Speaker Resources Center

As a speaker you should have received a speaker confirmation email along with access to the speaker portal detailing information we will need from you for the Garden Center Conference & Expo. If you have not received this email, please contact Emily Kriss at EKriss@gie.net.

The Speaker Resources Center provides guidance on the various items the Garden Center Conference & Expo needs from you to properly market and promote your session, information about what to expect during the session and suggestions for preparing a professional presentation. Please read through this information carefully.

SPEAKER PORTAL
Important Dates to Remember
Due Upon Receipt of Speaker Portal AccessSpeaker Registration

 
Due Upon Receipt of Speaker Portal Access
(Unless already submitted)		Speaker Headshot (high-resolution photo)
Due Upon Receipt of Speaker Portal Access
(Unless already submitted)		Speaker Biography
July 27, 2026Hotel Reservation
July 27, 2026Speaker AV Requirement Form
August 10, 2026PowerPoint Presentation (if you're using one)
EDUCATIONAL SESSION ROLES

A Garden Center Conference & Expo moderator is responsible for leading panel discussions. The moderator will introduce the topic and panelists, share housekeeping notes, pose questions to the panel, help ensure that all panelists have ample opportunity to share thoughts and ideas, keep track of time, and help guide Q&A period in the last 10-15 minutes of the session.

Garden Center Conference & Expo speakers will either participate with others in a panel discussion or serve as a presenter in a lecture-style format within the topic guidelines agreed upon by the speaker and the Garden Center Conference & Expo.

Your point of contact if you have questions regarding hotel and travel accommodations, Powerpoint presentation uploads, audio/visual requirements, and/or elements of the Speaker Kit.

Your point of contact if you have questions regarding programming, including topics covered within the session, or promotions (e.g. updating social media promos, press releases, headshot and bios, etc.)
EVENT DATES
  • August 18, 2026
  • August 19, 2026
  • August 20, 2026
EVENT LOCATION
  • Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
2100 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 320-1700

 

SPEAKER LOGISTICS CONTACT
  • Emily Kriss
  • Conference Coordinator
  • Garden Center Conference & Expo
  • Email: EKriss@gie.net
  • Phone: (216) 393-0348
PROGRAMMING/PROMOTIONS CONTACT
  • Patrick Coleman
  • Editor
  • Garden Center magazine
  • Email: PColeman@gie.net
  • Phone: (216) 393-0301
Speaker Guidelines

Tips and guidelines to help you make the most of your session at the Garden Center Conference & Expo.
 

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Speaker FAQ

Answers to frequently asked questions regarding AV, hotel reservations, registration and general speaking information.

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Promotional Toolkit

Use these tools to help highlight your educational session at the Garden Center Conference & Expo.
 

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Presentation

Download a slide template to use for your presentation.
 
 

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Upload Bio/Headshot

Upload or submit updated copies of your bio and headshot for us to include on our conference website and marketing materials.

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AV Form

To help us better understand any AV needs you may have for your presentation, please fill out this form to submit your information.

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Location

Navigate Nashville using this page to easily find the event facilities and travel information.
 

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Schedule of Events

View the Garden Center Conference & Expo schedule to check your speaking time and see what other education the event has to offer.

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Questions?

Contact Garden Center Conference & Expo Event Staff with any questions you have regarding your session.
 

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