Jason Fischer (Orchids Ltd.) - Growing Vanilla. With the species population in decline, and their habitat undergoing reduction and overexploitation the Vanilla orchid is listed on the endangered IUCN Red list of Threatened Species. If there was no vanilla, how many of our favorite foods, scents and more would be affected? This talk will cover various vanilla species, how to grow and create the seedpod, harvest and create your own Vanilla extract!

Jason Fischer is the General Manager, Hybridizer and Content Creator of his family business Orchids Ltd, established in 1978, more widely known as OrchidWeb. Located in Plymouth, Minnesota, Orchids Ltd. is a mid-sized operation featuring 4 greenhouses totaling 15,000 square feet, an outdoor seasonal shade house, and laboratory.

Jason’s lifelong orchid education began by working with his father since the age of 5.  He became interested in orchid hybridization and lab work at 14, and started breeding Phalaenopsis, which later lead to Paphs, Phrags and more! His orchid interests also include Stanhopeinae and Neofinetia.  He particularly enjoys creating hybrids with attractive flowers as well as attractive foliage.

Jason has presented internationally in Conferences including the World Orchid Conference, the Australian Orchid Council Conference and the New Zealand National Orchid Expo.

Lucy Matos-Lodato and Keith Clark - Installing and Maintaining Orchids with the Flamingo Gardens Orchidteers. Join this orchid "squad" as they share tips and tricks on installing and maintaining orchids on trees. Learn the secrets of creating your own outdoor orchid oasis from this amazing team of volunteers who have transformed Flamingo Gardens in Davie, Florida, into an Orchid Paradise.

The Flamingo Gardens Orchidteers are a group of volunteers that meet weekly to mount new orchids and care for existing orchids while gaining hands-on experience. Led by Lucy Matos- Lodato, their mission is to develop Florida native and exotic orchid repositories to build awareness, interest, and education at Flamingo Gardens. Volunteers assist in cataloging, tagging, mounting, fertilizing and watering the vast collection of beautiful species and hybrids. The Orchidteers are volunteers from different orchid societies as well as Master Gardeners, orchid aficionados, and novices wanting to learn. All skill levels are welcome to join!

Ben Oliveros (Orchid Eros) - Hawaiian Sunrise and Greenhouse Growing. Tour the Orchid Eros nursery located on the slopes of the Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii and learn greenhouse culture tips from an Accredited judge and multiple AOS Annual Award-winner.

After 12 years as a commercial grower in Atlanta, Ben Oliveros moved to the Big Island of Hawaii in 2004 and founded Orchid Eros, a nursery dedicated to advancing Cattleya species and hybrids.  He relocated to Hawaii with the firm conviction that his plants would grow best there.

Ben started Orchid Eros with 500 breeding plants and has expanded his nursery stock to 100,000 orchids.

As an AOS judge, Ben is committed to providing superior flowers on plants that bloom early and bloom often.