ASHS 2024 Conference

Student/First Time Attendee Welcome: Conference Overview Session
This session will provide the essential information for how to get the most out of your attendance at the ASHS Annual Conference. Specific events, sessions, and competitions will be explained. ASHS staff and volunteers will be on hand to make sure that you are aware of all that ASHS and specifically the ASHS Conference has to offer.

In this segment on interview techniques, we'll equip students and early career professionals with the knowledge and skills to excel in diverse interview formats reflective of the evolving landscape of employment practices. From traditional in-person interviews to virtual and competency-based assessments, we'll explore the nuances of each format and provide strategies for success. As employers adapt their interviewing methods to accommodate remote work and technological advancements, candidates must stay informed and adaptable. We'll delve into the intricacies of virtual interviews, offering guidance on presenting oneself effectively through digital platforms and navigating potential technical challenges. Additionally, we'll address the growing prevalence of competency-based interviews, where candidates are evaluated based on specific skills and experiences. By mastering these various interview formats, students will be well-prepared to showcase their qualifications and secure opportunities in today's dynamic job market.

In our panel discussion, we're bringing together professionals from diverse sectors—academia, government, and industry—to offer invaluable insights and guidance to students and early career professionals navigating their career paths. With representatives from each sector, attendees will have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the different career trajectories available to them and the unique challenges and opportunities associated with each. Our panelists will not only address common questions about job applications, interviews, and career advancement but also offer firsthand perspectives on industry trends, academic research opportunities, and government initiatives. Whether you're considering a career in academia, government, or industry—or exploring the intersections between these sectors—our panelists will provide valuable advice to help you make informed decisions and chart a successful career path. Bring your questions, whether they're about job applications, industry trends, or strategies for career growth, and gain valuable insights from our diverse panel of experts.

Companies, organizations, universities, and government offices are invited to reserve a free exhibitor table.

Click here to reserve a table.

Students and professional attendees are invited to meet with representatives of hiring companies and organizations, and to learn more about potential jobs and graduate school programs.

All students and early career professionals are invited to a reception/mixer. This is a chance to meet and learn from each other. The GRAD group has organized a fun ice breaker activity, Human Bingo!

In this workshop section, we'll delve into the essential strategies for students and early career professionals looking to establish their professional brand. Crafting a distinct identity is crucial in today's competitive job market, and we'll explore techniques tailored to graduate students' unique experiences and aspirations. From honing your elevator pitch to leveraging your academic accomplishments, we'll cover the fundamental elements of personal branding. Additionally, we'll delve into the increasingly vital role of social media platforms in shaping professional reputations, offering insights on how to navigate and optimize these channels effectively. Whether you're aiming for a career in academia or industry, this workshop will equip you with practical tools to kickstart your journey toward building a compelling professional presence.

In the section focused on professional behaviors, we'll delve into the often-overlooked yet critical nuances that can make or break a student or early career professional's transition into the professional realm. From mastering email etiquette to navigating the intricacies of multigenerational workplaces, we'll provide invaluable insights to help you navigate diverse professional settings with confidence. Understanding the expectations surrounding communication, both written and verbal, is essential, and we'll offer practical tips on crafting professional emails that leave a positive impression. Moreover, we'll explore the dynamics of multigenerational workplaces, where varying communication styles, work habits, and values converge. By fostering an understanding of these differences and learning effective strategies for collaboration and communication across generations, you will be better prepared to thrive in today's diverse and dynamic job market.

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to plant growth and culture – i.e. propagation, root growth, water management, weed control, PGRs, plant nutrition, etc.

Growing Together: Enhancing Accessibility, Engagement, and Inclusion in the Horticulture Society

Accessibility, inclusion, and engagement are foundational to any society, including our own American Society for Horticultural Sciences, ensuring that every community member can contribute to and benefit from the diverse array of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences within the fields of horticulture and plant sciences. This special interest group session is dedicated to fostering these principles within the broader horticultural society, the green industry, and the gardening community. The meeting aims to unite ASHS members who share a passion for the art, science, and business of plants, gardens, landscapes, and gardening, making these accessible to everyone, irrespective of their abilities or backgrounds.

Committee members Heather Kirk-Ballard, Assistant Professor of Consumer Horticulture at Louisiana State University and Sam Humphrey, Graduate Research Association at North Carolina State will lead a discussion to address key topics such as strategies for creating more inclusive systems. We will discuss practical ways to interact, cultivate, and enhance diversity within our workforce and society, aiming to break down barriers that can perpetuate disparities.

In this session, we will discuss the findings from the recent ASHS DEIJA committee climate survey that examined the feedback from members regarding the impact of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within the American Society for Horticultural Sciences. We acknowledge the resistance some may have towards the formation of a diversity and inclusion committee. As many organizations face similar backlash against DEI initiatives, often due to misunderstandings or perceived threats to the status quo, it is essential to engage in transparent and constructive dialogue. Our aim is to clarify the objectives and benefits of DEI, underscoring its role in promoting fairness, opportunity, and representation for all members of the organization.

The session will include discussions about accessible practices, presentations and workshops that can be designed for individuals with physical disabilities or mobility issues. Strategies to increase participation from diverse community members. This could involve outreach programs for schools, collaboration with a greater community, and events that cater to a wide demographic. Developing programs that cater to people of all ages, abilities, and ethnic backgrounds. This may include bilingual garden tours, programs for the visually impaired, and workshops tailored for elderly gardeners. The meeting also provides a platform for members to share their experiences and best practices in creating inclusive environments. There will be networking opportunities to foster collaborations and partnerships among participants, aiming to build a supportive community that values diversity and inclusion in horticulture. The objective of this meeting is to establish clear, actionable steps that the society can implement to enhance accessibility and engagement. This will ensure that all members of the broader community can fully benefit from the opportunities offered by horticulture.

Coordinator(s)

• Heather Kirk Ballard, SPESS, School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, Baton Rouge, EBR, United States
• Samson Humphrey, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to international horticulture – i.e. International issues and networking, international consultants, international horticulture groups, etc.

The Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh, NC. The program has 3 graduate degrees, MHS (non thesis and optional DE), MS (thesis) and PhD (dissertation). Studies range from landscape design, production, sustainable agriculture, herbicide and weed science, plant physiology, breeding, molecular biology and biotechnology, and genomics. Research is conducted in modern labs, excellent controlled environment and greenhouse facilities, and 18 field research stations across the state. Thirty-one graduate faculty are located on campus and at off campus research sites. We currently have 60 graduate students in the 3 programs. The department has a number of graduate assistants available each year that provide the student with a stipend and pay for the tuition. Raleigh is located in the center of the state with easy access to highways, an international airport, many parks and greenways, and is just a short drive to the mountains and the beach. Raleigh is a cosmopolitan city and is one corner of the Research Triangle Park, a community of numerous universities, colleges, and biotech research companies.

Meeting new people is one of the best ways to start collaborating. It can be difficult to meet new people even at the annual conference with so many disciplines represented. This  session /event will provide the following impacts:

• Enhance and develop connections of ASHS members with each other.
• Create a structured time and space for low-pressure conversations and introductions.
• Practice elevator speeches and first impressions for aspiring and experienced professionals.
• Increase potential collaborations across disciplines and ASHS members.

The goal of this session is for participants to meet 10 to 15 people at the conference in a fast but low-pressure time.
 
The Partnership Development Committee (PDC) will create a signup sheet for the event to gauge the number of participants so that the room can best be set along with the time each pair has to converse. All members are welcome, even those who did not sign up prior to the conference. 
We will promote this event via social media, the ASHS newsletter, and by members of the PDC personally reaching out to other ASHS Professional Interest Groups. Participants will be encouraged to bring business cards, resumes, CVs, and job opportunities to this event.

1. Introduction (10-15 minutes)
   1. Establish groundwork for the networking event.
   2. Provide tips and potential questions for participants to ask.
2. Networking session 1 (30 to 35 minutes)
   1. Split into two groups.
   2. Pairs have 6-7 minutes (will determine based on # of participants).
   3. 1 person from each pair will stand up and move to the next chair at the end of the designated time.
3. Break (10-15 minutes)
   1. Opportunity for participants to talk more with someone they connected with.
4. Networking session 2 (30 to 35 minutes)
   1. Moving sets from Groups 1 and 2 swap.
   2. Pairs have 6-7 minutes (will determine based on # of participants).
   3. 1 person from each pair will stand up and move to the next chair at the end of the designated time.
5. Recap and discussion (15-30 minutes)
   1. Sharing opportunity for participants.
   2. Promotion of the collaboration center and other collaborative events.
   3. Opportunity for participants to talk more with someone they connected with.

The amount of time each pair has to discuss will depend on the number of participants and will be determined shortly before the session.

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to ornamentals – i.e. floriculture, nursery crops, breeding, turf, ornamentals industry, botanic gardens, landscape industry, orchids, etc.

Come to the Hort Theater to hear about exciting job opportunities with Driscoll’s, the global leader in fresh market berries! You’ll hear an overview of our business operations and locations as well as the types of roles we hire for and what we look for in prospective candidates. You may even hear a few tips and tricks to help get your application noticed that you can use with us – or other prospective employers. Please join for an informal presentation and short Q&A session.

People in academics and in the industry are regularly asked to write letters of recommendation for students, or even employees.  Writing recommendation letters is generally not something people learn or get formal guidance about.  And it’s not something that graduate students typically learn in their degree program. Undoubtedly, many members of our industry and profession will have (student) requests for a support letter for a scholarship, internship, employment, promotion, etc.  Based on personal experience reviewing hundreds of scholarships and award applications for several programs, this presentation will provide insight to assist in writing effective letters of recommendation. Providing a quality recommendation requires thought and effort to enhance the requestor’s success. Specific items a recommender should consider when crafting a recommendation ideally would include obtaining the person’s current resume; a copy of the scholarship or opportunity they are applying to so the nominator can specifically address and connect the individual to the opportunity; specific details including when the recommendation is needed, format required, etc.  Things to consider in the nomination letter include specific relationship to the individual; anecdotes with the particular person that can set the candidate apart; relevant industry/work experiences; awards, recognitions, and involvements, especially if they are not always included in the resume.  Authors should avoid letters that are too long, or too short, and adhere to any limitations outlined by the request. Avoid simply repeating or rehashing the student’s resume, instead provide more detailed insight and praise related to specific resume items.  Sometimes sharing the letter with the student can be appropriate.  It provides an opportunity for them to express concern for something that the author might have over-represented or, perhaps add something the author did not include that could increase impact.  Moreover, the letter is form of feedback and can foster a growth mindset and has the potential to enhance the student’s performance. Additionally, this activity should and can be documented for a faculty performance review.  Writing letters can be time consuming and rewarding, both for the nominee and yourself.  Hopefully insight shared will assist individuals with constructing quality support letters and recommendations.

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to fruit, vegetable, and edible crops – i.e. citrus, breeding, production systems, postharvest, pomology, crop management, viticulture, etc.

The agricultural production system and the education system in Indian subcontinent and US are very different. Thus, students and post docs coming to US to pursue research and career encounter dilemma and challenges in selecting right career path. For example, in Indian subcontinent higher emphasis is given to research and teaching whereas extension and administration are not fully understood. The goal of this special session will be for students to have open dialogues with experts in the field of research, extension, teaching, and administration with Indian sub-continent background, so the panel understands the challenges faced by incoming students. This session will benefit all the graduate students and researchers who are preparing to for the next step in career.

Coordinator(s)

• Tripti Vashisth, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, United States

Speaker/Participant(s)

• Bhimu Patil, Texas A&M University, Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center, College Station, Texas, United States
• Ajay Nair, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States
• Rammohan Uckoo, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States
• Rajasekaran Lada, Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to specialty crops – i.e. hemp, herbs, medicinal plants, and tropicals, breeding, production, etc.

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to technology in horticulture – i.e. biotechnology, UAVs, cameras, sensors, artificial intelligence, etc.

Traditional disciplines in food and agriculture education are insufficient to fulfill the gaps of knowledge and innovation to solve future challenges. How agriculture and farming have been perceived is very different from what reality needs to be. We will share examples and current jobs available in an integrated farming/food system program in North Carolina to provide skill training, career development, and workforce development opportunities within a private/public collaboration. The integrated approach including production, marketing, finance, risk management, renewable energy, Workload, expectations, and types of tasks will be explained including compensation and other support.

Don't miss this fun event!
Test your horticultural knowledge against other teams for a night of fun and camaraderie! 4 players per team allowed. You can join as a team, or sign up as an individual and we will team you up.

Sign up here.

Awards for the student and early career competitions will be presented between rounds of trivia.