An In-Person Event With the Opportunity to Get Away
and Touch Base with Real People Who Understand your business!

Sharing experiences and learning from others who have gone through the same trials is one of the major reasons for industry meetings. There is no better proof of the value of getting together as an industry than MSC's last 5 years of RECORD BREAKING attendance. Building on that experience, we plan to set another record in Orlando for 2025.

Everyone Is Welcomed To Participate!

From owners to plant managers or marketing and sales executives to industry suppliers, the MSC invites all interested parties to Orlando for the 54th MSC Annual Meeting. Come in person to network with industry people and to hear what the Council is doing for your benefit.

Meeting Guidelines:

Non-Members: Participation from non-member companies is welcomed. Non-member participants may attend one association meeting as a first-time registrant and are entitled to the member registration rate. Participation at a second meeting as a non-member is permitted at non-member registration rates. Attendance at additional meetings is by special invitation only. Non-members of MSC may join the Council at any time prior to the Annual Meeting and receive an immediate discount on the registration fee. For information on becoming a member, contact the MSC office at (806) 832-1810.

Meeting Registration: Registration fees include participation at education sessions, handouts, coffee breaks, receptions and the Keynote lunch. Travel to the meeting and hotel accommodations are NOT included in the registration.

Cancellations & Refunds: Cancellations must be received in writing at the MSC office by September 12, 2025, and will be subject to a cancellation fee of 25%, which will be deducted from the refund. No refund will be made for cancellations received after September 12, 2025.

Limits of Liability: The planners, sponsors and host hotel owners, management and staff of the MSC Annual Meeting and its associated events claim no liability for the acts of any supplier to this meeting, nor for the safety of any attendee while in transit to, in residence at or in transit from this event. Attendees who purchase non-refundable airline tickets do so at their own risk. In the event of meeting cancellation, the total amount of liability of the planners and sponsors will be limited to a refund of the registration fee. Submission of the registration form acknowledges acceptance of these provisions.

Host Hotel Reservations:
A special block of rooms has been set-aside for MSC meeting participants. The preferred guest rate for MSC members is: $209 (+tax)/night. The deadline for discounted room rates and space availability is when the block is filled or SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 - WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

54th MSC Annual Meeting
Program Schedule

Tuesday, September 30

1:00p-2:30p*	MSC Certification Committee Meeting— Members in good standing are welcomed to participate in the committee meeting as observers.
2:45p-3:45p*	MSC Committee Meeting (TBA) — Members in good standing are welcomed to participate in the committee meeting as observers.
4:00p-5:00p*	MSC Committee Meeting (TBA) — Members in good standing are welcomed to participate in the committee meeting as observers.
	* Actual Committees and meeting times may vary on site. Unless otherwise announced, all meetings of the Mulch & Soil Council are open to any member in good standing; however, a committee may call an executive session on advice of counsel to discuss sensitive issues when necessary. Participation of observers in discussions is determined by the committee chair.
5:00p-6:30p	MEET THE MSC BOARD of DIRECTORS — Join the MSC Board of Directors for informal talks over cocktails as they share information on the programs and activities of the Council and the industry. Sponsored By Premier Tech
6:30p	Dinner On Your Own

Wednesday, October 1

8:00a-12:30p	MSC Board of Directors Meeting— Members in good standing are welcomed to participate in the meeting as observers; however, the Board may call an executive session on advice of counsel to discuss sensitive issues when necessary. Participation of observers in discussions is determined by the committee chair.
12:30p-1:00p	BREAK — Sponsored by SPR Packaging
1:00p-1:30p	Official Opening and Welcome — Hear from MSC President Jim Weber, Program Chair Tom Kohut, Legal Counsel John Hazard and Executive Director Robert LaGasse as we invite you to join us for the start of the 54th MSC Annual Meeting.
1:30p-2:30p	Crow Political Report — Join us as MSC Legislative Representative DAVID CROW presents our annual update on the state of U.S. politics and how what's happening in Washington may impact you, your business and the industry. Speaker: David Crow, D.C. Legislative & Regulatory Services
2:30p-3:00p	BREAK – Sponsored By ProAmpac
3:00p-4:30p	54th MSC Annual Membership Meeting — Hear reports from MSC leadership and committees, elect Council directors and discuss MSC programs and activities as they may impact your business and the industry. Moderator: Robert LaGasse, MSC Executive Director.
4:30p-7:00p	Opening Reception & Affiliate Member Displays — Join us to meet with old friends and new members over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while visiting with the industry's leading suppliers and vendors. Sponsored By Vermeer Corp.

Thursday, October 2

8:30a-9:00a	Morning Grab-and-Go Breakfast — Sponsored By T.H. Glennon
9:00a-10:00a	The Future of Raw Material: Join us as our speakers delve into their firsthand experiences sourcing raw materials across two distinctly different regions of the country — Northeast and Texas. They will explore the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each location and provide valuable insights into how they navigate the complexities of the ever-changing market. Speakers: Sean Martini, Britton Industries & Grant Williamson, Austin Wood Recycling
10:00a-10:30a	Break
10:30a-11:30a	Leveraging Screening Methods for Cost Savings and Quality Control : Hear from MSC member companies that have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the mulch & soil industry as they explain grinding vs screening, benefits and cost savings of screening more and grinding less and understanding the importance of controlling your mulch fines. Speakers: Kevin Yunker, Viably & Matt Smith, Smith Creek
11:30p-2:00p	KEYNOTE Luncheon Presentation: RUDY! RUDY! RUDY! It took years of fierce determination to overcome obstacles and criticisms, yet Rudy Rurttiger achieved his first dream - to attend Notre Dame and play football for the Fighting Irish. As fans cheered his name... RU-DY, RU-DY, he sacked the quarterback in the last 27 seconds of the only play, in the only game, of his college football career. He is the only player in the school's history to be carried off the field on his teammates' shoulders. Rudy entertains audiences with a unique, passionate, and heartfelt style of communicating. His captivating personality and powerful message of "Dream Big & Never Quit" will stay with you forever. Sponsored By AgriCoatings
2:00p-3:00p	The Facts About Mold and Fungi In Mulches: : Are your customers alarmed or grossed out by unusual growths like dog vomit slime mold or artillery (shotgun) fungus in their landscapes? You're not alone. These common but often misunderstood fungal issues can cause concern for homeowners and frustration for landscape professionals. Join us as a plant pathologist shares practical, real-world insights on identifying, managing, and effectively communicating about these fungi. Learn helpful cleanup techniques and gain tips you can confidently pass along to your customers. Speaker: Kim Leonberger, University of Kentucky
3:00p-3:30p	Break — Sponsored By Chromascape
3:30p-4:30p	Mulch Color Trend Panel: Join our expert panel of seasoned industry professionals as they explore the evolving world of mulch color trends. From the early days of natural tones to today’s bold, vibrant options, our panelists will discuss how consumer preferences, regional influences, and market innovations have shaped the landscape. Discover where mulch color trends have been, where they currently stand, and what exciting directions they're heading in next. Panelists: Stephen Harney, Agricoatings, Nick Lincoln, Colorbitics, & Bryan Young, Chromascape
4:30p-6:00p	President's Happy Hour – Join us for our closing event filled with some magic only Disney can offer!! Come ready to sip and celebrate with friends old and new before returning home recharged with new ideas to impact your business! Sponsored By Viably
6:00p	Meeting Ends
AND	THANK YOU To Our Additional Sponsors -- DIAMOND -- Colorbiotics (Badges & Lanyards) Florida Coastal Colors (Pens & Pads) -- GOLD -- Ecoverse Kellogg Garden Products Morbark Reliance Packaging (Registration Bags) -- SILVER -- Profile Products

Download an Annual Meeting registration form: CLICK HERE

Across the street from Disney Springs, magical moments begin at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Hotel - Disney Springs. As an official Walt Disney World hotel, guests have access to exclusive Disney benefits including being directly connected to Disney Springs via pedestrian bridge. With 6 on-site dining options, 24-hour arcade, 2 pools and 4 golf courses at Disney World® ©olf nearby, your stay is sure to be memorable.

Room Reservations: ONLY $209 (+Tax)/Night

A special block of rooms has been set-aside for MSC meeting participants. The preferred guest rate for MSC members is: $209 (+tax)/night. The deadline for discounted room rates and space availability is when the block is filled or SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 - WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.

A LINK TO ON-LINE ROOM RESERVATIONS WILL BE
PROVIDED IN REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION E-MAILS.