October 28 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Join the UC Nursery and Floriculture Alliance, CANERS Foundation, and IPPS Western Region of North America, for the 2026 California Nursery Conference, October 28–29, 2026, at the Modesto Junior College Ag Pavilion.
For more than 30 years, the California Nursery Conference has brought together nursery growers, academics, policymakers, landscape professionals, students, researchers, and allied industry partners to explore the latest developments shaping California horticulture.
The conference begins on Tuesday evening, October 27, with a Welcome Reception featuring networking opportunities, sponsor exhibits, and demonstrations showcasing the latest innovations and technologies serving the nursery industry. This relaxed and engaging event provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and make new industry connections. Hosted by CANERS Foundation there will also be opportunities to make donations to support research and scholarships.
Wednesday, October 28, will feature a full day of educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, student research posters, and industry policy discussions covering topics such as pest and disease management, weed and water management, nitrogen and irrigation practices, climate and heat-spike resilience, greenhouse production technologies, California native plant propagation, autonomous inventory systems, and emerging regulatory issues. A bilingual Spanish/English breakout session will provide key disease, irrigation, and weed management content accessible to the broader nursery workforce. New this year will be a section for retail nurseries focused on integrated pest management, invasive pests, and understanding pesticides. The day will conclude with a special Evening Celebration Dinner at Generation Growers, Inc., honoring their remarkable 70th Anniversary and celebrating their contributions to California’s nursery industry.
On Thursday, October 29, attendees will embark on a guided bus tour of local nurseries and greenhouse operations, offering a firsthand look at innovative growing practices, technologies, and successful operations in the Modesto area.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Wednesday and Thursday, with water, snacks, and a boxed lunch included during the tour. Whether you are looking to gain practical knowledge, stay informed on industry trends and policy developments, or connect with colleagues from across the state, the California Nursery Conference is a valuable opportunity to learn, network, and explore the future of California’s nursery industry.