Introduction
We are delighted to invite you to our 55th Fleuroselect Annual Convention in Philadelphia, USA, from 14-16 July 2026!
Together with our longstanding member company W. Atlee Burpee, we are looking forward to welcoming you in America's garden capital Philadelphia to explore the rich tradition of gardens and horticultural heritage of the region. Re-connect with your Fleuroselect peers from around the world and take the opportunity to meet with members of the American Home Garden Seed Association.
See you in Philly!
Tuesday 14th July
Optional: Guided tour through Philadelphia city centre | 12:00 - 16:00
Early arrivers on Tuesday have the possibility to join the optional guided walking tour through central Philadelphia. As the official convention programme focusses on horticultural highlights, we herewith offer the opportunity to immerse yourselves in the history and culture of the birthplace of American independence, which celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026.
Signing up is possible through below online registration form.
Optional: Board meeting | 12:00 - 16:00
Fleuroselect board members are kindly invited to join the board meeting in the afternoon.
Get-together drinks and dinner | 17:00
The convention programme kicks-off with our traditional get-together drinks and dinner at the hotel - perfect occasion to indulge in local cuisine and catch up with your colleagues.
Wednesday 15th July
Lucas Greenhouses
On Wednesday, the programme foresees a full day of horticultural visits. After breakfast, we will head to Lucas Greenhouses, one of the largest growers on the east coast. With nearly 185.000 m2 of greenhouses and more than 140.000 m2 of outdoor production, they are able to produce up to 55 million rooted cuttings per year, as well as hundreds of thousands of hanging baskets, pots and planters.
Upon arrival, our hosts will give attendees an introduction into their operations and history, followed by a guided tour of the greenhouses and individual time on the impressive trial fields.
Fordhook Farm & Gardens
After lunch, we will head to Burpee's Fordhook Farm - the first experimental seed-breeding and trialing farm of its kind in the US. Acquired in 1888 by founder Washington Atlee Burpee, Fordhook Farm quickly became a cornerstone of American horticulture. Today, it remains one of few still operating historic seed-trial farms. Current owner George Ball and his wife Maureen kindly invite our delegation to visit the company's landmark venue.
After a company introduction upon arrival, attendees will get the chance to visit the multiple Fordhook Gardens. In addition to Burpee's extensive flower, herb and vegetable assortment, these will also include special displays dedicated to seed mixes celebrating 250 years of American Independence. The Fleuroselect Annual Trial and the current Gold Medal and FleuroStar winners will be grown especially for the occasion. The day will conclude with drinks and dinner on-site, to end the day in a beautiful horticultural setting.
Thursday 16th July
Annual General Meeting | 08:00 - 10:30
Thursday morning will kick-off with the Annual General Meeting where our Board of Directors will provide an update on the current activities, strategy and finances. Fleuroselect candidate-members will moreover take the stage to introduce themselves to the group.
Roundtable with American Home Garden Seed Association
Floriculture in the US vs. in the EU - challenges & opportunities
The programme continues with a networking highlight with the American Home Garden Seed Association. In a dynamic roundtable, the challenges and opportunities of floriculture in the United States and the European Union will be discussed. The roundtable is followed by a joint lunch and garden visit (tbc), offering the opportunity to deepen the mutual exchange.
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum | Gold Medal Ceremony
After a short break at the hotel, we will depart towards the Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum which will set a worthy stage for awarding the 2027 Fleuroselect gold medals and conclude our annual convention.
The historic estate on the banks of the Delaware River encompasses roughly 202.000 m2 of gardens and woodlands. By having evolved with American horticulture and landscape tradition for over 200 years, the site carries strong cultural heritage and plays a role in conserving biodiversity. The woodlands and historic arboretum feature hundreds of tree species, among which many unique cultivars.
Our programme foresees refreshments and guided tours in the gardens before celebrating the Fleuroselect Gold Medal winners during our closing dinner and award ceremony.
Friday 17th July
Optional: Fleuroselect Golf Tournament
All golf enthusiasts among our members are kindly invited to join the yearly Fleuroselect golf tournament on Friday 17th. More information to follow in due time, registration is possible through the online registration form below.
Partner Programme
Accompanying partners are most welcome to join the convention. A dedicated programme will be put together, allowing to dive deeper into Philadelphia's history and culture.
Programme elements include:
- The Philadelphia Art Museum & Rocky Stairs: Iconic museum featuring major art collections. The front steps are famously known from the Rocky movies and offer panoramic views.
- A guided tour through the city's rich historical centre
Fun fact: Did you know that Philadelphia was the capital of the United States for 10 years from 1790 to 1800 before Washington D.C. was established as permanent capital?
Hotel & Travel Advice
The Alloy King of Prussia, a DoubleTree by Hilton
The Alloy King of Prussia is a modern full-service hotel with comprehensive conference facilities located in King of Prussia, a corporate hub just outside Philadelphia. On-site amenities include free WiFi, a fitness centre and curated dining options.
Room booking is available through the hotel's online booking page. The dedicated link to access the Fleuroselect rates was shared with the mail invitation. Please contact us directly if you have not yet received it.
Room price: 181$ / night
Travel advice
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the closest major airport, located about 26 miles (42 km) from the hotel. The most convenient option is a taxi or rideshare (50-60$ via Uber or Lyft) which typically takes around 35 minutes depending on traffic.
The hotel is located at the crossroads of the interstate highways I-76 and I-276.
On-site parking is available at 8,50$ / day.
Public transport is possible by taking the Airport Line (AIR) to 30th Street Station in central Philadelphia and then transferring to a regional train or bus towards King of Prussia. However, be advised that the journey takes 1,5 to 2 hours on average and is much less convenient than arriving by car. The closest stop to the hotel is the King of Prussia Transit Center.
Programme
Tuesday 14th July
| 12:00-16:00 | Optional: Guided tour to Philadelphia centre | Independence Hall, Liberty Bell |
| 12:00-16:00 | Board Meeting |
| 17:00 | Networking drinks |
| 18:00 | Get-together dinner |
Wednesday 15th of July
| 08:00 | Bus to Lucas Greenhouses |
| 09:15 | Arrival & Coffee |
| 09:45 | Company presentation |
| 10:30 | Tour of the greenhouses |
| 11:30 | Individual visit trial field |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30 | Bus to Fordhook Farm |
| 15:00 | Arrival, introduction & company presentation |
| 15:30 | Coffee break |
| 16:00 | Visit Fordhook Gardens & Burpee Trials |
| 17:30 | Drinks |
| 18:15 | Dinner |
| 20:15 | Departure back to hotel |
| 21:00 | Arrival at hotel |
Thursday 16th of July
| 08:00 | Annual General Meeting |
| 10:30 | Coffee break |
| 11:15 | Roundtable discussion jointly with the American Home Garden Seed Association Floriculture in the US vs EU: challenges & opportunities |
| 12:30 | Lunch & garden visit with the American Home Garden Seed Association |
| 14:30 | Return to hotel |
| 15:00 | Arrival hotel |
| 16:00 | Departure to Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum |
| 17:00 | Arrival & refreshments |
| 17:15 | Guided garden tours |
| 18:15 | Drinks |
| 19:00 | Closing dinner & award ceremony |
| 21:00 | Departure back to hotel |
Friday 17th of July
Optional golf tournament
Partner Programme
- Philadelphia Art Museum & Rocky stairs
- Guided tour + individual time in Philadelphia centre
Sources:
- Adobe Stock, www.stock.adobe.com
- Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum, www.andalusiapa.org
- Burpee, www.burpee.com
- Cultivate, www.cultivateevent.org
- Longwood Gardens, www.longwoodgardens.org
- Lucas Greenhouses, www.lucasgreenhouses.com
- Smithsonian Libraries, www.sil.si.edu
- Star® Roses and Plants, www.starrosesandplants.com
- The Alloy King of Prussia Hilton Hotel, www.thealloyhotel.com
- The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia, www.philadelphiaencyclopedia.org
- Visit Philadelphia, visitphilly.com