January 2024 - 6

| BY CINDY WHITT
from americanhort to you
Resolve to Drive Your
Business Forward in 2024
The resources and support available to a business
can be the determining factor between stagnation and
success in the green industry. From navigating policy
to workforce development to fostering collaboration,
here are six resolutions to drive your business forward
in 2024.
GROW YOUR NETWORK AT CULTIVATE'24
Attend Cultivate'24 this summer to foster business
connections and grow your industry network. With
education programming, workshops, industry
production tours and more, the industry comes
together to learn, see the latest plants and products
and establish business relationships.
You can foster collaboration and find valuable
partners for your business amongst 650+ exhibitors,
supplying and supporting all aspects of the green
industry. Take connections a step further during
impactful networking events like the Women in
Horticulture Luncheon or the GenerationNext
Community's " Unplugged " event.
Cultivate is also a place to learn and share
knowledge. Your industry peers, business leaders, and
subject-matter experts all come together to host 150+
educational sessions each year. They share their own
real-world experiences and best practices that can help
you create a plan for business success.
Cultivate'24 pre-registration is open Feb. 12-23, and
general registration opens March 12. Begin planning
your trip at americanhort.org/cultivate.
DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS
If you or a team member could benefit from
learning business strategy, leadership people
management, and value chain management skills,
apply for the HRI Leadership Academy managed
through AmericanHort and the Horticultural
Research Institute (HRI). The one-year program
offers participants training, coaching and access
to a growing network of industry leaders.
The program launches in the fall of 2024 and
will consist of in-person training sessions, online
classes and meetings and a year-end presentation
6 JANUARY 2024 GPNMAG.COM
at Cultivate'25. Applicants must have held a
leadership position for at least five years and worked
in the green industry for at least seven years. Visit
hrileadershipacademy.org to learn more about the
program. Applications are due Feb. 9.
DISCOVER AI TOOLS FOR BUSINESS
Kick off the new year by learning how artificial
intelligence (AI) can play a multifaceted role in
horticulture businesses. AmericanHort programming
provides attendees with concrete steps to implement
AI tools to stay at the forefront of technology.
The introductory session, Industry Insider, gives
attendees an overview of using generative AI to
optimize workflows and increase productivity. This
hands-on session explains the fundamentals of this
technology and why it can be a game-changer in
the workplace.
In the follow-up three-part Mastery Series, speakers
go in-depth on AI-powered strategies across your
operation, from marketing and content creation to
sales and training to security and safety. You will learn
how AI can increase productivity, optimize routine
processes, and improve customer experience.
COLLABORATE WITH PEERS
Connecting with people who have similar
experiences can be helpful in professional and personal
development. There are several ways to meet and
collaborate with peers through online and in-person
programming at AmericanHort.
A new webinar series for young and emerging
professionals, Grow Forward: Finding Success Beyond
the Plants, provides practical insights, strategies, and
actionable tips for the next generation to develop
better communication, personal branding and
leadership skills in the workplace.
The Women in Horticulture program is a place for
women in the industry to find support, encouragement,
and mentorship. Held online and in-person during
Cultivate, the program features interviews with
female changemakers and education geared toward
professional development and empowerment.
http://www.hrileadershipacademy.org http://www.americanhort.org/cultivate http://www.GPNMAG.COM
January 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2024
