 About 1,800 fruit and vegetable growers and other industry persons from throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond will be gathering at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, for the Convention which will run from February 3 to 5, 2009. Registration is open to all interested commercial fruit and vegetable growers and allied industry personnel.
The Convention has been jointly sponsored by the State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association, the Maryland State Horticultural Society and the New Jersey State Horticultural Society for the past 31 years, making the 2009 Convention the 32nd meeting. The National Peach Council will meet at the Convention for their annual meeting as well. The Pennsylvania State University, University of Maryland and Rutgers University Cooperative Extensions all assist in organizing the three days of educational sessions. The Convention has become one of the premier grower meetings in the Northeast.
The Thrid Annual Mid-Atlantic Apple Cider Contest will be held during the Convention. Entries from commercial orchards in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia and Delaware will be accepted and judged on the opening day of the Convention. The results will be announced on the closing day of the Convention. Click here for more information on the Cider Contest.
Trade Show
The Great American Hall at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center hosts the Trade Show with over 140 exhibitors. Specialized horticultural equipment, farm market merchandise, and packaging, are all on display along with information on the latest seed varieties, fruit varieties, pesticides and other supplies and services for the commercial grower. The trade show exhibits are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the first two days, February 3 and 4. On February 5, they open at 8:00 a.m. but close at 2:00 p.m. Click here for a list of Trade Show exhibitors.
For information on exhibiting at the Trade Show, contact: Maureen Irvin, Convention Coordinator - 717-677-4184 or shap@embarqmail.com
Educational Program
Many pesticide applicator update training credits are available to growers attending the sessions. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits are also expected to be available. The program covers nearly every aspect of fruit, vegetable, potato, strawberry, bramble, cut flower, greenhouse and wine grape production. Commercial growers should not pass up this terrific educational opportunity. Click here for 2009 Educational Program details.
Six or more concurrent educational sessions and workshops will be offered on all three days of the Convention. Besides the plenary session for the keynote address, the opening day will feature sessions on Tree Fruits, Wine Grapes, Four Season Production and High Tunnels, Vine Crops, Pumpkins, Organic Vegetables, Snap Beans, Wholesale Marketing, and Farm Management/Labor.
On the second day, sessions on Direct Marketing, Tree Fruit, Peaches, Greenhouse Ornamentals, Sweet Corn, Potatoes, General Vegetables, Food Safety, and Small Fruits will be featured.
The Convention will close on the third day with sessions on: Small Fruit, Tree Fruit, Peaches, Tomatoes, Cut Flowers, Greenhouse Vegetable and Energy Alternatives. Click here for 2009 Educational Program details.
Social Events
On February 3, fruit and vegetable growers will be treated to a reception followed by the annual Fruit and Vegetable Growers Dinner. The Dinner will include awards and recognitions after a delicious buffet dinner. On February 4, the Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Board and the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association will each sponsor evening receptions for growers. An informal discussion group on Cut Flowers and a Grafting Workshop will also be held that evening. The processing tomato growers with the highest yields for the 2008 season will be honored at the annual Tomato Awards Luncheon on February 5. Tickets are required for the Growers Dinner ($35) and the Tomato Luncheon ($15).
Registration
Persons registered for either the fruit, vegetable or berry programs can attend all the sessions offered (fruit, vegetable, berry, and flower sessions) plus the trade show. Registration either through the mail or at the door is required to attend both the trade show and educational sessions. Click here for Registration Fees and Form
Transportation and Directions
The Hershey Lodge and Convention Center is located in a triangle created by US Route 422 (Chocolate Avenue), University Drive, and US Route 322 (Governor Road). It is immediately across US Route 322 from the Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
The nearest airport is Harrisburg International Airport (HIA). The Hershey Lodge provides shuttle service from the airport for a fee. Contact the Lodge concierge at 717-533-3311 to make arrangements prior to your arrival. The Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is about 90 minutes away. Shuttle service is not provided to BWI but rental cars are available. The Lodge has a Enterprise-Rent-a-Car office in the main lobby.
Amtrak provides train service to nearby Harrisburg and the Lodge shuttle service is available from the train station. Contact the Lodge concierge at 717-533-3311 to make arrangements prior to your arrival.
Lodging
Deluxe accommodations are available at a special rate of $119 per night per room at the Hershey Lodge which is connected to the Convention Center. Click here for further information on lodging and the convention center. |
