Public gardens are essential. Not only as places of beauty and refuge, but as presenters of cultural, artistic and immersive experiences, as well as conveners, educators, conservation practitioners, and catalysts for social and environmental change. At a time defined by climate urgency, workforce transformation, biodiversity loss, and community need, gardens hold a unique position of influence rooted in plants, people, and purpose.
ESSENTIAL: The Influence of Public Gardens explores how gardens of all sizes unlock their collective power to create impact: advancing sustainability, education, science, workforce development, health and well-being, while also strengthening local economies and regional vitality. This theme centers around gardens’ efforts to support the greater good, serving as trusted civic institutions that connect communities, cultivate possibility, and strengthen resilience.
Through collaboration, ethical stewardship, and shared responsibility, this conference examines how a garden’s influence is used, expanded, and equitably shared. Explore how public gardens are leading through purpose and partnership, demonstrating that a garden’s impact is shaped by connection, commitment, and care for the communities they serve.
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTING PARTNERS
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens,
& Arboretum
Hagley Museum and Library
Mt. Cuba Center
Scott Arboretum & Gardens
Winterthur
Chanticleer
Jenkins Arboretums & Gardens
Nemours Estate
Stoneleigh
Glen Foerd
Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania
PA Gardens
Tyler Arboretum
IMPORTANT DATES:
Call for Sessions Closes:
October 30, 2026
Registration Opens:
February 2027
Early Bird Rate Ends:
April 30, 2027
Hotel Room Rate Ends:
June 7, 2027
MARRIOTT PHILADELPHIA DOWNTOWN
1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
The 2027 Conference will take place at the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown.
Located 1056 feet from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this property offers room service. Reading Terminal Market is also 1056 feet from the property. All rooms include a flat-screen TV, bathroom toiletries, mini-refrigerator and linen. This smoke-free hotel offers meeting space, a fitness center and 2 onsite restaurants. Logan Square is 1 mi from the property. Philadelphia International Airport is 7.8 mi away.
Group Rate: $249 per night (USD)
Reservations may be cancelled for no charge up to 3 days prior to arrival.