BEAUTY in the BLUEGRASS

September 27-29, 2018 ● Lexington, Kentucky

www.AmericaInBloom.org

America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Celebration

Check Out The Pre-Symposium

EDUCATIONAL TOURS

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WELCOME TO

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY!

It is with great joy that we welcome you to Lexington, Kentucky, the Horse Capital

of the World, for the 2018 America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Celebration.

Founded in 1775, Lexington was named in honor of the battle of Lexington,

Massachusetts. It soon became one of the largest, wealthiest towns west of the

Allegheny Mountains. Today we are home to several institutions of higher learning,

including the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University.

While in Lexington, you will not only visit some of our historic buildings and gardens,

you will also experience our concentrated urban business and residential center with

its walkable downtown.

In 1958 Lexington leaders established our Urban Services Boundary (USB), the first

defined growth boundary in the United States. As a result, growth continues to be

carefully planned, and you are never more than a short drive from our thriving farms,

including our signature horse farms.

In 1974 Lexington and Fayette County merged, so even though we have about

310,000 people and 285 square miles, we have 1 government that serves the entire

county.

Lexington frequently is listed in the top ten cities in the United States in a variety of

categories related to job growth; quality of life for families, retirees, young professionals;

and median income and low cost of living.

Plan to come a few days early or stay late to take advantage of many highlights

Lexington has to share, including the iconic Kentucky Horse Park. Be sure to check

out VisitLex.com for tips on where to visit and eat, and to learn about fun activities

for all ages.

Now, come on, y’all. We’ll see you in Lexington!

Sincerely,

The AIB Lexington Committee

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National AIB Symposium Committee

Linda Hart (Chair)

Jack Clasen

Tony Ferrara

Linda Gorton

Bill Hahn

Kristin Pategas

Stephen Pategas

Diane Rinkes

Cover artwork created by Jan Mullaney of Lexington.

Linda Gorton, Co-Chair

Angela Poe, Co-Chair

Harry Clarke

Sam Crankshaw

Susan Daole

Sheila Ferrell

Beverly Fortune

Ann Garrity

Bond Jacobs

Victoria Meyer

Cathy Mobley

Jennifer Myatt

Liz Pattengill

Doris Settles

SM

TM

THANK YOU To ThisYear’s Symposium Sponsors

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Hotel & Airport InformationMake your hotel reservations at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort in Lexington by calling 859-288-6121 to speak with Marian Spencer, the hotel reservation manager for this conference. To receive the special AIB rate of $165/night plus tax, please tell her you are with the America in Bloom group. Reservations must be made by September 4.

The hotel, located at 1800 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511, is approximately 20 minutes from Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport (Airport code: LEX).

Taxis, rental cars, limousines, and shuttle service options are available from the airport. Visit www.BluegrassAirport.com for information.

Pre-Event Optional EDU ToursEnhance Your ExperienceExclusive Opportunities for AIB Symposium Attendees. Special Registration Required.

11:30 AM – 4 PMAshland, The Henry Clay Estate /Lexington Cemetery(Special Registration Required)

Whether you’re a plant geek or a history buff, this tour is for you. We’ll start by visiting Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate. Known as “The Great Compromiser,” Clay was known for his skills of negotiation which helped hold the country together in the first half of the 19th century. His home, Ashland, is a jewel in the heart of Lexington. On this tour, you will experience the estate that Henry Clay called his “Promised Land” by touring the 18-room mansion filled with family artifacts and the expansive 17 acres of grounds. Ashland boasts over 400 trees, some dating back hundreds of years. Your tour of Ashland won’t be complete until you stroll through the estate’s six parterre English formal gardens currently maintained by the Garden Club of Lexington. After touring the mansion and grounds at Ashland, we’ll head to the Lexington Cemetery. This is your chance to see why in 2017 Lexington won the AIB award for most beautiful cemetery. The Lexington Cemetery, a private, non-profit 170-acre cemetery and arboretum, wasestablished in the mid-1800s as a place ofbeauty and a public cemetery, in part todeal with burials from the cholera epidemicin the area at that time. The LexingtonCemetery has more than 180 different typesof trees and shrubs. The tour will showcasefloral gardens as well as old growth treesand ornamental trees and conifers. Withinthe cemetery are three places that arelisted separately on the National Register ofHistoric Places. This tour requires extensivewalking. The cost is $59. Seating is limitedto 50 people so register early. See theregistration form for details.

1 – 4 PMGainesway Farm & Arboretum / McConnell Springs Nature Park(SOLD OUT)Gainesway has a long history dating back to the late 1700s. Fast forward 200 years to when John Gaines, who conceived the idea of the Breeders’ Cup, brought his Gainesway operation to the farm. As a premier thoroughbred horse breeding facility, it was designated an arboretum by the American Public Gardens Association, which credited Gainesway as one of the most bio-diverse horse farms in the world. During this tour of the historic property, we will see some of the more than 1,500 acres of decorative plants, floral displays, and tree collections. Then it’s on to McConnell Springs Nature Park, the historic site where Lexington was first named in 1775 by a group of pioneer settlers. Stone walls and building foundations are scattered throughout the site and provide a chance to imagine what Lexington would have looked like in years past. Now a nature park managed by Lexington Parks and Recreation, McConnell Springs is a thriving hub of urban wildlife and native landscape. The Kentucky American Water Education Center sits at the front of the park to welcome you and provide information about the plants and animals you will find as you walk the nearly 2 miles of trail that wind through woodland and around the artesian springs that give the park its name. All trails are hard surface or covered with woodchips, but closed toe shoes are recommended. The cost is $49. Seating is limited to 35 people so register early. See the registration form for details.

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Thursday, September 27

Thursday, September 27

Afternoon/ The symposium kicks off with some competitive fun! The silent Evening auction is back and has unique gifts, jewelry, artwork, travel

vouchers, gift baskets, and so much more. Bidding begins in the afternoon and continues after the evening’s Celebration of America in Bloom Communities. Don’t worry about buying larger items. The hotel offers shipping services.

3:45 PM Behind-the-Scenes Landscape Tour of the Griffin Gate Resort(Special Registration Required) Perched in the rolling Bluegrass Country hills of Lexington, Kentucky, the Griffin Gate Resort has beautiful landscapes and an 18-hole championship golf course. On this special tour you will learn how the horticulture team plans, manages, and maintains the landscapes and golf course. You will also be the first to see the AIB Legacy Garden that will be unveiled during the symposium. There is no additional fee for this tour, but it is limited to 20 participants, see registration form for details.

4 PM Mayors and Elected Officials Reception (By Invitation Only) America in Bloom is pleased to present an educational and networking program designed exclusively for mayors and elected officials. Participants will network with their counterparts and hear presentations and testimonials from mayors and elected officials who have witnessed and experienced the many benefits of the AIB program. Hosted by former Arroyo Grande, California Mayor Tony Ferrara and current Lewisburg, West Virginia Mayor John Manchester, this forum is a must for all mayors and elected officials.

5 PM Opening Night Reception & Silent AuctionThis is an informal cash bar event for AIB community delegates to meet each other and participate in the AIB Silent Auction. Come early as there will be lots to see and do!

6:30 PM Celebration of America in Bloom Communities We kick off the Symposium with this dinner and celebration of your achievements. This is a time for food, fun, and awards! Each AIB community will be recognized for their efforts. All John R. Holmes III Community Champion nominees will be honored. This is where we celebrate YOU and what YOUR community is doing to make America bloom!

Friday, September 28

7:45 AM Showcase of Innovation OpensThe symposium is where we share best practices, ideas and solutions that work, and help one another make our communities stronger. The Showcase of Innovation features specially-invited exhibitors with innovative products and services relevant to AIB communities. Make a point to meet with each of them! They will be available until lunch time today.

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Symposium Program

8 AM Welcome to 17th AIB SymposiumAIB Symposium Chair Linda Hart and Lexington representatives will kick things off and prepare you for the days ahead.

8:30 AM Keynote Presentation: Why Flowers, Plants & Trees MatterScott Beuerlein, Horticulturalist at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical GardenOur future has never been more uncertain. Big challenges with climate and social issues await us, and never has horticulture been more important. Conversely, it can be argued that never has horticulture been less valued. Scott will present a big picture view of all that horticulture does to make our lives, homes, neighborhoods, and communities healthier, economically strong, and environmentally better, and why it needs to be a part of the solution.

9 AM Panel Presentation: What’s the Character of Your Community?The character of your community informs and enriches the experience of residents and visitors, even if we do not consciously notice it. In this three-part panel presentation, you will learn ways to recognize, celebrate, and protect your community’s unique character. Susan Speckert of the Fayette Alliance will speak about “Establishing a Growth Boundary.” Ed Hooker, Historic Architect with the National Cemetery Administration, will speak about “Protecting Your Community’s Heritage Assets.” Brandi Peacher of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government will speak about “Defining Your Sense of Place.”

9:45 AM Break

10 AM Panel Presentation: First Impressions Are Lasting ImpressionsIs your community putting its best foot forward to project an image of a livable community? It is not easy to overcome a bad first impression. In this three-part panel presentation, you’ll learn how the little things make a big difference in forming lasting impressions. AIB Judge Stephen Pategas will speak about “Gateway Features.” AIB Board Member and Judge Linda Cromer will speak on “Clean It Up.” Tony Abruscato of Chicago Gateway Green will share how to “Turn Blight into Right.”

10:45 AM Pecha Kucha Style Panel Presentation: Volunteers - How to Get ’Em & How to Keep ’EmFacilitator, Kristin Pategas, AIB JudgeHear from communities that have developed innovative and easy-to-implement solutions to find, keep, and recognize your In Bloom volunteers. Not only will you hear their story in the unique Pecha Kucha style, you’ll be able to take home strategies to get people more engaged.

11:45 AM Afternoon Sneak PeekThis program will prepare you for what to expect on this afternoon’s offsite events. First, we’ll learn about the University of Kentucky Arboretum that we’ll be visiting. Molly Davis, Arboretum Director, will share its history, importance to tourism, and its impact on the community. Then we’ll learn about Botherum, a charming historic Lexington estate we’ll be visiting for a unique reception. Botherum has been featured in numerous magazines showcasing the architecture, gardens, and history of the property.

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12:30 PM LunchEnjoy a casual picnic-style lunch on the Pavilion as you overlook the resort’s beautiful golf course and landscaped areas.

1:30 PM Buses Depart for Afternoon & Evening EventsHop on the bus! We’re heading into downtown Lexington for our afternoon and evening activities.

2 PM University of Kentucky Arboretum TourThe Arboretum, the State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, is a 100-acre greenspace located on the campus of the University of Kentucky in the heart of Lexington. On this tour you will enjoy three main features: the Walk Across Kentucky, the Home Demonstration Garden, and the Kentucky Children’s Garden. The Walk Across Kentucky is a 2-mile paved loop featuring wild-collected native plants from the 7 physiographic regions of Kentucky. The Home Demonstration Garden includes several outdoor “rooms” which model what gardeners can accomplish in their yards. Lastly, the Kentucky Children’s Garden is a place for children and their families to connect with and learn about plants and the environment.

4:30 PM Bourbon Tasting Reception at Historic BotherumWe’re in for a treat with a special reception at Historic Botherum, a home built in 1851 but given new life by owners Jon Carloftis and Dale Fisher. Built from Kentucky limestone and situated on a lot nearly an acre in size, Botherum is the largest residential property in downtown Lexington.

6 PM Downtown Dine-AroundDinner is on your own tonight. Make your own arrangements or participate in a dine-around. Dine-arounds are an opportunity to network, share, and learn over dinner. Tables for 6-12 guests will be held at local restaurants. Coordinate to dine with old AIB friends and make new ones. Transportation will be provided to and from the areas with dine-around restaurants. Self-guided walking tour information for the dine-around districts will be available for those wishing to explore our host city. To participate in the dine-around, you must sign up in advance. Sign-up information will be sent closer to the conference.

Saturday, September 29

7:45 AM Showcase of Innovation OpensThe symposium is where we share best practices, ideas and solutions that work, and help one another make our communities stronger. The Showcase of Innovation features specially-invited exhibitors with innovative products and services relevant to AIB communities. Make a point to meet with each of them! They will be available all morning.

8 AM America in Bloom – Where We Are & Where We’re Going John Manchester, AIB President & Mayor of Lewisburg, West VirginiaThese are exciting times at America in Bloom, as we prepare to launch new initiatives to engage with, inspire, and continue to help communities transform. John will share where AIB is now, but more importantly where we’re going.

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8:30 AM Keynote Presentation: Monetizing the Value of AIBCharlie Hall, Texas A&M UniversityEver wondered what the dollar value is of what we do as an organization? Ever tried to put that into words that municipal leaders will respond to? Ever tried to make a compelling case for volunteers to step up and participate in your In Bloom efforts? If these questions resonate with you, then you do not want to miss this session. Charlie will provide relevant data that helps quantify the benefits of AIB and the future research that is planned in this area.

9 AM Community ForumFacilitator, Leslie Pittenger, AIB Board Member and JudgeThis is your time to share your great ideas with other AIB community leaders. Each community will have an opportunity to share their best ideas and success stories so that others can learn from you. This session is guaranteed to fill your notebook with great ideas to take home.

10:30 AM Break

10:45 AM Meet with Your Judges: What They Look ForThese sessions are set up so that each 2018 AIB community can meet with their judges and delegates from other AIB communities. Get excellent insight into the ordinary and extraordinary things towns and cities are doing across America. Your judges will share what they saw during their visits to communities and how to enhance your town’s participation in AIB.

12:30 PM Buses Depart for Lunch & Community Tour of LexingtonToday you’ll get to experience the magic of Lexington, a unique combination of big city chic and southern hospitality. This “moving classroom” will showcase how Lexington’s business, residential, and municipal sectors work together to create a community steeped in history but pushing to the future. The guided tour will be 2.5 hours with breaks along the way. Bring your walking shoes!

5:30 PM Reception at Historic Mansion at Griffin GateBeautifully situated atop a grass knoll on the resort’s property, this historic two-story antebellum mansion has undergone a succession of distinguished owners and architectural improvements since it was built in the 19th century. During this final-night cash-bar reception you will learn about the mansion’s history, perhaps have a friendly encounter with the rumored ghost, and enjoy networking with other AIB communities. On the short walk to and from the mansion you’ll pass by the first-ever AIB Legacy Garden, created just for us by the horticulture team at the Griffin Gate.

6:45 PM America in Bloom Awards BanquetThe anticipation goes into high gear with more food, fun, and awards. This final-night event shines the spotlight on the transformative efforts being done in AIB communities.

Thursday, September 27

11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate & Lexington Cemetery Tour (Special Registration Required)

1 – 4 p.m. Gainesway Farm & Arboretum / McConnell Springs Nature Center Tour (SOLD OUT)

Afternoon Silent Auction Opens

3:45 – 4:30 p.m. Behind-the-Scenes Landscape Tour of the Griffin Gate Resort (Special Registration Required)

4 – 5:30 p.m. Mayor & Elected Leaders Reception (By Invitation Only)

5 – 6:15 p.m. Opening Night Reception & Silent Auction

6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Celebration of America in Bloom Communities

Friday, September 28

7:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Showcase of Innovation

8 – 8:30 a.m. Welcome to Annual America in Bloom Symposium

8:30 – 9 a.m. Keynote Presentation: Why Flowers, Plants & Trees Matter

9 – 9:45 a.m. Panel Presentation: What’s the Character of Your Community?

9:45 – 10 a.m. Break

10 – 10:45 a.m. Panel Presentation: First Impressions Are Lasting Impressions

10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Pecha Kucha: Volunteers – How to Get ‘Em & How to Keep ‘Em

11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Afternoon Sneak Peek

12:30 p.m. Lunch

1:30 p.m. Buses Depart for Afternoon and Evening Events

2 – 4:30 p.m. University of Kentucky Arboretum Tour

4:30 – 6 p.m. Bourbon Tasting Reception at Historic Botherum

6 – 9 p.m. Downtown Dine-Around

Saturday, September 29

7:45 – 11:30 a.m. Showcase of Innovation

8 – 8:30 a.m. AIB: Where We Are & Where We’re Going

8:30 – 9 a.m. Keynote Presentation: Monetizing the Value of AIB

9 – 10:30 a.m. Community Forum

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Meet With Your Judges: What They Look For

12:30 p.m. Buses Depart for Lunch & Lexington Community Tour

4:30 p.m. Buses Return to Hotel

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Reception at Historic Mansion at Griffin Gate

6:45 – 10 p.m. America in Bloom Awards Banquet

Schedule At-A-Glance

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First Name Last Name

Company Name (if applicable)

Mailing Address

City State Zip/Postal Code Country

Phone Number (including area code) E-mail Address

Please list any dietary restrictions:

Method of Payment (Registration will not be processed without payment.)

U.S. check/money order enclosed (Make payable to America in Bloom)

Charge my : ■ VISA ■ MasterCard ■ American Express

Account number:

Expiration date: V-Code:

Name as appears on card (please print)

Authorized signature: (I hereby agree to the terms and conditions of my card issuer agreement)

Billing Address (if different from mailing address)

City State Zip/Postal Code Country

Register online at www.AmericaInBloom.orgor send a copy of this registration form to:America in Bloom • PO Box 44005 • Columbus, OH 43204

P: 614-453-0744 • E: aib@AmericaInBloom.org

Please select one of the following packages:

Additional packages available:

Registration

■ Full registration - $345($395 after September 4)

■ Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate / Lexington CemeteryTour $59 (Thursday)

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Student rate (high school or college)

■ $175 for full conference ■ $95 for Saturday sessions,tour, and evening banquet

■ Behind-the-ScenesLandscape Tour of the GriffinGate Resort $0 (Thursday)

Will you participate in the Saturday afternoon Lexington Community Tour? ■ Yes ■ No

Cancellations made on or before September 4 will be refunded in full, minus a $25 processing fee.Cancellations made after September 4 are non-refundable.

■ Thursday AIB dinner andawards only – $125($150 after September 4)

■ Saturday AIB dinner andawards only – $125($150 after September 4)

■ Gainesway Farm & Arboretum/ McConnell Springs Nature Center Tour SOLD OUT

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