Celebrating 10 years of planting price and prosperity in local communities, it’s only fitting that America in Bloom (AIB) would return to our nation’s capital for its 2011 American in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program. This national conference, which will take place at the Doubletree Hotel Crystal City in Arlington, Va., Oct. 6 to 8, will draw hundreds of community leaders and active citizens from across the United States.
The perfect opportunity to learn and share ideas is the AIB symposium. This year’s program features the best in the field of public horticulture and tourism in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Learn how to grow healthy communities by working with schools on First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move Cities & Towns Initiative.” Build a healthy canopy of trees and incorporate sustainable landscape solutions. Pick up ideas and solutions galore from exhibitors in the Showcase of Innovation and special gardens planted at River Farm.
Experienced AIB civic leaders and mayors will share the benefits they’ve witnessed from AIB participation and why they come back year after year. Many towns use foundations to fund beautification efforts and will share how you can too. The symposium also includes two inspirational keynote speakers: author and television personality Joe Lamp’l and Disney veteran Dennis Snow.
In addition to two solid days of education and tours, the 2011 AIB Awards Program will shine a spotlight on the best efforts from towns participating in this year’s competition. Honorary guests include Edward Avalos, undersecretary of marketing and regulatory programs for USDA, and the White House’s Chief Florist Laura Dowling.
For more information, go to www.americainbloom.org.