This year’s America in Bloom Symposium and Awards Program is scheduled to occur in St. Louis, Sept. 30-Oct. 2. The conference is expected to draw hundreds of community leaders and participating citizens from across the country. A free 3-session introductory series is scheduled for Sept. 30 to allow citizens and leaders in St.-Louis-area communities the opportunity to learn more about AIB. The sessions will cover: “What is AIB”, which will present an overview of the program and how it works; “What AIB Participation does for My Town, during which a panel of mayors and civic leaders will discuss the program’s benefits; and “How to get started with AIB”, a panel discussion that offers advice to first time participants.
Keynote presentations will be given by Peter Raven, president emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden on “Connecting a Botanical Institution with the Community”, and Anna Ball, president of Ball Horticultural Co., on “The Power of Plants: Opportunities for Community Quality of Life”. The symposium will feature 18 educational sessions and 3 themed tours of the St. Louis area.

Pictured: This year’s America in Bloom Symposium and Awards Program features 18 educational sessions and 3 themed tours of the St. Louis area.