Feb 7, 2012
What is the future of the ANLA Clinic?Source: ANLA

With rumors ranging from a new location to the end of the Clinic’s four decade-long run as the industry’s premier education event, the conclusion of ANLA’s successful 2012 Clinic has been surrounded by industry buzz asking, “What’s next?”

The conclusion of ANLA’s successful 2012 Clinic has been surrounded by industry buzz asking, “What’s next?” Rumors ranging from a new location to the end of the Clinic’s four decade-long run as the industry’s premier education event have circulated at tradeshows and in the trade press.

According to Skip Shorb, ANLA Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of American Plant garden centers, “Clinic was, by most measures, a resounding success. It remains the top event where our industry’s owners, top managers and future leaders gather to learn, strategize and share the ideas that make our businesses successful. Clinic remains relevant and important to the future of our company and those of my peers.”

Shorb clarifies that Clinic cannot move forward exactly the way it is today. “The Clinic we know and love, at the Galt House in Kentucky, is built for 750 – 1100 attendees. Our industry is not supporting that right now and the meeting has to change, just as we have changed our garden center to reflect the current economy.”

ANLA President, Bob Lyons, owner of Sunleaf Nursery, adds, “ANLA also has a new partner in OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals. Clinic 2013 needs to reflect that partnership and serve the educational needs of our joint memberships.”

During Clinic’s closing general session in Louisville, ANLA executive vice president Bob Dolibois stated, “Clinic today looks very different from Clinic two years ago. We have radically changed the format to meet the rapidly changing needs of our attendees. Clinic 2013 will again differ from Clinic 2012. What will not change is the creativity, innovative education and community – the strong sense of family – that makes Clinic so unique, and so special to our industry.”

What is next for ANLA’s Clinic? ANLA and OFA’s boards of directors are meeting jointly, later this month. Their goal is to come out of that meeting with a framework for a new meeting that allows the organizations to engage their memberships in building a new event for 2013. Stay tuned.