Be sure to order tickets for these special events and tours when you register.

Trade Show Meal Passes - New this Year
To make it convenient for attendees and exhibitors to grab a bite to eat while not missing out on valuable networking time, meal passes are available. Each pass includes:

• Thursday Breakfast in the Trade Show (8/11) - 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
• Thursday Lunch in the Trade Show (8/11) - 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Friday Lunch in the Trade Show (8/12) - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Cost: $52

Culinary Institute - Pre-Convention Tour
Hosted by the Ohio Christmas Tree Association
Tuesday, Aug. 9
10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• Join us for the opportunity to participate in a nationally recognized field to table hands-on experience at The Culinary Vegetable Institute. Sitting on approximately 100 acres, the Institute includes a 1,500 square foot state-of-the-art two-story kitchen, a culinary library, root cellar, wine cellar and experimental vegetable, forest and herb gardens. In addition to welcoming visiting chefs from around the world, the Institute provides fresh vegetables and herbs to many local restaurants. Attendees will tour the facilities and experience a fabulous meal made with ingredients fresh from the field.
• Cost: $55 (includes transportation and lunch). Buses will pick up and drop off at Sawmill Creek Resort. There is a minimum and maximum set for this tour so register early!

Willoway Nurseries - Pre-Convention Tour
Hosted by the Ohio Christmas Tree Association
Wednesday, Aug. 10
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• Willoway Nurseries Inc. is one of the largest wholesale growers of nursery stock in Ohio and ranks within the top 40 nationwide, encompassing 500 acres of field production, 1,000 acres of container stock and 5 acres of greenhouses. On this tour, attendees can see and learn from the state's largest pot-in-pot grower (with more than 65 acres in pot-in-pot production) and explore some of the latest technology and cultural techniques for nurseries and tree growers.
• Cost: $30 (includes transportation and tour). Buses will pick up and drop off at Sawmill Creek Resort. There is a minimum and maximum set for this event so register early!

Buckeye Bash Tailgate Party
Hosted by the Ohio Christmas Tree Association
Wednesday, Aug. 10
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• Kick off the Convention with food, fun and friends (and maybe a little football talk). Whether you're a fan of college or pro football - or just the food and parties - you will want to join us for this fun evening following the Opening General Session. Get a sneak peek at the Trade Show, feast on tailgate fare and network with old and new friends.
• Cost: $15 (includes a wristband that allows you to participate in all the festivities)

Theme Night - Rock 'n' Roll Beach Party
Hosted by the Ohio Christmas Tree Association
Thursday, Aug. 11
5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

• Take a stroll down memory lane - it's 1961 and rock 'n' roll is here to stay. Since Cleveland is the home of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, your Convention experience wouldn't be complete without this music-themed event. Experience dinner, live music, games, exquisite views and more right on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie!
• Cost: $70 (includes dinner and all activities)

• Join us for the closing reception and dinner on Friday night. During the banquet, the Christmas Tree and Wreath contest winners will be announced, along with other special awards and recognitions.
• Cost: $55