Limited to 40 people – first in, first served!
Click here to register online
Venue at Lincoln University | Proudly sponsored by Intelligro
Wednesday 21 – Thursday 22 October 2026
Join us for the IPPS Symposium 2026, hosted at Lincoln University under the theme “Cultivating Tomorrow.” The symposium brings together plant producers, researchers, scientists, students and industry professionals for learning, practical experiences and networking.
What to expect
🌱 Intelligro Welcome & Tour – Wednesday 21 October (from 4:30pm)
The symposium kicks off at Intelligro with a welcome and introduction, a presentation from Paul Hooper, and an tour of the Intelligro facility. The evening will finish with a BBQ, drinks and an opportunity to connect with fellow IPPS members and industry colleagues.
🎤 Speaker Sessions – Thursday 22 October (9am to 4:30pm)
Hear from a range of local and international speakers covering topics relevant to the future of plant production, science and horticulture, including:
- Molly Shaw – Plant Scientist & Managing Director, BerryWorld
Sharing insights into strawberry production and the challenges facing modern berry production. - Roche Malan – South Africa Exchange Representative
Bringing an international perspective and sharing experiences from the South African horticultural industry. - Dr. Alexis Guerin-Laguette – Mycorrhizal Fungi in Growing Media
Exploring the role of beneficial fungi and their potential applications in modern growing media and plant production. - Anna – European Nurseries & Flower Shows
An insight into European nursery production, horticultural trends and the international nursery industry. - Professor Hamish Gow
The future of horticulture in NZ.
🌿 Specialist Site Visits
The afternoon will feature rotating visits to several of Lincoln University’s fascinating collections and facilities, including:
- Allan Herbarium – Explore New Zealand’s largest collection of dried plant specimens and discover its role in botany, conservation, biosecurity and biodiversity research. The tour will be led by Ines Schonberger, Botanist and Allan Herbarium Collection Manager.
- Entomology & Invertebrate Containment Facility – Learn about biological control, molecular ecology, insect research and the strict biosecurity processes involved in importing, testing and rearing potential biological control agents. Hosted by Arnaud Cartier, Senior Technician and Facility Manager.
- Te Kohinga Harakeke o Aotearoa / National NZ Flax Collection – Discover the history, diversity and cultural significance of New Zealand’s living flax collection with Katarina Tawiri, Kaitiaki/Curator.
🛠️ Practical Workshops
Get hands-on with a choice of workshops designed to bring practical skills and ideas back to the nursery, including:
- Propagation
- Tools & equipment
- Hybridising
Whether you’re involved in commercial plant production, research, education, propagation or horticulture, IPPS Symposium 2026 is an opportunity to learn from experts, explore some of Lincoln’s unique facilities, gain practical knowledge and connect with people who are helping shape the future of our industry.
Come along, get involved and help us explore what it means to be Cultivating Tomorrow.