The horticulture, or green industry, field is constantly changing due to the shifting environment and consumer needs, changing regulations, and the addition of new diseases and pests. Because of this, horticulture professionals are required to get continuing education hours to keep their pesticide applicator's license. While much of the season is challenging for professionals to get away from work to keep abreast of current issues, the winter is the perfect time to attend trainings. 

To address this issue, we held our Tri-State Green Industry Conference in Sharonville Ohio, which is in the far southwestern portion of Ohio. This conference occurred on February 6th, 2025. Partners came from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana and included the University of Kentucky Extension Service, Purdue Extension Service, Ohio State University Extension Service, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Spring Grove Cemetery, and the Boone County Arboretum. 

There were 994 people who registered to attend the Green Industry Conference. Of these, 734 attended the conference. Additionally, there were 38 Master Gardeners who volunteered, 31 speakers, and 37 booths at the trade show. Of the 734 attendees, the majority were business owners and workers in the Green Industry. 51 attendees were in a collegiate horticulture program. 92% of attendees were white, 5% Hispanic, and 3% black. 62% of attendees are male, 35% female, and 3% non-binary. There were ten conference tracts with over 35 total sessions. 

92% of attendees said that the knowledge they had gained would be valuable to their job, business, or personal interest. 64% of attendees said that they would make changes to their horticulture practices while only 12% thought that they wouldn't make changes. 48% of attendees said they would make changes to their disease and pest management while 11% said they probably wouldn't make changes.