MARK YOUR CALENDAR
55th MSC Annual Meeting
Westin New Orleans Hotel
New Orleans, LA
Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2026
See "FORMS" at the bottom of this page for
a meeting program and registration form.
Download an Annual Meeting registration form: CLICK HERE
55th MSC Annual Meeting
Meet our Keynote Speaker
View "The Rookie" Trailer
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 6 years of RECORD BREAKING attendance. Building on that experience, we plan to set another record in NOLA for 2026.
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 New Orleans for the 55th 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 10, 2026, 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 10, 2026.
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: $259 (+tax)/night. The deadline for discounted room rates and space availability is when the block is filled or SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 - WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
55th MSC Annual Meeting
Program Schedule
Tuesday, September 29
| 1:00p-2:00p* | MSC Standards Committee Meeting— Members in good standing are welcomed to participate in the committee meeting as observers. |
| 2:15p-3:45p* | MSC Certification 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. |
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| 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. |
| 6:30p | Dinner On Your Own |
Wednesday, September 30
| 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 Reliance Packaging |
| 1:00p-1:30p | Official Opening and Welcome — Hear from MSC President Jim Weber, Program Chair Nicholas Castorano, Legal Counsel John Hazard and Executive Director Robert LaGasse as we invite you to join us for the start of the 55th 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 what to expect in the mid=term election and beyond. Speaker: David Crow, D.C. Legislative & Regulatory Services
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| 2:30p-3:00p | BREAK – Sponsored By ProAmpac |
| 3:00p-4:30p | 55th 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. |
Thursday, October 1
| 8:30a-9:00a | Morning Grab-and-Go Breakfast — Sponsored By T.H. Glennon |
| 9:00a-10:00a | EPR Education & Compliance Join us ...... Speaker: Chloe Kapanen, Washburn Consulting |
| 10:00a-10:30a | Break |
| 10:30a-11:30a | Biochar in Practice: A Guide for Mulch & Soil Professionals: Hear ....... Speaker: Dr. Tera Lewandowski, American Biochar Institute |
| 11:30p-2:00p | Jim “The Rookie” MorrisJim "The Rookie" Morris is a remarkable individual whose journey from high school science teacher and coach in West Texas to Major League Baseball pitcher is nothing short of inspiring. At the age of 35, Jim defied the odds and made it to the big leagues, a story that captured the world's attention and was immortalized in the Disney movie The Rookie, starring Dennis Quaid. Jim spent two seasons with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, reaching speeds up to 102 mph, but he chose to retire to focus on raising his children. Since then, Jim has been a motivational speaker, traveling around the globe to inspire audiences to follow their dreams and never give up. He shares his story and lessons learned in his book, Dream Makers: Surround Yourself with the Best to Be Your Best, where he highlights the people who helped him along his journey—his Dream Makers. |
| 2:00p-3:00p | Growing Media Industry Report: Status of Peat & Non-peat Substrates : A summary of current events and product development in the North American growing media market will be discussed. Updates on the current and future use of peat as well as non-peat substrates will be highlighted, emphasizing current domestic R&D efforts to provide stable supplies of growing media in the future. Developments in wood fiber production as well as its forecasted outlook for the horticulture industry will be covered in detail by Brian Jackson, Professor and Director of the Horticultural Substrates Laboratory in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University. He has studied and researched soilless growing media since 2003 with a strong focus on the sourcing, processing, and utilization of forest products as substrates. Speaker: Dr. Brian Jackson (North Carolina State University |
| 3:00p-3:30p | Break — Sponsored By Chromascape |
| 3:30p-4:30p | Consistency in Bulk Volume Measurements: Join our expert ..... Speakers: Darren Talbert, Scotts Miracle-Gro & Carey West, Loadscan |
| 4:30p-6:00p | President's Happy Hour – Join us for our closing event!! Come ready to sip and celebrate with friends old and new before returning home recharged with new ideas to impact your business! |
| 6:00p | Meeting Ends |
| AND | THANK YOU To Our Additional Sponsors -- DIAMOND -- -- SILVER -- |
Download an Annual Meeting registration form: CLICK HERE
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- - - Hotel Information - - -
The Westin New Orleans Hotel
100 Iberville St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2026
The Westin New Orleans is a well-located, upscale hotel that combines modern luxury with the character and rhythm of New Orleans. It’s perched above The Shops at Canal Place, putting you steps away from the boutiques on Royal Street and the lively dining and entertainment of Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. With sweeping views of the river, it’s a solid choice for those who want to be close to the action without giving up a peaceful, high-quality stay.