Select the Use button to add a tag to the body of your email. You may also use tags in the subject of your email by copying and pasting them directly in.

{FIRST_NAME}	Adds the recipients First Name.	Use
{LAST_NAME}	Adds the recipients Last Name.	Use
{COMPANY_NAME}	Adds the Company Name.	Use
{PORTAL_NAME}	Adds the application portals name.	Use
{MEMBER_NAME}	Adds the Recipients Membership name.	Use
{SIGNATURE_OPT_IN}	Adds the Opt-in link.	Use
{SIGNATURE_OPT_OUT}	Add the opt-out link.	Use
%signature%	Adds your preferred signature block.	Use
{Event_Start_Date}	Adds the Event's Start Date.(Events Only)	Use
{Event_End_Date}	Adds the Event's End Date.(Events Only)	Use
{Event_Name}	Adds the Event's Name.(Events Only)	Use
{Event_Description}	Adds the Event's Description.(Events Only)	Use
{Online_Training_Description}	Adds the Online Training Description.(Online Training Only)	Use
{Event_Specific_Dates}	Adds the Event's specific dates.(Events Only)	Use
{member_number}	Adds the Membership Number.	Use
{MemberSince}	Adds the Member Since Date.	Use
{CONTACTEMAIL}	Adds the organization email address used as the "From" address for other membership-related emails (e.g., new member welcome emails). Manage email addresses here.	Use
{EVENT_CREDITS}	Adds the Event's Credits.(Events Only)	Use
{CERTIFICATE_NUMBER}	Adds the Contact's Certificate Number	Use
{EVENTLOCATION}	Adds the Event's Location.	Use
{TOTALEVENTCREDITS}	The total number of credits that the contact has earned through the event tickets and workshops.	Use
{ASAPPEARSONBADGE}	Display the text of as appears field in the event setup.	Use
{contact_organization}	Displays the organization name of the contact.	Use
{RENEWALDATE}	Adds the Member Renewal Date in (yyyy-mm-dd).	Use
{MEMBERSHIP_YEAR}	Adds the Member's Membership Year	Use
{RENEWALDATE_MM-DD-YYYY}	Adds the Member Renewal Date in (mm-dd-yyyy).	Use
{LMS_CREDIT}	The number of credits the LMS course is worth for Continuing Education	Use
{COLLECTION_PERIOD_END-DATE_YYYY_MM_DD}	The end date of the CE collection period end date	Use
{LMS_COURSE_COMPLETION_DATE}	The completion date of the LMS course	Use
{INCEPTION_DATE}	Adds the Member Inception Date in (yyyy-mm-dd).	Use
{EVENT_END-DATE_MONTH_YYYY}	Adds Event End Date in Full Month Name and Year Format.(Events Only)	Use
{EVENT_END-DATE_MONTH_YYYY_ADD3}	Adds Event End Date in Full Month Name and Year Format Plus 3 Years.(Events Only)	Use
{WORKSHOP_NAME}	Adds the workshop name (if applicable)	Use
{WORKSHOP_DESCRIPTION}	Adds the workshop description (if applicable)	Use
{WORKSHOP_CREDITS}	Adds the workshop credit for related workshop (if applicable)	Use
{TOTALWORKSHOPCREDITS}	Adds the sum of all workshop credits for related event (if applicable)	Use
{Event_Start_Date_DD-MM-YYYY}	Adds the Event's Start Date in (dd-mm-yyyy).(Events Only)	Use
{Event_End_Date_DD-MM-YYYY}	Adds the Event's End Date in (dd-mm-yyyy).(Events Only)	Use
{RENEWALDATE_DD-MM-YYYY}	Adds the Member Renewal Date in (dd-mm-yyyy).	Use
{RENEWAL_DATE_MONTH_DD_YYYY}	Adds the Member Renewal Date in (Month Dth, yyyy).	Use
{INCEPTIONDATE_DD-MM-YYYY}	Adds the Member Inception Date in (dd-mm-yyyy).	Use
{TODAYSDATE}	Adds the current date.	Use
{TODAYSYEAR}	Adds the current year.	Use
{QR_CODE}	Adds the QR Code for their contactID, name, and emailAddress	Use
{WORKSHOP_DATE}	The date of the workshop (if applicable).	Use
{WORKSHOP_START_TIME}	The start time of the workshop (if applicable).	Use
{WORKSHOP_END_TIME}	The end time of the workshop (if applicable).	Use
{MEMBEREMAIL}	Adds the Member's Email Address.	Use
{INCEPTIONDATE_DD_MONTH_YYYY}	Adds the Member Inception Date in (Day Month Year). - eg. 27 October 2025	Use
{RENEWAL_DATE_DD_MONTH_YYYY}	Adds the Member Renewal Date in (Day Month Year). - eg. 27 October 2025	Use

ELA’s 32nd Annual Conference & Eco-Marketplace: Navigating Uncertainty

August 27th & 28th, 2026

Join us at the Omni Providence Hotel for the 32nd Annual Conference & Eco-Marketplace.

The Ecological Landscape Alliance (ELA) is excited to announce the 2026 Annual Conference & Eco-Marketplace to be held in Providence, Rhode Island. The Annual Conference brings together leaders in ecological landscape practices with a diverse range of professionals involved in landcare, including landscape architects, designers, growers, horticulturists, land stewards, arborists, and installation/maintenance technicians. We also welcome students, educators, native plant enthusiasts, community activists, and home gardeners. The event will feature a two-day, multi-track program with opportunities to network, learn, and share new insights and strategies that contribute to sustainable and regenerative landscape management.

Landscape Design

Presentations will explore innovative ways to use native plants, mitigate climate change, and design spaces that encourage biodiversity, including habitats for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Join us for some interactive workshops and discussions that will equip participants with practical tools and ideas for integrating ecological principles into landscape design.

Advocacy & Activism

This track will explore how to advocate for environmental and ecological causes and demonstrate how individuals and organizations are making a positive impact in their communities. Join us to learn about people who are actively working in or passionate about creating social, environmental, or policy change.

Managing Evolving Landscapes

This track is dedicated to the practical aspects of implementing and maintaining ecological landscapes. These sessions provide tangible takeaways, covering regenerative practices, plant propagation, creating and managing meadows, and managing invasive species. Sessions will also focus on effective land management and maintenance, including tools and best practices.

Ecological Business Practices

Join us for sessions on ecological business practices, which offer actionable insights into building and running ecological businesses.

Keynote Presentations

Dr Evelyn Beaury | Assistant Curator, NYBG Center for Conservation & Restoration Ecology

Seedling Ecosystems of the Future: Gardens as tools for Biodiversity, Conservation, and Climate Adaptation.

The decisions we make in our gardens will have a large effect on what species will persist under climate change, which is already impacting the distribution of biodiversity across time and space. In this talk, Dr. Beaury will discuss the latest research on these impacts and give you some ideas for how your garden can help ecosystems for the future, such as reducing the spread of invasive species and supporting climate-resilient native plants.

Christopher Roddick | Head Arborist & Foreman, Brooklyn Botanic Garden

No Excuse to Be Bored in Horticulture

Working with trees is hard. The work can be demanding and sometimes dangerous: long hours in all kinds of weather, cutting wood with a chainsaw while hanging from a rope, or chipping brush into a man-eating machine.

As hard as all of that is, it was actually far more difficult and stressful for me to acquire the level of knowledge I needed to do the job well. Thousands of plant names to memorize, insects and diseases to identify, soil science, biology, ecology, and the list goes on. It’s daunting, especially for people like myself who aren’t traditional learners. But not knowing a plant, a pollinator partner, or a mushroom growing on a tree seemed far more unsettling.

This is the story of one tree guy’s 40-year journey, seeking knowledge from plants, trees, eccentric plant people, while fighting distraction, trying not to get killed or joining too many plants societies.

SPEAKERS

More information coming soon, including agenda, discussion topics, and speaker bios.

CEU's

All attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance from the ELA. It will be located in your portal after the conference is complete.
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA (4 CEUs)
Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Alliance (MNLA_ MCH - 1 credit)
Maine Landscape and Nursery Association (MELNA - self-submitted)
Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD - 1.5 credits for each keynote, 1 credit for each session)
Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA/CES)
Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) - 8 CEU Credits with the Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) Program
and more coming soon.

Registration Information & Ticket Options

We're looking forward to seeing you at the 32nd ELA Annual Conference! Please be aware that our upcoming event, Navigating Uncertainty, will now be held in person.

We understand this change may not be suitable for everyone. While we miss those who cannot join us on-site, the ELA remains committed to accessibility and will continue to host a variety of both in-person and virtual events throughout the year.

We welcome ELA Members to take advantage of Members Only pricing, 30% off non-member pricing. Please consider joining or renewing today to take advantage of this and other Member benefits.

Only Members receive the additional benefit of access to the recordings of the 2026 Annual Conference presentations. Recordings will not be sent to non-members. Please note that this is a change from previous conferences.

Ticket prices include breakfast and lunch for the days you are registered. Vegetarian and gluten-free options provided.
Hotel registrations are not included in the ticket price. Hotel information is provided below.
Registration closes August 24, 2026.
Last day to modify registrations or withdraw, August 14, 2026.
To UPGRADE your previous Virtual Tickets to In-Person Tickets, please call Liz at 508-869-6111 x174 or email Liz@ecolandscaping.org

Ticket Options:

1-Day | Member Tickets for August 27, 2026 | $225
1-Day | Member Tickets for August 28, 2026 | $225
2-Day | Member Tickets for August 27-28, 2026 | $400

1-Day | Non-Member Tickets for August 27, 2026 | $290
1-Day | Non-Member Tickets for August 28, 2026 | $290
2-Day | Non-Member Tickets for August 27-28, 2026 | $520

Gemini sTicket Options:

Enhance Your Conference Experience. Want to make the most of your time in person? We will soon be releasing a series of Social and Networking Event Add-ons for your conference pass. Whether you’ve already registered or are planning to soon, you’ll have the opportunity to add these social mixers to your ticket at a later date.

Venue & Hotel Information

We are pleased to be hosting this year's conference at the beautiful Omni Providence Hotel in Providence, RI!

To make your stay as convenient and affordable as possible, the ELA has secured a special block of discounted rooms just for our attendees.

How to Book: Simply click the logo below to reserve your room at this exclusive rate.
Limited Discounted Rates: Available for hotel bookings on August 26, 2026 through August 28, 2026
A Quick Note: Conference tickets do not include your hotel reservation, so please be sure to book your accommodation separately.

Don't Miss Out! Space is limited and the discounted rate expires on July 27, 2026. We encourage you to book your room soon to secure these savings!

1 West Exchange Street, Providence, RI 02903

401-598-8000

Partner With Us: Sponsor the 2026 ELA Annual Conference!

We invite your organization to become a vital part of the 2026 ELA Annual Conference! Sponsoring our event is a fantastic way to showcase your commitment to ecological landscaping and connect directly with our dedicated attendees.

We offer three distinct sponsorship levels designed to meet various goals and budgets.

A Valuable Perk: All sponsors are welcome to reserve an exhibition table at the conference to display your materials and engage directly with attendees.

Ready to Learn More?

If you have any questions or would like to discuss which level is right for you, please don't hesitate to reach out! A member of our team would be happy to assist you.

Contact us today at: office@ecolandscaping.org

To purchase a sponsorship, please select that ticket type, check out, and a member of our staff will be in touch with you concerning the sponsorship benefits. These tickets are limited; secure your exhibit table today!

Bronze Sponsors ($750) - more information coming soon
Silver Sponsors ($1500) - more information coming soon
Gold Sponsors ($2500) - more information coming soon

32nd ELA Annual Conference & Eco-Marketplace - UPDATED

August 27 - 28, 2026
1 West Exchange Street
Providence, Rhode Island
United States
02903

Upcoming Events

Community Forum: Mea... February 9, February 23, March 9, March 23

ELA Book Club: Regen... March 10

How to Grow and Cook... March 27

How to Grow and Cook... May 15

ELA Book Club: North... June 9