From artificial intelligence that can diagnose palm diseases to drone technology tracking tree health from above, the Palm Quest 2026 Conference will spotlight the future of palm science when it returns to Fort Lauderdale April 21 to 22.
Hosted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in collaboration with the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), the biennial conference brings an expanded format showcasing innovation and education designed to maximize networking.
“Palm Quest is where the industry comes together to exchange ideas, explore innovations and strengthen connections that move palm science and production forward,” said Mica McMillan, assistant professor of environmental horticulture at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC). “This program reflects both the challenges and exciting opportunities facing the palm industry in Florida and beyond.”
Registration is required online.
Palm Quest 2026 is designed for all audiences of the nursery and landscape industry, including growers, propagators, landscape contractors, plant brokers, suppliers, landscape architects, arborists, foresters, planners, water management professionals, educators and researchers.
Organizers are committed to supporting ongoing professional development for attendees by providing continuing education opportunities and the credits needed to help maintain credentials and remain current in the industry. Details are listed on the registration link.
The conference will start at the Riverside Hotel, located at 620 East Las Olas Boulevard. The setting offers attendees a blend of conference learning by day and opportunities to connect and unwind in downtown Fort Lauderdale by night. Programming will include sessions on emerging disease-resilient palm varieties, cold-hardy palms and cycads and a look at the world’s largest coconuts and the remote Pacific island where they originate.
For landscape professionals, experts will cover common palm disorders and diseases, environmental stressors and best practices for successful transplanting. A grower roundtable will provide practical, experience-based insights on palm support and establishment, while design-focused sessions will explore installing and acclimating palms in urban environments.
Join industry colleagues for an engaging two-hour guided boat tour led by Patrick of Montgomery Botanical Center
and gain an insider’s perspective on how palms are being thoughtfully integrated into high-end residential landscapes, all while cruising Fort Lauderdale’s scenic waterways.
The second day shifts to the FLREC where attendees will engage directly with scientists and research in action. Led by McMillan, the program will feature advances in AI-driven palm diagnostics, drone-based monitoring of tree health and the latest strategies for managing key insect pests and fungal diseases. Sessions will also highlight the role of native palms in supporting Florida’s ecosystems.
“Today’s growers are looking for tools that go beyond tradition. They want data-driven insights into soil and plant health,” said McMillan. “Technologies that analyze microbial communities are opening new doors for improving palm performance and sustainability in real-world weather conditions.”
The conference will also include an evening reception with partners, creating dedicated time for one-on-one networking among attendees, speakers and industry leaders.
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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