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2025 FALL EVENT SESSIONS & SPEAKERS

The Fall Event is all about sharing, learning, and growing. And this year's event is packed full of incredible networking and learning opportunities.

Our speakers are leaders in the industry – thought leaders who embody The Group's spirit of ingenuity and entrepreneurial drive. These powerful presentations by inspired thinkers can shape your future in the ever-evolving world of garden retailing. Be ready to dive in, share and learn – and Get Wiser in Raleigh!

Although The Fall Event Program officially begins at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 22, 2025, you have the opportunity to participate in optional sessions on Monday morning. See The Fall Event 2025 Schedule for a complete list of activities and rooms.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22



Danny Summers is
Managing Director
of The Garden Center Group

Learn more about 
Danny Summers

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Welcome Session
Danny Summers, The Garden Center Group

The Fall Event is all about sharing, learning and growing, and this year’s event is jam-packed full of incredible opportunities. Danny will set the stage for this distinctive, open forum gathering loaded with powerful presentations by inspired thinkers who can help you shape your future in the ever-evolving world of garden retailing. This year’s focus is on Getting Wiser...  and no doubt, you will leave The Fall Event much Wiser!

This opening scene is a must-attend spotlighting your next three days in Raleigh to help you capture all of the inspiration and creativity, and tap into the wealth of information and collaborative knowledge this Fall Event has to offer!


 

 

Danny Summers is
Managing Director
of The Garden Center Group

Learn more about 
Danny Summers

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Get Wiser! Get Connected
Danny Summers

The Fall Event is a prime opportunity for you to gain valuable insights into best practices, team building, current HR updates, and marketing techniques, ultimately leading to increased profitability for your center. However, it's not just about the knowledge you gain; it’s also about forging connections that can lead to long-lasting relationships beneficial to your career and business.

Danny Summers will share essential strategies on "Using Your Time Wisely" during your stay in Raleigh. This brief session will equip you with practical tips to maximize your experience at The Fall Event, where you will learn, connect, and grow.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
 

7:30 am - 9:00 am
Raleigh Post-Tour Panel Discussion
Moderated by Danny Summers

You just experienced some of the Raleigh area's best garden centers. Now, you can engage with the owners and/or managers up close and personal to ask all of those burning questions you didn't get the opportunity to ask during the tour. This interactive, audience-driven discussion will feature crowdsourced questions during and after the tour, then upvoted for the best ones to kickstart a great list of questions to get the most out of our Q&A time. Don't miss this enlightening session guaranteed to be lively and fun!

Continental Breakfast will be served during this 1 1/2-hour session.


 

9:30am - 10:30am
Ask the Pros
Moderated by Danny Summers

Before you go home, we want to make certain you have all of your questions answered... this audience-driven discussion is your chance to take the mic and ask those burning questions that haven't been answered over the past three days. We've lined up an expert panel of The Group's Service Providers – people who are highly skilled, knowledgeable, and qualified in their special field and always ready to share their knowledge and point you in the right direction. Our lineup includes:

Robert Hayter –     Site Design, Entrepreneurial and Succession Expert
Tom Kegley –         Branding & Marketing Expert
Steve Kendall –      Multi-Channel Marketing Expert
John Kennedy –     Leadership, Team Building and Succession Expert
Jean Martin –         Human Resources Expert
Sid Raisch –            Business Strategies Expert
Tim Quebedeaux – Financial Expert
Gail Vanik –             Marketing Strategies Specialist
Vic Vanik –              Greenhouse & Horticultural Specialist

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with The Pros as they join forces to deliver the answers you need for the challenges you face in your business!


 


Danny Summers is
Managing Director
of The Garden Center Group

Learn more about 
Danny Summers

10:30am - 11:00am
A Word to the Wise
Danny Summers, The Garden Center Group

In this final wrap-up, Danny will spotlight the past three days of intensive learning, stretching the mind, and expanding the vision of Getting Wiser. As he explores the many opportunities presented at The Fall Event, you will discover you have plenty of takeaways to wrap up and take home!

You'll be challenged to set new goals, take action, and continue Getting Wiser in the year ahead. And speaking of the year ahead... you'll be the first to know which road will lead to The Fall Event in 2026!


 

The Fall Event 2025 QuickLinks:  

The Fall Event 2025 - REGISTER
The Fall Event 2025 - MAIN PAGE
The Fall Event 2025 - SCHEDULE
The Fall Event 2025 - TOUR  
The Fall Event 2025 - HOTEL & TRAVEL
The Fall Event 2025 - BEST OF RALEIGH
The Fall Event 2025 - SPONSORS
The Fall Event 2025 - BORDER CONCEPTS TOUR