The Great Southern Tree Conference is back!

Mark your calendars for November 19–20, 2025, in Gainesville, FL.

This year’s event will build on what made past conferences a success with cutting-edge research, outdoor demonstrations, and valuable networking while expanding to include even more for landscape professionals and tree producers alike.

The GSTC began as a one-of-a-kind educational experience, bringing together practical field demonstrations with the latest research. That tradition continues, now with new leadership from Dr. Ryan Klein, building on the strong foundation laid by Dr. Ed Gilman. With 70% of all partner contributions going directly to support UF’s Arboriculture Unit, your support helps shape the future of our industry.

John Conroy has a decades-long history of service and dedication to Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. From promoting tree varieties, to sharing knowledge on topics such as Florida Grades and Standards for Palms, to regularly offering up his company Fish Branch Tree Farm, Inc. as a learning space for educational programming, John has supported the industry’s growth and education.

For these reasons and more, FNGLA recognized John as its 2024 FNGLA Hall of Fame Inductee.

Award Criteria: A lifetime achievement award given to an individual who has given unselfishly of their time and effort having contributed to the industry through pioneering, teaching, production, legislation, marketing, services or research.