Independent Plant
Breeder's Conference

November 17 – 19, 2006

Orlando, Florida
USA

Introduction

The demand for new ornamental crops in the plant market continues to soar and independent breeders are a key source for these introductions. Revenue potentials are indeed great. However, patenting information and quality marketing connections are not readily available, and difficulties arise when attempting to tap into this lucrative business.

In November 2005, the Environmental Horticulture Department at the University of Florida hosted the Independent Plant Breeder’s Conference. The event brought independent plant breeders together with some of the best plant breeding companies in the world. Attendees, prospective independent plant breeders and plant industry representatives alike, proclaimed the event a success, and also recognized the need to continue this specialized networking and educational program.

The 2nd Independent Plant Breeder’s Conference will be held on November 17-19, 2006
in Orlando, Florida and we invite you to attend.

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Why You Should Attend

This meeting provides a proven arena for independent plant breeders to: Learn the expectations of their business partners Understand the decisions necessary for patenting new introductions Develop quality partnerships with industry representatives Network with other independent plant breeders Turn your passion for plant breeding into a commercial reality

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Who Will Attend

• Professional and hobbyist breeders of any horticultural crop

• Representatives from partnering companies

• Experts in patenting and business relations

• Academic breeders and scientists

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What Breeders Should Bring to the Conference

A photo album representing the fruits of your labors (see registration) Practical information pertaining to your crop An interest in getting feedback from the industry

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Purpose

The conference objectives are multifaceted. The primary goal is to maintain the forum of promoting communication between independent breeders and plant breeding companies to maximize cooperation.

Participants will also have opportunities to:

• learn about the benefits of using current technology;

• glean information through the successful practices of breeding professionals;

• gain knowledge and understanding about the trends in ornamental plant production, consumption, and trade

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Final Schedule of Events

Friday, November 17, 2006

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Sunday, November 19, 2006

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Sponsors

It is only through the generous financial contributions from leaders in the plant introduction industry that make this conference possible. We would like to extend a very special thank you to the following for actively supporting this networking and educational program.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the 2006 conference, please contact Dave Clark, program organizer.

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Registration

Independent Plant Breeder Registration Fee
The registration fee, combined with funds contributed by our sponsors, allows independent plant breeders full participation in the conference, including the Breeder Showcase and Reception, opportunities to network with sponsoring plant introduction firms, Saturday’s lunch and conference materials. The fee also provides for morning, mid-morning and afternoon refreshments.
 

Who is eligible for the Independent Plant Breeder Category?
•         Plant breeder hobbyists
•     Small nursery owners
•     Members or individuals employed by: arboretums, botanical, display, zoological, sculpture or 
      demonstration gardens
•     Members of gardening associations or societies
•     University graduate & undergraduate students
•     US government employees 

If you have any questions regarding the registration categories, please contact Mandy Stage @ mstage@ufl.edu or 352-392-5930.

Plant Introduction Industry Registration Fee
The registration fee allows industry attendees full participation in the conference, including the Breeder Showcase and Reception, Saturday’s lunch and conference materials. The fee also provides for morning, mid-morning and afternoon refreshments.

Registration Fee Categories
All figures are presented in US dollars ($).
 

 
Refund Policy: Requests for refunds will be honored if a written notification of cancellation is received by the Office of Conferences & Institutes by Friday, October 20, 2006. A processing fee of $10.00 will be deducted from all Independent Plant Breeder registration refunds and processing fee of $100.00 will be deducted from all Industry registration refunds. No refunds will be honored for cancellations after October 20, 2006.

Special Needs: Special needs (such as visual, hearing or walking impairments) of registered attendees can be reasonably accommodated if they contact the Office of Conferences & Institutes at least 10 working days prior to the conference. We can be reached by phone at 1-352-392-5930, by fax at 1-352-392-9734, by email at mstage@ufl.edu. If calling from within the State of Florida, the office can be reached at 1-800-955-8771 (TDD).
 

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Location and Accommodations

Orlando Airport Marriott 7499 Augusta National Dr Orlando FL 32822, USA Toll-Free Number: 1-800-266-9432 Non Toll-Free Number: 801-832-4532 Fax Number: 407-851-7171 Website: Orlando Airport Marriott

• The conference will be held at the Orlando Airport Marriott. Conveniently located just minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), the Marriott offers complimentary shuttle transportation from and to the MCO.

• Guest rooms have been set aside for conference attendees at a reduced rate of $119 per room, per night, plus tax (currently 11.5%) with one to four people in a room until Monday, October 16, 2006.

• Please be aware the block of rooms may fill before the deadline, so we urge you to make your reservation as soon as possible. After Monday, October 16, the discounted rate is not guaranteed on possible remaining rooms.

• The group rate will be honored three days prior to and following the conference based upon availability.

Make a Reservation in One of Three Ways

1. Reserve guest rooms using the Marriott’s Passkey secure online reservation system. No longer available.

2. Contact the hotel by telephone and identify yourself as a participant of the Independent Plant Breeder’s Conference to receive the reduced rate.
       - Inside the U.S. and Canada dial the toll-free telephone number: 1-800-266-9432.
       - Outside the U.S. and Canada please dial the telephone number: 801-832-4532

3. Complete and fax this Hotel Reservation Form. (PDF format)

Please Note:

• All reservations must be guaranteed by a first night room deposit with a major credit card.

• Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your reservation at no charge until 6:00PM hotel time up to the day of your arrival. The Marriott will assess a fee of the first night’s room rate plus tax for each reservation if you cancel after this deadline.

• The hotel check-in time is after 3:00PM and check- out time is prior to 12:00Noon.

• As this is a discounted group rate, it is non-commissionable to travel agents, and Frequent Traveler Points do not apply.

• Florida Government Participants ONLY: To receive tax exempt status, payment must be made in the form of a government issued credit card or check and be accompanied by a Florida sales tax exemption certificate presented at check-in.

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Travel and Area Information          

Information on Traveling to the United States	The Official Web Site for Orlando International Airport (MCO) & Orlando Executive Airport (ORL)
	Click here to find driving directions to Orlando, FL from any address/destination in the USA by simply typing in the starting address and then the end destination address; very user friendly.
Map of Florida Click here for a map of the state of Florida.
Orlando Weather   Click here to see a detailed 7-day weather forecast for Orlando, FL.
Other Cities to Visit While in Florida
Florida Interactive maps – Click here
Clearwater, FL – Click here to find information and links for the city of Clearwater.	Daytona Beach, FL – Click here to find information and links for the Daytona Beach area – Big Beach, Big Fun!
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Click here to find maps and information on the beaches, attractions, restaurants, and nightlife in sunny Ft. Lauderdale.	The Florida Everglades, Miami, FL – Click here to find information on how to reach the Florida Everglades, where to stay and eat, transportation, and weather in the south Florida area.
St. Augustine, FL – Click here to find information and links to Florida’s oldest city and the best it has to offer.	Panama City Beach, FL – Click here to find information about “the world’s most beautiful beaches” on over 27 miles of white sand.

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For More Information

Program Content and Sponsor Information

Dr. Dave Clark
University of Florida/IFAS
Environmental Horticulture Department
PO Box 110670
Gainesville, FL 32611
Phone: 352-392-1831 ext. 370
Email: geranium@ufl.edu

 

Meeting Information

Ms. Mandy P. Stage, Conference Coordinator
Office of Conferences & Institutes (OCI)
University of Florida/IFAS
PO Box 110750
Phone: 352-392-5930
Fax: 352-392-9734
Email: mstage@ufl.edu

Registration Information

Mrs. Kimberly Brand, Conference Registrar
Office of Conferences & Institutes (OCI)
University of Florida/IFAS
PO Box 110750
Gainesville FL 32611-0750
Phone: 352-392-5930
Fax: 352-392-9734
Email: kimmer72@ufl.edu

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Last Updated: 10/02/2008