News » 28.07.2026 - Automation Summit to help businesses transform at Farwest
Automation is reshaping how nursery growers operate, from when plants are first propagated to the time when they are shipped and delivered.
That's why the Farwest Show is bringing together experts to exchange insight, wisdom and ideas at a forward-looking Automation Summit. They will share tools, technologies and methods to help growers drive greater efficiency, lower costs, improve product consistency and solve labor challenges.
"The nursery industry is changing because the opportunity is there and circumstances demand it," said OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone, who will emcee the summit. "Every grower needs the knowledge that will be shared at this summit. It is all built on possibility. We believe the exchange of ideas will create synergy that will in turn elevate the solutions that are shared."
The Automation Summit will take place on the first day of this year's Farwest Show, 1:30–3:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, at the Oregon Convention Center. It is free to all registered Farwest attendees. Details are available at the link here.
The panel of experts will include Chris Thiesen of Burro; Asa DeForest of HarvestWise Drone Solutions; Di Hu of Moss Robotics; Tom Fessler, co-owner of Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas Inc.; and Todd Nelson, co-owner of Bountiful Farms Nursery Inc.
The Automation Summit, although free, is part of 45 hours of expert-led seminars across three days and five career tracks — business, garden communication, grower, pest management and landscaping. Another free session is the first-day keynote by renowned green industry economist Dr. Charlie Hall, which will have insights for everyone.
"Nurseries have tough seas to navigate these days," said Jamie O'Brien, seminar coordinator for the Farwest Show. "They undertake considerable risk as they pursue their bottom line of supporting people, planet and profit. The Farwest Show is here to provide tools and ideas that will help make the journey safer and more profitable."
The Automation Summit, keynote and seminars will all deliver practical strategies and real-world insights attendees can take home and put to work immediately. That makes the show a can't-miss event for industry professionals.
Adding to the value, Farwest has evening networking events the first two days of the show. Those include the Farwest Happy Hour on Wednesday, August 26, and then the legendary Farwest Pub Crawl on Thursday, August 27. These events offer lively conversations and fun.
In addition to seminars and networking events, Farwest will also have 14 different mini-sessions at the Solution Center, located on the expo floor. These are included with show admission at no additional cost. Pruning demonstrations, new product presentations, research updates, awards ceremonies and plant search tips and tricks are among the offerings.
Farwest will take place August 26–28, 2026, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. The trade show brings together thousands of nursery professionals for three days of exhibits, education, networking, and business opportunities. Register by July 31 to take advantage of early-bird pricing for Farwest expo and seminar passes.
Source: www.floraldaily.com
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