About

hotel landscape

Basic Information

IMPORTANT DATES

  • August 1, 2016: Search for Excellence applications due
  • October 8, 2016: Applicants will hear back about the status of their SFE application by this date.
  • October 10, 2016 – February 28, 2017: 2017 IMGC early registration opens.  This is also the date we will announce our group discount code for hotels.
  • February 28, 2017 – May 31, 2017: 2017 IMGC registration (no discount)
  • June 1, 2017 – June 9, 2017: 2017 IMGC late registration (as space allows)
  • July 10-14, 2017: 2017 IMGC in Portland, OR

About the 2017 IMGC

The International Master Gardener Conference (IMGC) has been held every two years since 1987.  The IMGC provides an opportunity for Master Gardeners, State and County coordinators to come together and learn through seminars and tours, celebrate successes through the International Search for Excellence Program, and meet and network with Master Gardener volunteers, faculty and staff from across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Korea.

In 2017, the Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener Program and the Oregon Master Gardener Association will host the 2017 International Master Gardener Conference at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon, July 10-14, 2017, with support from many generous sponsors and friends.

Why Visit Portland?

Video Credit: Travel Portland

Portland, Oregon is a mid-sized city in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Portland has been described as a city of neighborhoods, coffee shops, bookstores, brew pubs, restaurants and food carts. Our rainy winters feed a vibrant and verdant gardening culture. Our summers are relatively mild.  July has historical daily high temperatures that range from  76°F to 82°F, and historical high humidity that ranges from 40% to 85%.

Green roofs on LEED-certified high rises, as well as on the sheds and garages of home gardeners, exhibit our commitment to sustainability. A network of ‘green streets’ throughout the city shows how gardens can be used to manage storm water issues in urban areas.

Portland is a great space to experience Oregon’s commitment to local foods. Portland area food carts, restaurants, farmers’ markets and brew pubs are great places to experience the world class hazelnuts, berries, vegetables and meats, cheeses, beers, and wines that showcase Oregon’s award-winning agricultural production systems.

What are Some Nearby Attractions?

Portland is located within a 90 minute drive of the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Oregon Coast. A 30 minute drive east allows visitors to explore the waterfalls of the Columbia Gorge, including majestic Multnomah Falls. It’s only a 60 minute drive to Mount Hood, where visitors can ski nearly year round or just enjoy the views from and the history of the magnificent WPA-built Timberline Lodge.

What About Within Portland City Limits?

Portland is home to one of the largest urban forest preserves in the country (Forest Park), and one of the largest city parks in the country (Washington Park). The Washington Park complex includes the Oregon Zoo (where Master Gardeners staff an exhibit that teaches visitors about sustainable landscaping practices), the International Rose Test Garden, the World Forestry Center, the Hoyt Arboretum and the Portland Japanese Garden. Pittock Mansion, Leach Botanical Garden and the Lan Su Chinese Garden are also popular attractions.

Please save the date (July 10-14, 2017) and join us in Portland for the 2017 International Master Gardener Conference.

Faculty and volunteers from the Portland Metro Area Master Gardener Program.
Photo Credit: Gillian Carson
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25 thoughts on “About”

    1. Hi Jill. We won’t be able to set a price for the conference, until we have completed our fundraising efforts and have signed contracts with conference vendors for registration, trade show set-up, etc. But, we are working really, really hard to keep registration costs as low as possible. We anticipate opening up registration in early 2017. Stay tuned for more information!

    1. Hi Anne. We’re aiming to release the 2017 SFE applications shortly ~ hopefully, in February of 2016. The due date would be July of 2016, so that we could inform winners in October 2016 . . . in time to take advantage of early registration.

    1. Hi Todd. To my knowledge, Japan does not have an established Master Gardener program, consisting of coursework followed by volunteer service. Thus, I don’t think that they have sent a representative to an IMGC. But, we would be so excited to host a representative from Japan, or other interested nations.

    1. I’m so glad you’re interested in being a vendor! We’re working with our show decorator (DWA) to put a Exhibitor Packet together. Our goal is to complete the packet by early May, and to begin soliciting for vendors shortly thereafter. I’ll add you to our list of folks we plan on contacting, so that you will be among the first to receive our Exhibitor Packet.

  6. Hi Gail. We’re looking to book accommodations at the Double Tree, a conference sponsored hotel. Is there a special number we call to make the reservation or a group code number we can use online? Thank you.

  7. How does one submit a topic for consideration as a conference speaker? Is there a deadline for submission of potential topics? Thanks. Tom Keating

    1. Hi Tom. Unfortunately, our deadline for submitting session proposals was July 1, 2016. We had a link for submitting proposals on this site, but I pulled the link once the deadline passed. The speakers’ committee is sifting through more than 100 proposals, for less than 20 open spots. Sorry we missed your proposed session.

  8. Are you required to have taken the master gardener classes in your area to attend, or is it open to attendance if you are nto yet a volunteer or a member?

    Thank you & God Bless

  9. I have attempted to register at two of the hotels and received “no rooms available” responses. Have you blocked the rooms and not released them yet or have all the nearby hotels already filled up. That will certainly limit my consideration of attending.

  10. Have you given consideration for accommodating those with disabilities in all conference activities, including platform access and tour transportation? Lots of conferences get caught with no way for those of us that use mobility devices to get around with the rest of the gang. Please contact me if you need advice or guidance, it’s my professional specialty. Thanks.

  11. A group of MG from KCMO trying to register. We found conflicting dates for the pre tour . One area indicates the pre tour will be ending on Monday (see the overview of tours) and other places the pre tour ends Sunday. We called the tour company and were told the pre tour was July 7-9.

    Please clarify the exact dates of the pre tour.

    We look forward to visiting your fabulous conference.

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