Annual Indiana Horticultural Conference and Expo Set to Return in 2024

By Andi Anderson

The annual Indiana Horticultural Conference and Expo (IHC) is back, putting a strong emphasis on agriculture and bringing fruit and vegetable growers together for two days of education, networking, and community building.

Scheduled to be held at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds on January 22-23, 2024, the event promises to provide valuable insights and opportunities for Indiana and Midwestern farmers, as well as vendors.

Educational Sessions and Networking: The core of the conference revolves around educational sessions, with a strong focus on topics relevant to agriculture, particularly fruit and vegetable production. Attendees can expect to learn about various aspects of agriculture, including fruit and vegetable production techniques, food safety practices, controlled environment agriculture, and strategies for marketing their agricultural businesses.

These sessions will be led by Purdue Agriculture specialists, offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

In addition to the educational component, IHC provides a platform for networking. It's an excellent opportunity for fruit and vegetable growers in the field of agriculture to connect with fellow farmers and vendors, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can be valuable in their agricultural journey.

Cider-Tasting Contest and Silent Auction: IHC's annual event brings a touch of fun and friendly competition to the mix, with a cider-tasting contest.

Attendees can participate in this event, savoring various cider offerings and casting their votes for the best. Additionally, there will be a silent auction, with the proceeds going to support the fruit and vegetable Extension and research fund. These activities add a delightful and charitable dimension to the conference.

A Streamlined Program for 2024: Stephen Meyers, IHC chair and assistant professor of weed science in the Purdue Agriculture Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, noted that 2024's program will be more streamlined. Fruit and vegetable tracks will each take place in a single day, allowing attendees to focus their participation efficiently. The Hendricks County Fairgrounds will offer a larger venue, further expanding networking and vendor interaction opportunities.

Returning to the Conference's Core Mission: The overarching mission of IHC remains the same, aiming to bring together fruit and vegetable growers, researchers, extensionists, and allied industry members from various parts of Indiana to learn, foster a spirit of fellowship, and enhance the lives and livelihoods of Hoosier farmers. IHC intends to build upon the success of the 2023 conference, taking the experience to new heights in 2024.

Continuing Education Credits: For attendees who require continuing education credits in the field of agriculture, IHC has you covered. Credits will be available for private pesticide applicators, commercial pesticide applicators, and certified crop advisors. Certified private pesticide applicators can attend recertification sessions for an additional $10 on-site fee, payable in cash or check only. Participants should have their private applicator license number on hand to receive recertification credit.

Sponsorship Opportunities: The IHC presents sponsorship opportunities for those interested in supporting and engaging with the conference. To explore these opportunities, visit https://www.indianahortconference.org/sponsorship/.

Registration and Venue Details:

• Registration for the conference is open online until January 15, 2024.
• The attendee registration fee is $125, which includes access to educational sessions, lunch, coffee and dessert breaks, and an evening social event.
• The Hendricks County Fairgrounds is located at 1900 E. Main St., Danville, Indiana.

For more information and inquiries, please reach out to Lori Jolly-Brown, Extension events and communications coordinator for Purdue's Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, at 765-494-1296 or ljollybr@purdue.edu.

The Indiana Horticultural Conference and Expo offers a unique opportunity for fruit and vegetable growers in the agriculture sector to expand their knowledge, network with industry professionals, and engage in enjoyable activities, all while contributing to the community. This event promises to provide valuable takeaways and experiences for those in the horticultural field.

Photo Credit: Indiana Horticultural Conference