American Hosta Society Convention 2021

 

Attention EMHS Members and Friends,

 Attached below you will find details of the 2021 American Hosta Society Convention plans.

I have seen a few comments on Facebook regarding the Convention so when I received the information directly from AHS, I decided to share it with all of you so you could make plans for July 15^th through 17^th. 

EMHS will have meetings scheduled by the EMHS Board once it is deemed safe by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.   You can always go to the EMHS blog at http://easternmichiganhostasociety.blogspot.com/   for all current information regarding EMHS.

Sincerely,

Glen Pace

EMHS President

Hello Hosta Friend,

We have a combination of disappointing and exciting news to share. As you know, the pandemic continues to take its toll. Even with the good news of a vaccine rollout, top medical experts continue to recommend limited gatherings, social distancing, masks, and other precautions for the foreseeable future, suggesting that most Americans will not be vaccinated until late summer and that life may not begin to return to a semblance of “normal” until fall of 2021.

Out of concern for the safety of attendees and after being contacted by several members expressing unease over attending a large gathering, the American Hosta Society and the 2021 convention committee in Kalamazoo, Michigan have come to the difficult decision to cancel the in-person convention in June.

While we’re incredibly disappointed that we won’t be able to enjoy the fellowship of friends and other hosta lovers in person, it creates a wonderful opportunity to put on the first-ever virtual AHS convention! The team in Kalamazoo is planning an exciting, action-packed virtual event!

What will participants receive access to?

• One convention gift Hosta ‘Silly String’ (mailed to you)
• Speakers, workshops, Q&A, awards shows, and judges clinics via Zoom
• On-demand, professionally recorded virtual garden tours
• Participating vendors
• Hosta leaf show photo contest (unsanctioned)
• Seedling photo competition
• And more!

Mark your calendar for July 15–17! The new date allows convention planners to record and produce video of the featured garden tours at their peak. The cost to participate in the 2021 virtual convention will be $49 per household.

Please join me in thanking the Kalamazoo convention team for their hard work through a difficult time and for their creativity in planning a meaningful experience virtually. They’re excited to present a one-of-a-kind event for you!

We’ll send out an update with details and registration information to be released on the forthcoming convention website in the next few weeks!

In the meantime, stay safe and stay well.

For the Love of Hostas and Hosta Friends,
Tammy Borden
AHS Executive V.P.