Your questions.
Answered.

Last year’s seminar program saw a 20% increase in attendance, a new room (Adams), Homegrown/Homestead Day (which created a 10% increase on Sunday), an 84% increase in DIY Demo Stage attendance, plus a 25% increase in book sales!

• Hands-on Workshop Studio! Due to popular demand, we’re adding another educational option to the seminar lineup. Hands-on Workshops will be in an area called the Creative Studio, adjacent to the Adams Room and Meet & Greet Cafe (you can’t miss it!)
• We’ll be hosting the world premiere of Jennifer Jewell’s new public television show, The Power of Gardeners, on Saturday, February 20
• Non-authors will have an opportunity to meet with attendees after their presentations at the Meet & Greet Cafe, where you can visit, have photos taken at a Step & Repeat and socialize with your seminar attendees and other fans

IMPORTANT NOTE: Whatever BUSINESS name and address you put on your form is who the check will be made payable to and where it will be sent.

UPLOAD DOCUMENTS HERE

Please upload a W-9 or W-8BEN by November 15, 2026 if:

• You have never spoken at the Festival before
• It has been 5+ years since you last spoke at the Festival
• You were a speaker in 2026 and your information has changed since last year (new business address, business name, personal name, etc.)

You can find a template HERE

Upload Info:

• Please name the file you’re uploading with your last name
• Please submit your name and email when prompted, along with the W-9/W-8BEN, for faster processing
• Uploads are secure and only used for payment purposes

If the upload form does not load, open the speaker upload form.

Here’s the discount link for the Sheraton Grand Seattle (across the street from the Convention Center)

These discounted rooms fill up fast, so don’t procrastinate!

2027 rate: $179/night

Included in the rate:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• 15% discount at Fountain Bar, excluding Happy Hour and alcohol
• 25% parking discount
• Waived $25 destination fee

We’ll be offering an optional PR briefing and speaker Q&A on Tuesday, January 19 at: 4pm PT / 5pm MT / 6pm CT / 7pm ET

• Get tips and information from the Festival PR team about promoting your appearance
• Invitations will be sent in December
• Please read the FAQ before you attend
• The team will be happy to answer any other questions that need clarification

• Assets will be available October 15, 2026
• An email will be sent when they are posted
• 2027 Festival Theme: Where Magic Blooms!

• GardenShow.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/nwfgs
• Instagram: instagram.com/nwfgs
• Be sure to tag the Festival on your posts and we’ll share! You are also welcome to make the Festival a collaborator

#NWFGF #NorthwestFlowerAndGardenFestival #NWFGF27 #MagicBlooms #GardenShow #FindMe@TheFestival

GardenComm members can also use #GardenComm

October/November

• Tickets and the 2027 Festival website launch October 23, 2026, making it a great time for your first Save the Date post
• Your photo, bio and session description(s) will be live on GardenShow.com, giving you something specific to share with your followers
• We’ll also be promoting speakers through Festival social channels, so be sure to follow and engage with Festival posts
• Promote early if your followers are around the country so they have time to arrange flights and hotels
• Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotions offer special pricing - we don’t offer the speaker discount until after this window.

Holidays

• Festival tickets make great holiday gifts!

January

• Early January is a great time to ramp up your Festival promotion
• The 3-4 weeks immediately before the Festival are time to promote in earnest

Anytime

• Have a newsletter or podcast? Let us know if you need graphics or other promotional assets
• Ticket giveaways work well during the two weeks leading up to the Festival for followers local to the Pacific NW. To encourage out-of-town (or state) visitors, do a ticket giveaway earlier

Tickets, links and codes will be provided after the conclusion of the Festival’s Cyber Monday sale in November.

Yes, please! Every speaker receives five digital tickets to share with friends or use for social giveaways.

• Digital ticket codes will be sent in early February
• Distribute them at your discretion to friends or giveaway winners
• If you need additional comps for giveaways or other promotional purposes, just let us know

Have a social media promotion or PR/story idea? Reach out anytime:

Festival Marketing

• Corene Caley: CoreneC@mpeshows.com
• LaManda Joy: NWFGFSeminars@mpeshows.com

Festival PR

Revolution PR
Carolyn Riesinger
503-312-4265
carolyn@revolutionpr.com

There is no Press Room at the Festival.

705 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101

• A Welcome Package containing your Festival admission badge and other information will be waiting for you at Will Call at the main Atrium entrance (at the top of the big escalator)
• Proceed to the Seminar Level (3rd floor, Tahoma Level) and check in at the VIP Speaker & Influencer Lounge, just past the Hood Room
• Swag, goodies, comfy chairs, a work area and a secure place to leave your belongings are available in the VIP Lounge
• We can’t wait to see you!

• Plan to arrive at the Festival at least 90 minutes before your presentation
• The Festival is really big and you’d be surprised how long it takes to navigate through it to get to the Seminar Level (3rd floor, Tahoma Level)
• Presenters bringing substantial materials or using the loading dock/freight elevator should allow additional time

• Rainier Room, Hood Room, Adams Room, DIY Stage, Hands-on Workshop Studio, Third Place Books Bookshop & Signing Station plus Meet & Greet Cafe: Cross the SkyBridge to North Hall, turn right and follow signs to the Conference Center (3rd floor, Tahoma Level). Take the escalator or elevator down one level
• Main Stage: Back of North Hall
• House of Plants: North Hall Plant Market, space 2618
• Traveler’s Tea: Outside the City Living entrance

The VIP Lounge is located just past the Hood Room on the Seminar Level (3rd floor, Tahoma Level) and is sponsored in 2027 by Epic Gardening.

• Check in with Festival staff when you arrive
• Your Welcome Package includes the badge that gives you access to the Lounge
• Safely leave your belongings, get some swag and snacks, relax, work or network with other presenters and local influencers
• LaManda Joy, Seminar and Judging Manager, and the VIP Lounge staff will be available to assist you
• If you would like to bring a guest to the Lounge for more than one day, please let us know and we’ll provide a VIP pass

We are committed to helping new speakers flourish at NWFGF and beyond!

• If you need assistance with your presentation, suggestions on layout, have general questions or need support, send a note to NWFGFSeminars@mpeshows.com
• We have resources and people available to help you get ready for your first Festival
• For 2027, we’ve scheduled many new or first-time speakers in the Adams Room, a smaller (250 seats), more intimate space than our larger rooms

Welcome to the roster of excellent horticultural communicators that NWFGF is famous for. We’re glad you’re here!

The Festival is highly regarded for its strong commitment to factual, well-researched and well-presented horticultural education.

• Audiences range from deeply rooted plant fanatics who effortlessly recite botanical Latin to budding “grewbies” just beginning their adventures in gardening
• Most attendees garden in Zones 7-8 and come primarily from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, with additional attendees from California, Idaho, Alaska, Montana and other areas around the country
• In 2026, we welcomed visitors from 36 states as well as overseas guests

Important: If you’re not from the Pacific Northwest, check out Great Plant Picks for appropriate substitutions for plants in your seminar that are not hardy (or legal) in our region.

Great Plant Picks features tried-and-true plants that are appropriate for the Pacific Northwest and usually available at PNW nurseries.

No infomercials! Attendees are excited to learn from you, not to be sold to.

• Festival volunteers will introduce you and mention your book, booth location and/or business name if you are an exhibitor
• Please refrain from logos and contact information on every slide. Save that for your introduction and concluding slide
• Your concluding slide is the perfect place for contact information, social handles and book or business information. Leave it up during questions so attendees have time to capture the details
• ProTips (digital handouts available on GardenShow.com after your presentation) are another excellent opportunity to share information about your book and/or business

Presenters who do not respect the educational nature of the seminars will not be invited back.

• All presentations are 60 minutes, except Traveler’s Tea
• Specific timing and other instructions for each presentation type are included below

Rainier Room (Seats 425+)

• Located on the Seminar Level (3rd floor, Tahoma Level)
• Two screens with dual projection
• Podium or lavalier mic available
• Lectern, table, clock and bottled water provided
• Overhead lights are kept at 40% so audience can take notes

Hood Room (Seats 450+)

• Located on the Seminar Level (3rd floor, Tahoma Level)
• One screen/projector
• Podium or lavalier mic available
• Lectern, table, clock and bottled water provided
• Overhead lights are kept at 40% so audience can take notes

Adams Room (Seats 250+)

• Located on the Seminar Level (3rd floor, Tahoma Level)
• One screen/projector
• Podium or lavalier mic available
• Lectern, table, clock and bottled water provided
• Alternate seating area for podcast sessions has one chair + couch up to three
• Overhead lights are kept at 40% so audience can take notes

DIY Stage (Seats 200)

• Located on the Seminar Level (3rd floor, Tahoma Level)
• Camera projects work surface onto courtesy monitors
• No other projection/screens; demos only; no slides
• Headset mic provided for presenter
• Two eight-foot tables
• Clock, tissues and bottled water
• 10’ x 20’ unsecured storage behind stage

Hands-on Workshop Studio (Seats 45)

• Located on the Seminar Level (3rd floor, Tahoma Level)
• 55” monitor displays basic slides
• “Disco” wireless headphones and mic
• All attendees wear headphones
• 8’ table, clock, bottled water
• Daylight/windows and overhead only

Main Stage (Seats 350)

• Located on the Main (4th) Festival Floor
• Camera/work surface to courtesy monitors
• No other projection/screens
• Headset mics for presenters, handheld mics for hosts
• Two 8’ tables
• Clock/tissues/bottled water
• Lots of unsecured backstage storage

Traveler’s Tea (Seats 120)

• Located on the Main (4th) Festival Floor in the City Living entrance lobby
• One screen/projector
• Podium/lavalier
• Lectern/table/clock/bottled water

House of Plants

• Located in North Hall Plant Market space 2618
• Voice amplifier
• Small table for showcase/quick demo
• Clock/tissues/bottled water

We call attendee handouts ProTips.

• ProTips are greatly encouraged and very appreciated by attendees
• To conserve paper, ProTips are provided digitally on GardenShow.com and will be posted the evening of your presentation
• They can be any length and portrait or landscape format, but must be submitted as a PDF
• ProTips are a great place to share additional information and promote your business, book, courses, etc.
• Please do not bring paper copies to your session. When one presenter distributes handouts, attendees begin expecting them from other presenters, which creates confusion, extra work for room docents and wasted paper

Upload your ProTip using the upload link at the top of this FAQ by January 30, 2027. Please do not email it.

• Authors should proceed immediately to the Third Place Books Book Signing Station on the Seminar Level (3rd floor, Tahoma Level). Attendees will often follow you to continue asking questions and to get their books signed
• Not an author (yet!)? Invite attendees to join you at the Meet & Greet Cafe immediately after your session to continue the conversation

• NWFGF provides the list of seminars to the Washington State University Extension Service
• Seminars are selected by WSU for Master Gardener continuing education (CE) credits by a panel of educators
• NWFGF has no input regarding which seminars are selected for CE credits
• The show website and various printed materials will designate which sessions are WSU Extension CE approved

This applies to presentations in the Rainier, Hood and Adams Rooms.

Seminar Timing

• Seminars are 60 minutes
• Allow five minutes for staff to introduce you, brief sponsor messages and other updates
• We recommend leaving 5-15 minutes for audience questions
• Room docents will signal you when you have 10 minutes remaining
• Sessions cannot run over. Please be courteous to presenters following you

Do I need to bring my own computer?

Yes, unless you are participating in a panel discussion. Panelists do not need to bring a computer.

• If you don’t have a laptop computer, please let us know ASAP
• If you have a Mac, please bring an HDMI adapter
• Our AV tech (Fred the Fabulous) and his team will assist you in setting up your computer
• Please bring your power charger. An extension cord will be provided
• It is wise to bring a backup USB drive just in case

IMPORTANT: There is no Wi-Fi on the Seminar Level (3rd floor, Tahoma Level). Your presentation must be completely self-contained on your computer and cannot require an internet connection.

Is Wi-Fi available in the seminar rooms? VERY IMPORTANT

NO. There is no Wi-Fi available in the seminar rooms. This is so important we are repeating it at least twice.

• Live streaming is not possible
• Presentations cannot use Google Slides or other formats requiring an internet connection
• Videos, music and other presentation elements cannot be streamed

This caused serious delays (and freak-outs) in 2026 when presenters did not follow these directions. You don’t want to live in infamy… please cooperate!

What format/software should I use for my presentation?

• PowerPoint or Keynote
• Presentations should be set up in 16:9 format
• Do not use PDF files
• Music and videos must be embedded in your presentation, not separate files
• It is wise to bring a backup USB drive just in case

DIY Stage sessions are live demonstrations rather than slide presentations.

Presentation Format

• Sessions are 60 minutes
• DIY presentations are demonstrations only. Slides cannot be used on the DIY Stage
• A camera projects your work surface onto two courtesy monitors so attendees can see what you’re doing
• A headset mic is provided so your hands remain free during the demonstration
• Please bring all materials and tools needed for your demonstration

Materials, Storage & Loading

• Dedicated storage is available behind the DIY Stage, and materials may remain there until you are ready to collect them
• Materials may be brought to the DIY storage area the day before your presentation when appropriate
• Many presenters simply bring their materials into the Festival on a cart. If your demonstration requires loading dock or freight elevator access, our DIY Producer will help coordinate those arrangements
• If you are bringing a substantial amount of material, allow additional time beyond the standard 90-minute arrival time to get everything into the building and through the Festival Floor

At the Festival

• Check in as usual at the VIP Lounge
• Connect with Theo, our DIY Producer, when you arrive. Theo will also contact you a few weeks before the Festival to discuss your demonstration and any special loading/logistical needs
• Theo and the production team will handle the reset between demonstrations

Hands-on Workshops are a new, interactive Festival experience where attendees learn by doing and leave with something they’ve created.

• Women’s Work Gloves is the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Hands-on Workshop Studio and will provide gardening gloves for every workshop participant
• Women’s Work owner Heather Cameron will help welcome participants, introduce presenters and be on hand throughout each workshop as a helper/runner

Workshop Format

• Hands-on Workshops are 60 minutes
• The majority of workshop time should be devoted to hands-on instruction and actually doing the project
• Each attendee will leave with something they have made, planted or created during the workshop
• Slides may be used to support instruction, but the workshop should not be structured as a seminar or slide presentation
• Presenters using slides must bring their own laptop
• Presenters will use a wireless microphone, and all attendees will wear “Disco” wireless headphones to hear the presenter

Materials & Kits

• Workshop materials and kits will be coordinated individually with each presenter by our workshop producer
• Whenever possible, materials will be sourced locally by the Festival rather than shipped by presenters
• If you are supplying or shipping kit materials, they will need to arrive in advance so attendee kits can be prepared before the workshop. See Shipping Instructions in Miscellaneous for important dates and details

At the Festival

• Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before your workshop

The Main Stage is located at the back of the North Hall on the Main (4th) Festival Floor.

Here’s what’s happening on the Main Stage and what you need to know for your program.

Blooms & Bubbles

Blooms & Bubbles is presented in partnership with Slow Flowers Society and Seattle Wholesale Growers Market.

• Blooms & Bubbles presenters are part of the NWFGF speaker roster and should review the general information in this FAQ, including important dates, W-9/W-8BEN requirements, Festival promotion and on-site information
• Debra Prinzing will coordinate directly with Blooms & Bubbles presenters regarding presentation format, materials, timing and other program-specific details
• All other general speaker information, deadlines and benefits outlined in this FAQ apply to Blooms & Bubbles presenters

Container Showdown and Other Main Stage Programs

Main Stage presentations also include Container Showdown and other special speakers.

• Presenters should report to Julia, our Main Stage Manager, 90 minutes before their scheduled presentation
• Julia will provide instructions when you arrive

Hydrangea Happy Hour

Hydrangea Happy Hour is presented by First Editions Shrubs & Trees and takes place Thursday through Saturday on the Main Stage.

• Hydrangea Happy Hour presenters are part of the NWFGF speaker roster and should review the general information in this FAQ
• First Editions Shrubs & Trees will coordinate directly with presenters regarding presentation format, materials, timing and other program-specific details
• All other general speaker information, deadlines and benefits outlined in this FAQ apply to Hydrangea Happy Hour presenters

Traveler’s Tea is a special ticketed event featuring a full British tea, presentation and Q&A.

• Traveler’s Tea is located outside the City Living entrance on the Main (4th) Festival Floor
• Please be on-site at 3:00pm to get your computer set up
• Guest entry and tea begin at 3:15pm
• Your presentation and Q&A run from 4:00–4:45pm, with the Host assisting with audience questions
• Please plan to stay after your presentation for the giveaway and photo station

NOTE: You don’t need to do anything other than show up and smile! Books will be ordered and sold without anything required of you

Book Signing Logistics

• The Bookshop and Book Signing Station is on the Seminar Level (3rd floor, Tahoma Level) near the seminar rooms. You can’t miss it!
• Book signings are generally scheduled immediately following your presentation, and attendees will often follow you to continue the conversation and get their books signed
• If you are presenting on the Main Stage or at Traveler’s Tea, 15 minutes will be added to allow time to get to the Book Signing Station
• A book signing schedule will be available on GardenShow.com
• Please proceed quickly from your presentation to the Book Signing Station
• Bring your favorite pen!

• NWFGF provides Third Place Books with a list of each year’s speakers and their most recent books
• Backlist titles are also ordered at the discretion of Third Place Books
• If your book is out of print, it will not be available

Self-published books are considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of Third Place Books. If you are a self-published author, let us know and we will make an introduction.

Absolutely!

If an exhibitor would like to highlight your book or you have an opportunity to speak at another venue during the Festival, go for it!

Just make sure none of the extracurricular activities conflict with your scheduled NWFGF sessions or book signings.

• Honorariums will be mailed within 30 days of the Festival closing on February 21, 2027
• Checks will be made payable to and mailed using the information provided on the business section of your W-9/W-8BEN
• Direct deposit is not available except for speakers outside the United States

• Festival access for all five days
• Five digital comp tickets for friends or giveaways
• Discounted hotel rate at the Sheraton Grand Seattle or other local hotels
• 10% discount on all Convention Center purchases (food, beverages, etc.)
• Access to the VIP Speaker & Influencer Lounge, sponsored in 2027 by Epic Gardening
• Special speaker swag and gifts provided by various cool sponsors
• Ticket to the (now legendary) Botanical Bash on Friday, February 19, 2027
• Fame and glory…

• The GardenComm meet-up will be Friday, February 19 from 12–3pm in Room 307/308
• Contact Erica Grivas for more details

• NWFGF won’t be coordinating a speaker tour in 2027, but the Festival dates line up with a public open day at the Spheres
• You can register independently for Saturday, February 20, 2027
• Registration opens 15 days prior and fills quickly, so mark your calendar
• Find information about registering to visit the Spheres HERE

• If you are shipping materials to the Festival, please let us know in advance
• Tell us which carrier you are using (UPS, FedEx, etc.) and the number of packages being shipped
• Shipping acceptance window is Thursday, February 11 through Tuesday, February 16, 2027

Ship materials to:

Seattle Convention Center
705 Pike Street
Seattle, WA 98101-2310
C/O Northwest Flower & Garden Festival, ROOM 401
Attn: Jeff Swenson, Show Manager

• Prior to the Festival, email NWFGFSeminars@mpeshows.com
• During the Festival, contact the seminar team by text or phone at a number to be provided closer to the Festival

• Convention Center parking fills early, often by 10am
• Public parking garages within three blocks are generally the least expensive option other than limited street parking
• CLICK HERE for a map of nearby public parking garages
• Hotel parking is available but can be expensive
• Street parking is free on Sundays

• The Seattle Convention Center does not accept cash
• Festival exhibitors do accept cash

Yes, and refillable water bottles are a great idea since bottled water from the Convention Center is expensive.

• A water bubbler is available in the VIP Speaker & Influencer Lounge

• Alcoholic beverages are sold at select areas on the Festival Floor, and you can walk around the Festival with drinks purchased there
• You cannot bring your own alcohol or leave the Festival with an alcoholic beverage