Opening Night Seminar Reception
Presented by:
Thursday, August 25
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Room A 105-106
From Pigskins to Pruners: An Evolution of a Hall of Fame Football Coach and What the Nursery Industry Can Learn From It
Enjoy an evening with Coach Vince Dooley and Dr. Michael Dirr and have a chance to win an autographed football from the College Football Hall of Famer himself!
Appetizers and No-host bar open at 6 p.m.
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
A Change of Pace: From Pigskins to Pruners – Digging in the Dirt with the Georgia Dawg
Speaker: Vince Dooley
Until recently, the name Vince Dooley was synonymous with football alone. However, after a twenty-year full-time commitment to gardening, the man that won National Head Coach of the Year two times, has gained renown as one of the South's finest gardeners. Rivaling many state botanical gardens, Dooley has created a spectacular garden around the home that he and wife Barbara have lived in since 1964. In honor of his accomplishments beyond football, The University of Georgia honored Dooley by naming a rose after him, along with the Dooley hydrangea, a unique variety discovered in his garden.
"Vince Dooley's accomplishments as an extraordinary coach and an exceptional athletic director will always be part of his legacy. Now we can add garden ambassador, botanical scholar, and landscape guru to his curriculum vitae." – Allan Armitage
Break with Raffle to win autographed football, copy of Vince Dooley's Garden and chance to win a private 20-minute talk with the Georgia Dawg on football, gardening or both.
7:40 – 8:30 p.m.
We Live in the Future so Let's Plan for It
Speaker: Dr. Michael Dirr
The nursery industry continues to evolve in order to meet and exceed current and future opportunities. Product mixes have changed drastically and breeders are continually strategizing about different breeding possibilities. Mass merchandisers, branding, plant protection, on-time delivery, plants at peak of genetic potential (and marketing hype), all offer fodder for a futuristic discussion.
Ticket Cost: $35 if pre-register by July 31 - contact the OAN if interested in group discounts for 7 or more if purchasing for customers.
