1. The Power of Collaboration
The forum showcased the immense value of collaboration. Attendees had the chance to connect with peers, sponsors, and exhibitors while engaging in meaningful discussions about industry challenges and opportunities. Seeing online collaborators come together in person was a testament to the strength of the TNLA community and its commitment to shared success.
2. Celebrating Industry Leadership and Innovation
This year’s event featured a special moment with the graduation of the Leadership Bootcamp Class, a program spearheaded by the TNLA Foundation. This initiative highlights TNLA's dedication to cultivating future leaders who will shape the Texas green industry. The ceremony inspired all attendees and reinforced the importance of investing in professional growth.
3. Celebrating Excellence at the Awards Festival
The hard work of our presenters and planning team truly paid off during the Awards Festival, which was a standout moment of the event. Recognizing the achievements of individuals and businesses in the industry reminded us all why we’re passionate about horticulture. It was inspiring to see the pride and enthusiasm from award recipients and attendees alike.
4. Exploring the Industry Through Tours
The Forum also included exclusive industry tours, offering attendees a firsthand look at innovative practices and operations within the green industry & beyond. These tours provided a unique opportunity to see cutting-edge techniques in action, network with industry leaders, and gain insights to bring back to their businesses. Attendees consistently praised the tours for their practical value and the inspiration they provided
5. Trends and Insights for the Future
The forum featured impactful sessions and panels that explored key trends and insights shaping the future of horticulture, including sustainable practices, workforce challenges, and innovative technologies. These sessions provided attendees with actionable takeaways to implement in their businesses, helping them stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. The collaborative discussions and diverse perspectives showcased the strength and expertise of the TNLA community.
Resources
The Lone Star Hort Forum also included a live podcast recording of the TNLA Green Report Podcast, Season 4, Episode 3, titled "Navigating the Texas Green Industry's H-2A and H-2B Immigration Work Program." Moderated by Curtis Smith (TNLA) and featuring expert panelists Devin Guinn and Antonio Vergara, the session covered:
Challenges and opportunities with H-2A and H-2B work programs.
Practical advice for navigating regulations and securing reliable labor.
Sponsored by Forward.us, the podcast is a must-listen for professionals seeking workforce sustainability solutions.
Listen to the Podcast:
👉 Full Episode HERE
The closing keynote, "Decision FAIL: Top Business Decision Making Mistakes (and How Smart Leaders Avoid Them)," by Brett Hoogeveen of BetterCulture, captivated attendees. Brett shared actionable strategies like the "360 Rule" and "Pre-Mortem" exercises, offering practical tools for improving decision-making and avoiding common pitfalls in leadership. You can download his slide deck HERE
Looking Ahead
The Lone Star Hort Forum 2025 was a celebration of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. From the TNLA Foundation’s leadership initiatives to the keynote, industry tours, and networking opportunities, the event reinforced the importance of working together to advance the green industry.
We’re grateful to everyone who attended, presented, and supported this year’s Lone Star Hort Forum. Your participation drives the success of our community, and we can’t wait to see how these experiences shape the future.
What was your favorite moment from the forum? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to us—we’d love to hear from you!
