Guided Tour of CAST Offered
A group tour of the main stops along the California Spring Trial (CAST) route in California is being organized for industry professionals in the green industry from March 31-April 2.
This one-of-a-kind guided excursion is an intense, educational and entertaining way for growers and horticultural professionals to visit several of the key Spring Trial locations with fellow horticulturists. It allows attendees the convenience of not having to arrange for their own stops, hotels and transportation.
Guests will visit the major horticultural companies that distribute plant materials and supplies and get a first-hand look at the products and new varieties that are available to the horticulture industry.
This excursion is designed specifically for members of the greenhouse, nursery, and landscape industries, other horticulture professionals, and academics. It is an opportunity to see the latest new plant introductions, share ideas, update your understanding of what’s happening in the industry and travel with trained professionals.
Attendees should plan to arrive at the San Francisco Airport on March 30, and will stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport.
The journey begins March 31, when the group will visit Danziger, Syngenta Flowers, Benary Seed and Suncrest Nursery which features Cohen Nurseries, Hishtil Nurseries, Jaldety Nursery, Kamel Plastic Pots, Nir Nurseries and Prudac.
On April 1, participants will visit Sakata Seed and American Takii, both in Salinas, followed by Dümmen Orange in San Luis Obispo.
On April 2, the first stop is the Santa Barbara Polo Club featuring PlantHaven, Pacific Plug & Liner, Plant Development Services (Southern Living Plant Collection and Sunset Western Garden Collection), Suntory and Vivero. Then the tour will continue at Ball Horticultural Co., which includes Ball FloraPlant, Ball Ingenuity, Darwin Perennials, Kieft Seed, PanAmerican Seed and Selecta One.
The last stop of the day is at Green Fuse Botanicals, which features Beekenkamp, Hem Genetics, Schoneveld and Westhoff.
At the end of the day, the bus travels to West Hollywood where overnight accommodations will be at the Ramada Plaza Hotel. On Sunday, April 2, Uber, Lyft, or a taxi will be available at the traveler’s expense for transportation to either the Los Angeles Airport or Burbank Airport.
This package trip includes the cost of first-class hotel accommodations for four nights, coach bus transportation from San Francisco to West Hollywood, airport shuttle on arrival, two breakfasts, lunches on the three travel days, and an experienced horticultural guide.
Participants need to arrange their own transportation to San Francisco on March 30, and out of LAX or Burbank Airport on April 2.
Travel Concepts is available to assist with air reservations. The cost of the trip is $770 per person in a double room or $1,290 per person for a single room. These rates are based on 30 participants and will be adjusted slightly if minimum capacity is not met.
The trip is subject to change and may be cancelled if minimum capacity is not met. Full COVID vaccination is required of participants.
Space is limited. Register by March 4, to reserve a seat on this trip.
Rooms will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Payment can be made by check or credit card. For on-line reservations, go to https://concepts.us.com/registration-2022-cast.asp.
For assistance arranging your flight transportation, please contact Corporate Travel Concepts at 203.262.6260 or 800.274.5801 or email [email protected].
If you have questions regarding the details of the trip, call Dr. Mark Bridgen at [email protected] or at 631-921-4941.
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