Attendees at the Farwest Show examine plants and nursery supplies Aug. 24 at the annual industry conference in Portland, Ore.

PORTLAND — The Farwest Show is the largest nursery trade show west of Texas, bringing over 4,000 people from 40 states and 10 countries to Portland for three days of exhibitions, networking and seminars.

Run by the Oregon Association of Nurseries, the event started in 1973 as a way for people in the nursery industry to connect with one another, educate themselves on science and innovations, and grow their businesses.

Allan Niemi, director of events for OAN, said he expects this year’s show, Aug. 23-25 at the Oregon Convention Center, to feel like a celebration because of events honoring the 50th anniversary as well as the sheer number of people who will be there, as registration is nearing pre-COVID-19 numbers.

“It (the show’s 50th anniversary) really shows the stamina and growth of the industry,” Niemi said. “Our goal is to create value constantly for attendees and for exhibitors throughout the entire show each day.”

During the three days, more than 300 exhibitors will be showing off their products on the trade show floor. Attendees can visit booths, place orders for wholesale plants and see the new varieties and products that are showcased each year.

Todd Nelson, owner of Bountiful Farms nursery and president of OAN’s board, has gone to the Farwest Show since he was young, when his dad ran the family’s nursery.

“It’s a great time because I get to see all of the other growers,” Nelson said. “It’s kind of a reunion of friends, so I really enjoy that. But we still are finding new customers at the trade shows and reuniting with old customers.”

Away from the booths on the trade show floor, there will be presentations and continuing education courses focused on pesticide certifications.

There are also opportunities to network. One day, newer members of the industry get a chance to meet one another and begin building their networks and receiving advice from more established growers. Another, there is a space for women in horticulture to connect and develop relationships with other women in the industry. The second night will offer a popular annual “pub crawl.”

“We’re really trying to honor the past (and) look forward to the future,” said Jeff Stone, OAN’s executive director and CEO, of this year’s event. “We really hope it has a little bit more of a celebratory feel.”

Dates: Aug. 23-25, 2023

Hours: Wednesday Noon-5 p.m. | Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Location: Oregon Convention Center, Portland

Contact: 503-682-5089

Website: farwestshow.com 

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