Events

2025 Grow Maine Green Expo

MELNA’s annual meeting and trade show, the Grow Maine Green Expo, is a day full of education seminars, our Awards Luncheon, a Trade Show, a Keynote Address (often by a nationally known speaker/author) and great fellowship and networking.

When: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Where: Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Dr., Augusta, ME 04330

Keynote Speaker: Fran Chismar

Bio

Fran Chismar, the self-proclaimed Sultan of Sales at Pinelands Nursery and Co-Host of the Native Plants Healthy Plant Podcast, is a walking encyclopedia of native plants with a knack for turning every conversation into a plant lecture—whether you asked for it or not. With 36 years in the nursery industry, Fran’s passion for native plants is matched only by his love for talking about them, often to anyone (or anything) within earshot. Fran’s social skills might be a bit like an overgrown garden—wild and unpredictable—but his expertise is meticulously cultivated. Whether he’s discussing the latest native plant trends or interviewing one of his heroes in the field of ecology, Fran’s exuberance and humor make him a memorable character in every field he touches.

Title of Presentation

Beyond the Buzz – Native Plants are Good for the Ecosystem and your Business.

Synopsis

Haven’t you heard? Native plants are making a comeback and this presents a unique opportunity for nurseries and landscaping companies. Find out what the buzz is all about while learning how you can position your business to take advantage of this growing trend.

Attendees: There are two ways to register

Download the MELNA 2025 Registration Form, print, fill out and mail with payment.

–OR–

Exhibitor and Sponsorship Form

Download the Exhibitor – Sponsor Invitation 11-26, print, fill out and mail with payment.

The Grow Maine Green Expo, the annual meeting and trade show of the Maine Landscape
and Nursery Association, offers you the opportunity to make eye contact with your best Maine
customers. It is a business-to-business trade show. In addition to exhibits of Plants, Hardscape,
Arborists, Business Management, Affiliated Organizations, and Non-profits; the 2025 Grow
Maine Green Expo will also include Equipment Suppliers of arborists, landscapers, and nursery
professionals.

Demonstrations of equipment and supplies can be produced on the Trade Show floor!

The 2025 Exhibitor Directory and Trade Show Program will be available to all show attendees.
If you haven’t already paid your membership dues to MELNA, please contact the MELNA
Office. Members participate in the Trade Show at a substantial discount — one of the many
benefits of belonging to MELNA.
There is also a form listing Trade Show Sponsorship Opportunities. If you are interested in this
and desire more information, contact the MELNA Office.
Booth set up is Tuesday, January 21, from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Name tag pick-up and registration
will begin at 1 P.M., Tuesday, January 2 1. Booth breakdown may begin no earlier than 4:00
P.M. on Wednesday, January 22. Please note on the form that a late fee will be expected if
your registration form is not postmarked by December 20, 2024.

2025 Grow Maine Green Expo Sponsorship Levels:

EXPO Sponsor (3,000.00) – Taken

Lunch Sponsor ($2,000.00)

Keynote Sponsor ( $1,500.00)

Platinum ($1,250.00)

Lanyard Sponsor ( $1,000) – Taken

Gold ($900.00)

Silver ($600.00)

Bronze ($400.00)

2025 Agricultural Trades Show

January 14-16, 2025

Augusta Civic Center

Augusta, ME

Grow Maine Green Expo and Annual Meeting

January 22, 2025

Augusta Civic Center

Augusta, ME

Community Service Project:

Each year requests are submitted to our organization to request our expertise in landscaping a particular locale. It is our difficult task to choose a project deserving of our attention. Once chosen, a landscape is designed, plants and materials are donated by our membership in a coordinated effort, and we descend upon the site for the installation. It is an amazing to see a site transformed so quickly by many experienced hands. Equipment and materials quickly move about, completing the project many times in a matter of hours. The camaraderie amongst the workers is a true draw on the day for many. If you haven’t had the experience, we encourage you to become involved – you will be in awe of what we can do!

If you have any questions or ideas, please contact

Don Sproul, Executive Director

Maine Landscape and Nursery Association
PO Box 4666
Augusta, ME 04330

Email: exdir@melna.org

Phone: (207) 623-6430