Educational Sessions Announced for 2027 Tropical Plant International Expo

The Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) has announced the educational slate for the Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE), taking place from January 20-22, 2027, at the Broward County Convention Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

This year’s Knowledge College will feature 17 sessions across three tracks: Business Strategies, Garden Center, and Interiorscape, along with two half-day palm workshops led by expert UF/IFAS researchers. The palm workshops will offer attendees insights into palm care, pest control, and overall landscape and tropical foliage health.

“TPIE brings together the people, ideas, and expertise from all over the world that are shaping the future of Florida’s environmental horticulture industry,” said Tal Coley, chief executive officer of FNGLA. “This year’s education slate showcases the impressive range of expertise and innovation of our industry, giving professionals practical knowledge they can take back and apply immediately. The Knowledge College at TPIE offers something for every professional looking to learn, connect, and grow.”

© Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association

The Business Strategies track will feature five sessions to help attendees take their company to the next level. Jeff Ruby, owner of RedRock Leadership, Inc., will lead Three Disciplines of a Trusted Sales Advisor, a 90-minute session on how to generate more leads, strengthen customer relationships, increase close rates, and win more business.

The Garden Center track will feature six sessions which will cover topics including retail marketing, customer experience, and sales strategies. Joey Bokor, a second-generation nursery owner, will lead Beyond Plants: Creating Garden Center Experiences Customers Remember, an interactive session designed to help garden center owners and employees develop creative, memorable customer experiences that fit their brand, attract target customers, and drive traffic and sales.

TPIE’s Interiorscape track will offer six sessions designed to help professionals strengthen their technical skills, improve plant health and enhance customer experience. Plantscape Industry Hall of Fame inductee Vicky Cate will lead one session, The Interiorscape Technician Playbook: Tools for Success in the Field. Attendees will gain a practical playbook for delivering exceptional plant care, identifying opportunities to improve plant health, enhancing the customer experience, and protecting the value of every account.

Education sessions at TPIE are produced by FNGLA’s Knowledge College. The Knowledge College gives industry professionals access to experts and perspectives to address the opportunities and challenges facing the nursery and landscape industry.