On May 17th 2022 SENFC hosted a very unique education session on Event Gardening at Sustainable Venues.The practice of growing herbs, vegetables and even fruit onsite at event venues is gaining popularity. These gardens nearly eliminate any carbon footprint by yielding food that is as “locally sourced” as you can get. They enhance the ambiance for the guest experience, add “collateral” to the venue’s sustainability marketing campaigns, and even have a positive financial ROI.
We heard from a panel of some of Florida’s leaders in growing herbs, vegetables and fruit onsite at event venues:
Moderator Danielle Dunfee is the Regional Director of Group Sales - Southeast & Canada for Posadas USA. Danielle’s background in sustainable agricultural includes being a leader with the Boca Raton Community Garden and, in the Bahamas, an organizer of the Bimini Eco-Movement.
Jason McCobb, fondly known as “Farmer Jay”, is a sustainable agriculture expert at Farmer Jay Pure Organics. He shared his passion for not only developing a healthy food source but creating spaces that are attractive enhancements of the venue. He explained if you are going to landscape, why not plant food instead of plants that are simply ornamental.
Molly Crouch, with Sodexo Live!, is the Corporate Director of Sustainability for North America. She reviewed the administrative planning and approval process to place tower gardens in the Orange County Convention Center.
Diego Dutra is the Owner & Grower with Urban Smart Farms. His company provided and maintains the aeroponic towers that grow fresh greens and herbs inside the Orange County Convention Center. The panelists presented the site logistics, types and quantities of herbs and produce grown, and costs & ROI.
To learn all about onsite gardening at your venue, click HERE to watch the information-packed video recording of this presentation, as well as any prior presentations.
