2026 FALL EVENT SESSIONS, SPEAKERS & FACILITATORS
Brian Blasko & John Kennedy

The Fall Event is all about sharing, learning, and growing. And this year's event is packed full of incredible networking and learning opportunities.

Our speakers and facilitators are leaders in the industry – thought leaders who embody The Group's spirit of ingenuity and entrepreneurial drive. These powerful sessions with inspired thinkers can shape your future in the ever-evolving world of garden retailing. Be ready to dive in, share, and learn – and Get Connected in Cleveland!

Although The Fall Event Program officially begins at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 28, 2026, you have the opportunity to participate in optional sessions on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. See The Fall Event 2026 Schedule for a complete list of activities and rooms. 

BRIAN BLASKO is a highly motivated, nationally known speaker, trainer, and author. His programs have been inspiring individual and organizational growth for over 27 years. He is the “go-to” guy when it comes to leadership, motivation, team building, and personal development. This celebrated author of 2 books, Cruisin’ Through Life At 35 MPH and Sending Signals, has a Master's Degree in interpersonal communication, collegiate-level teaching experience, and is a member of the National Speakers Association.

Every year, clients throughout the country depend on Brian to recharge their organization and employees. Always the fun communicator, his contagious energy encourages others to feel comfortable about themselves and their personal development. Brian’s message rings true with organizations and audiences of all shapes and sizes.

Driven by his sincere interest in others and a genuine passion for public speaking, Brian enthusiastically invites you to discover and maximize your own personal potential!

Over the last 29 years, JOHN KENNEDY has presented to nearly 750,000 audience members worldwide, delivering a dramatic and sustainable impact on scores of companies and associations within the horticulture industry.

His extensive client list includes Proven Winners, Willoway Nurseries, AmericanHort, The Garden Center Group, TNLA, FarWest/OAN, FNGLA, NNBA, Sabal Landscape Solutions, Earth Works, Meadows Farms, and over 100 state associations, landscapers, growers, farms, nurseries, and independent garden centers throughout North America.

John specializes in strategic planning, onboarding/retention, leadership development & teamwork, and building accelerated and engaged sales cultures within the horticulture industry.

He and his wife, Souny, are co-founders of BoomerWrangle, LLC—a digital workplace solutions agency that brings big-business solutions to small to medium-sized horticulture businesses.

The Fall Event 2026 QuickLinks: