Speaker Frequently Asked Questions
This document contains all the information you need to make your speaking engagement at NWFGF a success!
The FAQ will be updated periodically based on new information and speaker feedback/questions.
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New for 2024
"The Plant People" Panels
- With so many amazing experts in one place, we will be introducing a daily The Plant People panel focusing on various interesting topics and conversations
- Each The Plant People panel will include 60 minutes for the panel, a five minute bio break and 20-ish minutes for questions
More on Main Stage: Bring It Home!
- Get inside the minds of our speakers and influencers as they show off their finds from the show (and maybe invite an exhibitor or two) and share about why they picked what they picked and what they’d do with it at home or in their gardens
- These hosted sessions will give you a deeper dive into some of our speakers and exhibitors ideas and plans, plus provide some garden wellness tips you can take home and use forever
More on Main Stage: Meet & Greets
- Enjoy cocktails, photo ops and networking with some of our show luminaries Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, February 15, 17 & 18, at 4:30 each day
Flirty Flower Friday
- A special date night, Galentine activity or singles session featuring flower design, flirting, cocktails and mingling with Big Flower Fight’s Kristen Vander-Yacht
- Advance ticket purchase required when NWFGF show site launches
Plant Academy
- Join us for the inaugural Plant Academy… a free series located in Room 400 in the Skybridge Lobby; laser focused on your favorite plants
- No show entrance fee required!
Preparing For Your Presentation & The Show
What about hotels?
- You received discount Grand Sheraton Seattle rate information with your acceptance email and from the show office
- These discount rooms fill up fast so don’t wait
- Other show coordinated discount hotel options can be found HERE
- You won’t get these rates by calling the hotels directly so use the link provided
Who is the audience?
- The show is highly regarded for its strong commitment to horticulture education
- Audiences range from deeply-rooted plant fanatics who effortlessly recite botanical Latin, to budding “grewbies” just beginning their adventures in gardening
- Most attendees garden in Zones 7 – 8, coming predominately from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia but also from California, Idaho, Alaska and Montana, and other areas around the country
- If you’re not from around the Pacific Northwest, check out Great Plant Picks to see if you can find appropriate substitutions for plants you might have in your seminar that are not hardy in our region. These are tried and true plants, usually available at PNW nurseries
How much time do I have for my presentation?
- All seminars are 60 minutes. Allow five (5) minutes for the staff to introduce you, brief sponsor messages and other updates
- We recommend you leave 5-15 minutes for audience questions
- Room docents will signal you when you have 10 minutes remaining
- Sessions cannot run over – please be courteous to the presenters following you
- The Rainier Room has 30 minutes between sessions
- The Hood Room has 15 minutes between sessions
- It is imperative you conclude your presentation during the 60 minute timeframe to allow the smooth flow of attendees and presenters
Can I talk about my product or service?
- No infomercials please!
- Attendees are excited to learn from you – not to be sold to
- Show staff will introduce you and mention your book, booth location and/or business name
- Please refrain from logos and contact info on each slide – save that for the concluding slide
- The optional ProTips (digital handouts available on the website) are an excellent opportunity to talk about your book and/or business
- Presenters that don’t respect the educational nature of the seminars will not be invited back
How big are the rooms and what is the AV set-up in each?
The Rainier Room:
- Seats 800+
- Has two screens, dual projection
- Podium or lavalier mic available
- Lectern, table, clock and bottled water provided
- Overhead lights kept at 40% so audience can take notes
- No VCR or overhead projectors available
The Hood Room:
- Seats 450+
- Has one screen, one projector
- Podium or lavalier mic available
- Lectern, table, clock and bottled water provided
- Overhead lights kept at 40% so audience can take notes
- No VCR or overhead projectors available
DIY Stage:
- Seats 200
- Camera projects image of work surface onto courtesy monitors flanking the stage so audience can see overhead view
- No other projection or screens available – this stage is for hands-on demos only
- Podium and headset mic for presenter
- Two eight foot tables for plenty of work space
- Clock, tissues and bottled water provided
- 10x20ft unsecured storage space for seminar materials
Main Stage:
- Seats 350
- Camera projects image of work surface onto courtesy monitors flanking the stage so audience can see overhead view
- No other projection or screens available – this stage is for hands-on demos only
- Headset mics are provided for presenters, hosts use handheld mics
- Two eight foot tables for plenty of work space
- Clock, tissues and bottled water provided
- Lot of unsecured storage space for seminar materials
Plant Academy:
- Seats 200
- Located in Room 400 outside the City Living entrance
- Has one screen, one projector
- Podium or lavalier mic available
- Lectern, table, clock and bottled water provided
- No VCR or overhead projectors available
Do I need to bring my own computer?
- Yes, please
- If you don’t have a laptop computer, please let us know ASAP
- If you have a Mac, please bring an HDMI adaptor
- Our AV tech will assist you in setting up your computer
- Please bring your power charger – an extension cord will be provided
Is there wifi available in seminar rooms?
- There is no wifi available in seminar rooms which means live streaming is not possible.
What format/software should I use for my presentation?
- PowerPoint or Keynote
- Do not use PDF files
- Presentations should be set up 16:9
- Music and videos should be embedded in your presentation – not separate files
- It is wise to bring a back up USB drive just in case
Can I prepare a handout for attendees?
- We call attendee handouts ProTips
- To conserve paper, we provide your ProTip on the show website for attendees to download at their convenience
- Your ProTip will appear on the website after your session
- ProTips are greatly encouraged and very appreciated by attendees
- They can be any length or format as long as they are a PDF
- We must receive all ProTips by January 31, 2024
- Upload your ProTip at the top of this FAQ
Can I include video or music in my presentation?
- Yes but video and music must be embedded in your presentation – not separate files
What do I need to know about the loading dock for my DIY stage materials?
- The loading dock is available for DIY presenters
- Separate instructions and DIY stage producer contact info will be shared at a later date
Why are some seminars designated as WSU Master Gardener continuing ed credits?
- NWFGF provides the list of seminars to the Washington State University Extension Service
- Seminars are selected by WSU for Master Gardener continuing education (CE) credits by a panel of educators
- NWFGF has no input regarding which seminars are selected for CE credits
- The Seminar Guide, Show Guide and website will designate which sessions are WSU Extension CE approved
For Authors
When/where will my book signing be?
- The University Bookstore manages the Book Signing Station in the Conference Center
- You don’t need to do anything other than show up and smile – books will be ordered and sold without anything required of you
- Bring your favorite pen!
- A schedule will be provided on the NWFGF website for book signings but, in general, your book signing will be immediately following your seminar
- Please proceed quickly from your seminar to the book signing station – there are opportunities to answer additional questions from attendees during the book signing process
Can I bring self-published books to sell?
- Self published books are not allowed at the UBS Book Signing stations
I have written many books - which ones will be sold at the bookstore?
- NWFGF provides a list of frontlist (current) and backlist books (books older than a year) for each author/speaker. It is up to UBS to determine which backlist books to have for sale at the show.
Can I schedule other book signings (or speaking engagements) during the show?
- Absolutely!
- If an exhibitor would like to highlight your book or you have an opportunity to speak at another venue during the show… go for it!
- Just makes sure none of the extracurricular activities conflict with your scheduled sessions or book signings
Promoting Your Appearance & the 2024 NWFGF
When will the website for the 2024 show be launched?
- The 2024 show website will launch in October, 2023
Where can I get graphic assets to promote the show?
- Before the website launches in October, you will receive a link with various assets you can use to promote your appearance at the show.
Is there a press release template I can use?
- A press release template will be included in the file of show assets
- If you have promotional opportunities you’d like to discuss with the show publicist, just let us know!
What are the show's social handles?
- facebook.com/nwfgs
- twitter.com/nwfgs
- instagram.com/nwfgs
Are there special social tags to promote the show?
- Yes!
- Those will be provided in this FAQ by October
Can I do a ticket giveaway?
- Yes, please!
- Every speaker is given five (5) digital tickets to share with friends or use in social giveaways
- Once the show website launches in October and ticket sales are live, we will send each speaker five (5) digital ticket codes to distribute at your discretion to friends or giveaway winners
- If you need additional comps for giveaways, just let us know
Are there tips or times to best promote the show?
- Our post Thanksgiving Cyber Sale (half price tickets) is Nov 24-27 and is the most popular time for show ticket sales
- We will also be doing a holiday special and will send more information about that later
- Your participation is greatly appreciated for these specials as well as your own initiatives pre-show – let us know your great ideas and how we can help!
- We’ll be sending out other ideas and instructions on how to promote your appearance, and the show, periodically from now thorough opening day
Will there be a Press Room to discuss story ideas with the show publicist?
- The Press Room is located in Room 310 on the 3rd level of the Convention Center
- Hours are 9am-2pm Wednesday to Saturday. The press room is closed on Sunday
- Publicists are available to discuss story ideas
- Wifi is available to post to your socials
- The Press Room isn’t secured for the storage of your belongings and isn’t meant to be a lounge
- You can store belongings and chill out as much as you like in the new staffed VIP speaker & influencer lounge on the Seminar Center level under the escalator
Our press contact is:
Revolution PR
Carolyn Riesinger
503-312-4265
carolyn@revolutionpr.com
Honorarium *Updated for 2024*
When do I get paid for my speaking engagement(s)?
- We will no longer be distributing honorariums during the show
- Honorariums will be mailed within 30 days of the show closing (February 18, 2024)
- Unless you tell us otherwise, checks will be made out and sent to the information provided on your speaker application
- Direct deposit is not available at this time
Do I need to submit a W9?
- If you are doing multiple sessions that total more that $599 you are required to provide a W9
- A blank W9 was provided with your acceptance letter. Please return via email ASAP.
Are there other speaker perks?
- Show access for all five (5) show days
- Five (5) digital comp tickets for friends or giveaways
- 10% discount on all Convention Center purchases (food, beverage, etc.)
- Access to VIP Speaker & Influencer Lounge
- Special speaker swag and gifts
- There “might” be a speaker-only party on Saturday, Sept 17
- Fame and glory…
At The Show
What is the Seattle Convention Center address?
- 705 Pike Street, Seattle 98101
Parking at the Seattle Convention Center
- Parking at the Convention Center fills up early – often by 10am
- There are several public parking garages within three blocks of the Convention Center. They are the least expensive parking option other than limited street parking
- Here is a link to those parking garages
- Hotel parking is an option but it is expensive
- Street parking is FREE on Sundays
Map for Speakers
How do I get into the show? * Updated for 2024*
- We will no longer be sending speaker packets prior to the show
- Pick up your badge and wristbands for each day of the show at Will Call
- Proceed to the Seminar Center level and go to the new VIP Speaker & Influencer lounge (under the escalators) to check in for your seminar
- Swag, goodies, comfy chairs (and maybe a chair massage station!) plus a secure place to drop your belongings are available in the VIP Speaker & Influencer lounge
- We can’t wait to see you!
How early should I arrive before my seminar?
- Plan to arrive at the show at least 90 minutes before your seminar
- Rainier Room: You will be able to set up your computer 30 minutes prior to your seminar
- Hood Room: You will be able to set up your computer 15 minutes prior to your seminar
- DIY stage set-up can begin 45 minutes prior to your seminar
- Main Stage set-up varies. You will receive instructions at a later date
Who do I check in with when I arrive?
- Proceed to the VIP Speaker & Influencer Lounge located under the escalator on the Seminar Center floor
- Check in with the staff, drop your belongings, relax and get some swag
- LaManda Joy, our new seminar and judging manager, will be delighted to meet you as will the staff at the VIP lounge
Where are the seminar rooms located?
The Rainier Room, Hood Room, DIY Stage and University Book Store Book Signing Station are all on Tahoma Level Three in The Conference Center one floor below the main show area.
To get to the Conference (Seminar) Center level:
- Enter the Festival through the Atrium Lobby (visit Will Call in the Atrium Lobby if you haven’t retrieved your badge and wristbands) or the Skybridge entrance (if you already have your badge and wristbands)
- Walk through the show gardens, cross the Skybridge, enter the North Hall, turn right down any aisle, and the entrance is on the East Wall (see map)
- Take the escalators or elevators down to get to the Seminar Center
To get to the Plant Academy room:
- The Plant Academy is located outside the Skybridge entrance directly across from elevator/escalator bank
Main Stage is located on the main show floor in the back
Where can I safely store my belongings?
- The new VIP Speaker & Influencer Lounge is located under the escalator on the Seminar Center level
- You can safely leave your belongings, get some swag, chill out and network with the other presenters and local influencers
Is there a place to hang out before/after my seminar?
- The new VIP Speaker & Influencer Lounge is located under the escalator on the Seminar Center level
- You can safely leave your belongings, get some swag, chill out and network with the other presenters and local influencers
- Water and snacks will be provided
Who do I contact in case of emergency?
- Prior to the show, please email NWFGFSeminars@mpeshows.com
- During the show, the seminar team can be reached via text or call. The number will be provided later
What are the guidelines for shipping something to the Seattle Convention Center?
- The window for accepting materials shipped to the show is Saturday, February 11 – Tuesday, February 13, 2024
- Notify us if you are shipping items with the name of the provider (UPS, FedEx, etc.) and number of packages so items can be tracked down during move-in and set aside for you
Ship all materials to:
Seattle Convention Center
705 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101-2310
C/O Northwest Flower & Garden Festival, ROOM 401
Attn: Jeff Swenson, Show Manager
Things to Know About The Seattle Convention Center
Does the Seattle Convention Center accept cash?
- The Convention Center no longer accepts cash
- Exhibitors DO accept cash
Are there reusable water bottle filling stations available?
- Yes and refillable water bottles are a great idea as the cost for bottled water from the Convention Center is high
Are there discounts available for speakers at the Seattle Convention Center?
- Your daily wristband will get you a 10% discount on all Convention Center food and beverage purchases (alcohol not included)
- Alcoholic beverages are sold at select areas on the show floor and you can walk around the show with your purchased drinks. You cannot bring your own or leave the show with an alcoholic beverage
Other Fun Stuff
VIP Lounge *New for 2024*
- The new VIP Speaker & Influencer Lounge is located under the escalator on the Conference Center level
- You can safely leave your belongings, get some swag, chill out and network with the other presenters and local influencers.
Will there be a GardenComm gathering during the show?
- The GardenComm meet up will be 1pm on Thursday, February 15
- Room location announced at a later date
There's a rumor of an afternoon tea...
- Yes, there will be a “Sense-sational” Afternoon Tea on Wednesday, February 14, at 4:30pm
- Jo Thompson, one of our judges from the UK, will be the guest of honor
- The tea is located at the Sheraton Grand Seattle at the 35th floor Cirrus Ballroom
- Advance ticket purchase required when NWFGF show site launches