
Learn more about
Danny Summers
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9:30 am - 10:30 am
Open Exchange: Real Issues, Real Solutions
Moderated by Danny Summers
Before you head home… what’s still unanswered? What challenges still remain?
This fast-paced, participant-driven session is your chance to tackle the real issues facing garden center owners right now. Bring your toughest questions and join an open, honest conversation focused on practical solutions and real-world experience. You can expect candid dialogue, actionable advice, and ideas you can put to work immediately.
We’ve assembled a panel of Group Members—proven leaders who are in the trenches every day. People who are highly skilled, knowledgeable, and successful in their businesses—ready to share what’s working, what’s not, and how they’re navigating today’s challenges. Our lineup includes:
Name, Company
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with your peers as they join forces to deliver fresh perspectives and the answers you need for the challenges you face in your business—and leave with the clarity and confidence to take your next steps forward!
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DANNY SUMMERS
Managing Director
The Garden Center Group
Learn more about
Danny Summers
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10:30 am - 11:00 am
Connecting the Dots: A Playbook for Maximizing Your Connections
Danny Summers, The Garden Center Group
As The Fall Event comes to a close, Danny brings it all together—connecting the insights, ideas, and relationships built over the past three days of learning, exploration, and Getting Connected.
In this dynamic wrap-up, you’ll revisit key takeaways, uncover connections you may have missed, and gain clarity on how to turn inspiration into action. This is your moment to step back, see the bigger picture, and leave with a practical path forward.
Danny will challenge you to think differently, set meaningful goals, and carry the momentum forward—continuing to build connections that can drive your business forward in the year ahead.
And as we look forward… you’ll be the first to discover where the road leads for The Fall Event 2027!
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The Fall Event 2026 QuickLinks:
The Fall Event 2026 - REGISTER
The Fall Event 2026 - MAIN PAGE
The Fall Event 2026 - SCHEDULE
The Fall Event 2026 - BREAKOUT SESSIONS
The Fall Event 2026 - TOUR
The Fall Event 2026 - HOTEL & TRAVEL
The Fall Event 2026 - BEST OF CLEVELAND
The Fall Event 2026 - SPONSORS
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