Immersion in # GWA2017: Fulfilling, Rewarding and Inspiring
BY ISAAC LUHRS
My experience at the 2017 Garden Writers Association Conference and Expo in Buffalo, New York, was a phenomenal immersion into the world of public horticulture and garden writing.
From the moment I got to the registration desk, I felt a strong sense of acceptance, enthusiasm and encouragement from everyone that I met! As a student, the experience was priceless. I’ m honored to have been in Buffalo with so many people that I now admire and aspire to be like. I vividly remember the sense of gratitude and excitement I had when so many members gave me words of advice for my professional development.
PROGRAM APPROVAL
I greatly enjoyed the pre-conference writing class given by Mary-Kate Mackey. I thought it was exceptional and very worthwhile; I would take it again. All the speakers were wonderful and provided the audience with great insight into their specialized areas in the horticulture industry.
I also enjoyed Mark Tuner’ s talk“ Good Pictures in Bad Conditions” and the keynote speaker Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer’ s tear-jerking speech about natural resource conservation and the infinite wisdom of native peoples.
LEADERSHIP CONTINUITY
I was also very pleased to see the passing of the torch from existing president to the incoming president of the GWA at the award ceremony. The host committee members did a wonderful job leading the tours across Buffalo to the many different garden and park locations. The amount of history in the city of Buffalo was astounding. It seemed famous landscape architects had their hands all over the place.
My overall impression of the GWA is one of prestige and magnitude in the horticultural industry. I will be recommending the scholarship opportunity to my friends and encouraging them to become GWA members. I had such a great time and met so many new friends that I’ m anticipating attending the conference again in this decade.
Isaac Luhrs, a student at the University of Tennessee, received one of three scholarships to attend # GWA2017.
SCHEDULE CHANGES BY JO ELLEN MEYERS SHARP, EDITOR
Beginning with this issue, On the QT is moving to a calendar year publication. This will eliminate the December-January newsletter and put the six publications in the same year.
The new due dates for submitting copy and photos for 2018 issues are:
• January-February, November 12, 2017
• March-April, January 9, 2018
• May-June, March 19, 2018
• July-August, May 21, 2018
• September-October, July 21, 2018
• November-December, September 21
The newly formed editorial committee is looking forward to the results of the recent On the QT Readership Survey, so if you haven’ t responded yet, please do so.
Lastly, please feel free to make suggestions for profiles of members, business, photography and food columns and other features you’ d like to see. Send your ideas to me: jemsharp46 @ gmail. com, with On the QT in the subject line. Remember On the QT pays a small honoraria for articles, except those that are about GWA events, benefits or other news.
SAVE THE DATE! GWA Annual Conference & Expo at IGC Show’ 18 Chicago, IL | August 13-16
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