DAY TWO: Tuesday 15 September | Castello Svevo di Bari

HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

Bringing together industry leaders to exchange knowledge and shape the future of ornamental horticulture.

The AIPH Horticultural Industry Conference brings together international growers and industry leaders to the Castello Svevo di Bari to explore the key issues shaping the future of ornamental horticulture.

Drawing on global perspectives, the programme will examine how the industry can drive greener cities, improve productivity, strengthen sustainability, and embrace new technologies.

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Host Partner

Headline Sponsor

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Plant Sponsor

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What to Expect

Hear directly from global industry leaders shaping the future of horticulture
Discover practical innovations driving smarter, more efficient production
Connect with growers, experts, and decision-makers from around the world
Explore how plants can power greener, healthier, and more resilient cities

Morning Programme

Afternoon Programme

Speakers

MORNING PROGRAMME

Growing and Greening

As cities around the world respond to climate pressures and changing public expectations, urban greenery is becoming essential infrastructure. This session explores how plants, trees, and green spaces contribute to healthier, more resilient, and more liveable cities, while creating new opportunities for horticulture to shape the urban environment.

Title	Speaker
Chairman Welcome	Chairman Welcome
Welcome from AIPH President	Leonardo Capitanio, AIPH President
The importance of the connection between ornamental tree production and use in the environment – preparing a new landscape in a climate-changed world	Professor Francesco Ferrini, Department of Agriculture, Food, Environmental and Forestry Sciences – University of Florence (Italy)
Mandera Municipality Greening Programme	Hon Saleh Maalim Alio, CECM Lands, Housing and Urban Development, County Government of Mandera-Kenya
How Italy is leading the way with living green	Andreas Kipar, President of Green City Italy, Member of World Economic Forum Nature Positive Initiative Expert Taskforce, CEO of LAND

Growing Productivity

Nurseries are under increasing pressure to deliver higher quality plants with greater efficiency and consistency. This session examines practical systems, management approaches, and production innovations that can improve productivity, support workforce development, and strengthen long-term business performance.

Title	Speaker
From Experience Loops to Data Loops: Digitally Reconstructing the Floriculture Value Chain	Rick Yin, CEO of Bornsuntech Smart Agriculture Company, China
Can growing media be sustainable? Considering the challenges of sustainability, how to know you are sourcing responsibly and changing EU Policy	Alexander Sentinella, Director of Science, Growing Media Europe
LUNCH

AFTERNOON PROGRAMME

Growing Sustainably

Sustainability is now central to the future of ornamental horticulture, from responsible plant protection to verified environmental standards. This session will highlight current approaches to sustainable production, certification schemes, and industry initiatives that support resilient growing systems and build trust across the supply chain.

Title	Speaker
Chairman welcome
13 Years of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe: From emergency to coexistence	Dr. Donato Boscia, Emeritus Researcher, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, Italian National Research Council
Developing an industry covenant for reducing the environmental impact of crop protection – details of a Dutch industry, government and NGO collaboration on the use of pesticides	Stefanie Miltenburg, Head of Public Affairs, Royal FloraHolland
Plant Protection Panel – Experts to discuss the future of PPPs and crop protection in ornamental horticulture

Growing Intelligently

Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming horticultural production and business management. This final session explores how AI is shaping the future of the industry.

Title	Speaker
Sustainability and Innovation in Italian Ornamental Horticulture: The Role of ENIA in Supporting a Resilient and Competitive Sector	Valeria Lazzaroli, President of ENIA, National Agency for Artificial Intelligence, Italy
Q&A and Closing Remarks
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