2ND ANNUAL
Think Natives First™
Plant Conference 2026
presented by Native Forest Nursery
sPECIFY iT rIGHT.
nATIVE pLANTS FROM pLAN TO pERFORMANCE
Tuesday, August 11
8:00a – 5:00p
Gwinnett Technical College
5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building A
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Have Tickets? Now What?
On behalf of Root Local and the full TNF Plant Conference committee, we thank you for your support of the 2nd Annual Think Natives FirstTM Plant Conference presented by Native Forest Nursery. We are planning a wonderful day that should prove informative and fun for everyone. We are glad to have you involved. Below is information about getting to the conference, when you should arrive, and what to expect.
Conference Details
Doors:
8:00a (updated time)
Registration & Morning Networking:
8:00a – 9:00a
Location:
Gwinnett Technical College, Building A, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville
Directions:
Located off 316 in Lawrenceville at the Sugarloaf exit.
- Use the address above in GPS to get to the campus.
- There are two entrances off Sugarloaf Parkway. Both are viable in getting to the conference location; the Main College entrance closest to 316, not the 2nd entrance further away from the highway, is closest to the venue.
Other Details:
The Opening Workshop begins at 9:00a. The conference will officially begin at 10:00a.
Lunch, snacks, and the networking event* is included in most tickets.
The conference will conclude at 5:00p.
Plan your day by checking out the schedule of events before Tuesday.
All sessions have been approved for continuing education credit. To earn CEUs/PDHs, remember to provide your name and email address on the sign-up sheet for each session. Certificates of completion will be sent after the conference. Session certification provided through ASLA, courtesy of Roundstone Native Seeds, LLC.
Networking Details:
The After Conference Networking Event, sponsored by The Long Drink will begin immediately following the conference at the Overstory Rooftop Bar, located inside the the Westin Sugarloaf (2.8 miles – 6450 Sugarloaf Parkway, 9th Floor).
Due to regulations around alcohol on campus property, the networking event is occurring offsite. If the Networking event was included in your ticket, an additional response is needed to attend. Please RSVP with the link received in your confirmation email. Only “Yes” responses need to reply. Apologies for the second step.
Reduced Waste event:
Beverages will be served in their aluminum cans that will be recycled at the end of the day. Please look for designated bins specifically for the cans. To reduce the need for plastic water bottles, Gwinnett Tech has water refill stations throughout the building for your convenience. Please bring a reusable water bottle with you for refilling during the day.
Full schedule:
Our full schedule for the day and lineup of speakers can be found on the Speaker page.
Attire:
Casual + comfortable. Dress for indoor comfort and moderate walking.
Still need tickets?
This year’s theme, “Specify It Right: Native Plants from Plan to Performance,” is designed specifically for professionals responsible for writing and executing project specifications. The conference focuses on practical, applicable strategies that improve project outcomes, not just theory.
Attendees will gain:
- PDH/CEU credits aligned with professional licensure requirements
- Practical guidance on writing enforceable, native-forward specifications
- Strategies to align plant selection with site conditions, stormwater goals, and long-term performance
- Insight into reducing maintenance costs, improving resilience, and meeting sustainability benchmarks
- Tools to navigate common challenges like value engineering, plant availability, and client expectations
This is not a passive learning experience. Sessions are built around real project scenarios, including a flagship workshop on replacing commonly specified non-native or invasive plants with high-performing native alternatives.
Read and download the full conference press release.
Attend the Conference
General Admission
Student: $75
Professional: $150
Each ticket includes:
- One (1) ticket to the full conference, presented by Native Forest Nursery
- Access to Vendor area, sponsored by Roundstone Native Seeds, and our after-conference networking event, sponsored by The Long Drink Co., following the conference*
- Light refreshments throughout the day
- Lunch, provided by Marlow’s Tavern
- PDH/CEUs (where applicable)
- Listing on EMMA, the Eco-Map of Metro Atlanta (where applicable)
- Complimentary membership to the TNF Green Coalition ($50 value; kicking off Fall 26)
*Due to restrictions on campus at GTC, our after conference networking get-together, sponsored by The Long Drink Co., will be held at the Overstory Rooftop Bar, Westin Sugarloaf, 6450 Sugarloaf Parkway, 9th Floor. Admission is included with a conference ticket, but additional reservation is required. The link will be emailed to you after you reserve your conference ticket.
who IS attendING?
The Think Natives Firsttm Plant Conference presented by Native Forest Nursery brings together professionals, advocates, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of sustainable landscapes. Attendees come to exchange ideas, build meaningful connections, and gain practical strategies that drive real industry change. You’ll meet others equally committed to environmental stewardship while forming relationships and collaborations designed to continue growing long after the conference ends.
Get Involved
We’re bringing together the professionals and advocates shaping the future of sustainable landscapes for conversations that spark collaboration, practical solutions, and real industry change.
Register to attend and connect with vendors, exhibitors, and experts focused on native plants, biodiversity, stormwater solutions, and climate-positive landscape practices. Learn cost-effective strategies that transform traditional landscapes into thriving ecosystems.
Register as a vendor/exhibitor to showcase your solutions to an engaged audience actively seeking sustainable products and services. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels to fit every budget.
Root Local is NOT the expert; we are the backbone organization supporting the understanding and adoption of the yards and greenspaces of the future – living, thriving, and sustainable environments. All proceeds support Root Local’s mission to connect people, businesses, and communities to local environmental action and measurable impact across Metro Atlanta.
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