The Farwest Show, a premier gathering for the green industry, is set to debut a new feature aimed at nurturing the next generation of professionals. Career Boulevard, a dedicated space on the show floor, will serve as a comprehensive resource for individuals at any stage of their career, from high school students to career changers.
“Everyone starts somewhere, and the green industry is in dire need of fresh talent and new energy,” said Jamie Moore, events and education coordinator for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, which organizes the show. “With abundant opportunities available, we recognized the need to create a space where people can explore all the possibilities, and Farwest is the perfect venue for that.”
A Gateway to Green Industry Opportunities
Career Boulevard is designed to be a one-stop location for emerging professionals interested in horticulture, landscaping, nursery management, and related fields. It will offer a range of resources, including educational opportunities, employment information, internships, and scholarships.
“We are creating a space where people can pursue their dreams of a career in the nursery industry,” Moore said. “It’s like adding a new land to Disneyland—it opens up a whole new aspect of our show. We envision a place where students can explore educational programs, learn about career paths, view job boards, make connections, and even get their résumés reviewed or practice interview skills.”
Participating Institutions and Organizations
Several educational institutions and organizations will have booths in the Career Boulevard area, providing valuable information and resources. These include:
- Chemeketa Community College
- Clackamas Community College
- Oregon State University
- Oregon Department of Agriculture
- Oregon Department of Forestry
- Oregon Landscape Contractors Board
Additionally, the Horticultural Research Institute (affiliated with AmericanHort) and the Oregon Nurseries Foundation (affiliated with the Oregon Association of Nurseries) will also be present.
Special Perks for Students
To encourage student participation, special perks will be offered, including a free 3-day trade show pass and a discounted three-day education pass to seminars. Information on agriculture and horticulture programs from local colleges will also be available.
“This is a brand-new feature at Farwest, and we are very excited to offer it,” Moore said. “The horticulture industry offers tremendous opportunities for meaningful and rewarding careers. We are thrilled to debut this new feature and eager to see where it goes from here. The sky is the limit, and we are looking for feedback and ideas to help it take off.”
Farwest Show Details
The Farwest Show will take place from Wednesday to Friday, August 20–22, 2025, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. Oregon is a major hub for the nursery industry, with $1.2 billion in plant sales in 2022. The state’s diverse offerings include a wide range of plants, from trees and shrubs to annuals, perennials, vegetable starts, herbs, climbers, tropicals, and houseplants.
