InVigorateU 2026
About the Event
InVigorateU is an annual education conference that not only offers great sessions and CEUs, but also offers a chance to reflect on what worked this season and collaborate with peers about what you might want to do differently in the next to get stronger results.
We invite an esteemed lineup of industry professionals and thought leaders to challenge us and plant new seeds. The emphasis of the sessions is on plants but the content is presented from many different perspectives, offering something for all segments including landscape professionals, nursery and greenhouse operations, garden centers. There are even sessions for irrigation contractors to stay current on standards and share best practices.
What makes this event special is the time allocated to networking with peers, which is the secret to our industry thriving long-term. The real value of these events is in shared experiences and strengthening connections that can offer support during the busy season.
Join us at InVigorateU and let’s grow together!
DoubleTree by Hilton
10 Brickyard Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701
309-664-6446
Room Rate – $121 per night – includes free parking, breakfast, and WiFi
Deadline to reserve at the room rate – January 6, 2026, or until block is fully booked.
Overflow Room Block Available
Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center, 1801 Eastland Dr, Bloomington, IL 61704
Room Rate – $121 per night – includes breakfast, WiFi, and parking
Guests should call Eastland Suites at 309-662-0000 and identify themselves as Landscape Illinois to receive the group rate before December 30, 2025 or click here to book online.
Committee Chair: Pete Worth, Kankakee Nursery Co
Associate Chair: Meagan Provencher, Wasco Nursery & Garden Center
Board Liaison: Michael Massat, The Growing Place Nursery & Flower Farm, Inc.
Kevin Collins, Chalet
Kim Hartmann, Rosborough Partners
Lauren Howell, Stuber Land Design
Abby Jacobs, Home Nursery Inc
Cathy Schroeder, Mariani Plants
Devon Kane, SiteOne Landscape Supply
Steve Raczak, Twixwood Nursery
Candi Scheuermann, Green View
Coming soon!
“InVigorateU is a phenomenal learning experience for everyone – regardless of how long you’ve been in the industry. The environment is very friendly, and my team always leaves the event feeling inspired.”
Jessica Gardner
Platt Hill Nursery
Carpentersville, IL
“InVigorateU says it all in the name. It is one of the first conferences of the season and doesn’t disappoint. It is so inspiring to see all your colleagues, see plants, and hear speakers that put you in the spirit of spring.”
Austin Eischeid
Austin Eischeid Garden Design LLC
Chicago, IL
“I love learning from leading green industry professionals who have a wealth of knowledge to share! Whether you’re interested in networking, discovering research and best practices, or brainstorming new ideas, InVigorateU will leave you inspired for the future!”
Maggie Thomas-Harper
Spring Grove Nursery
Mazon, IL
“Participating in InVigorateU is a great way to kick off a new season. From seeing other industry professionals to the great speakers & sessions, InVigorateU does not disappoint!”
Samuel Cottrell
Stoneleaf Nursery
Eureka, IL
We’re back at Lil Beaver Brewery for the social event with plant-related trivia categories!
Lil Beaver Brewery
5 Finance Dr.
Bloomington, IL 61704
Ph. 309-808-2590
lilbeaverbrewery.com
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm
Trivia play 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost – $65 per person
Event registration includes appetizers, salad, main course, dessert, non-alcoholic beverages, and three alcoholic drink tickets. It also includes trivia play.
NOTE: This is a separate ticketed event and you must pre-register before the conference. On-site registration will not be available.
2026 EXHIBITORS
Blue Grass Farms
Carlin Horticultural Supplies
Compeer Financial
Dayton Bag & Burlap
Doty Nurseries
Envu Turf and Ornamentals
First Editions Shrubs & Trees
Forrest Keeling Nursery
Goodmark Nurseries
Harrell’s
Hoffie Nursery Inc
Home Nursery
Hortica
Johnson’s Nursery
Kankakee Nursery Co
Mariani Plants
Midwest Groundcovers
Midwest Stihl
Midwest Trading
National Nursery Products
Nufarm
Oak Bros Tree Care & Removal
Proven Winners Color Choice Flowering Shrubs
Russo Power Equipment
Sester Farms
Spring Grove Nursery
St. Louis Composting
Stoneleaf Nursery
The Fields on Caton Farm
The Pizzo Group
Twixwood Nursery
Wilson Nurseries & Landscape Supply, Inc
Woody Warehouse Nursery, Inc
Exhibitors: Please download and review the 2026 guidelines prior to the event.
Join us for an exchange of ideas on trending topics. This is one of the most popular sessions every year and you’ll find that some of the tables are standing room only! Select a topic and participate in 25 minutes of moderated discussion. You will switch tables three times. Exhibitors & sponsors are highly encouraged to participate, as this is a great chance to meet new people and share knowledge.
More information coming soon!
Organizer: Kellie Schmidt
Click here to contact [email protected] for further information about this event.
THANKS TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS!
PREMIER SPONSOR
EVENT SPONSORS
EDUCATION SPONSORS
SOCIAL EVENT SPONSORS
ROUND TABLE SPONSOR
LANYARD SPONSOR
NOTEPAD SPONSOR
LUNCH SPONSORS
BEVERAGE SPONSORS
RAFFLE SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Goodmark Nurseries