Learning Theatre – Free Talks
The dynamic nature of our industry brings both challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of the sector. The hugely popular Learning Theatre at this year’s GLAS – proudly supported by Bord Bia – features talks from leading experts on some of the hottest trends and topics across our industry.
Show attendance and attendance at select talks also qualifies for IASIS CPE Credits, scroll to the end for more.
Supported by
10:00 - 10:30
The future of horticulture – what does a future-ready horticulture sector look like?
A strong determination to shape the future of our sector – itself a showcase for the green industry. Embedding horticulture’s societal importance. New technologies, innovative products and modern sales concepts to position businesses sustainably and for the long term. Building resilient supply chains. How the likes of AI can help and impact your business, and the industry at large.
Moderator:
Dr Owen Doyle, Chartered Horticulturist. Co-founder and Managing Director Bio-Logic Ltd. Technical Consultants in the horticulture, agriculture, and environment sectors.
Speakers:
Featuring a panel including;
Michael Gaffney, Teagasc
Pat Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald Nurseries
Sinead Mulcahy, Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine
10:30 - 10:45
Q&A
The future of horticulture – what does a future-ready horticulture sector look like?
10:45 - 10:50
Break
10:50 - 11:20
Regulatory compliance : “Plant Health Rules – what you need to know”
The horticulture industry faces strict regulations around operator’s registration/authorisation, associated requirements for record keeping, your regulated pest obligations and trade requirements. Adapting to these regulations requires investment in training and compliance monitoring.
Presented by;
Mary Canty, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
11:20 - 11:25
Break
11:25 - 11:55
Innovations in design and landscaping
There is a growing emphasis on designing landscapes that can withstand both extreme weather and temperature fluctuations. For Irish horticulture, this means shifting toward more sustainable, climate-adapted plants and improving water efficiency in garden designs. Embracing these strategies not only addresses immediate weather-related challenges but also opens up new market opportunities in an evolving environmental landscape.
While technological advancements are driving change in the design and landscaping industries – battery-powered equipment, regenerative gardening & urban landscaping. These innovations not only improve efficiency and environmental sustainability but also align with government targets for carbon reduction.
Moderated by:
Kinta Oakes, GLDA
Speakers;
Featuring a panel including;
Deirdre Prince, Executive Landscape Architect and Parks Officer, Dublin City Council
Frazer McDonogh, Garden Designer, Rock and Waterscapes
James Comiskey, Landscape Architect and Garden Designer, About Your Garden and AYG Landscape Consultants
11:55 - 12:00
Break
12:00 - 12:30
Training for the horticulture industry
A timely session as Growtrade.ie’s annual Industry Sentiment Survey reveals careers and career development as the industry’s leading concern.
Presented by:
John Mulhern, Teagasc
12:30 - 12:35
Break
12:35 - 13:05
Fertilisers for the Future
Join Andrew Wilson as he explores next generation of fertiliser solutions. Discover the latest trial results, innovations in biodegradable fertiliser technology ahead of upcoming European regulations, and how ICL is developing products that deliver outstanding plant quality whilst supporting a more sustainable future for growers.
Presented by:
Andrew Wilson, Technical Manager for ICL UK & Ireland
13:05 - 14:00
Break & New Plant New Product Awards Presentation on the main show floor
14:00 - 14:30
Beyond Peat – The Crisis Continues
On the 4th June 2026, the European Commission decided to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive.
Under the Directive, Member States are required to carry out an assessment of the environmental impacts of projects likely to have a significant negative impact on the environment, including peat extraction projects. These assessments guarantee the preservation of peatlands, which play a vital role for both ecological balance and climate mitigation.
Back for a third year the panel discuss this and the predicament in relation to growing media for the Irish horticultural industry.
Audience participation in this discussion will be highly encouraged.
Moderator:
Anna Kavanagh, Horticultural Expert and former Head of Technical, Quality and Research Development with Bord Na Mona.
Speakers:
Featuring a panel including;
Dr Eoghan Corbett, Teagasc.
John Neenan, GMI (Growing Media Ireland).
Dr Alex Sentinella, GME (Growing Media Europe).
James Spillane, Westland Horticulture.
Rachel Wisdom, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
14:30 - 14:45
Q&A
Beyond Peat – The Crisis Continues
14:45 - 15:00
Break
15:00 - 15:30
Biochar at Work: Transforming Turf, Trees, Sports Pitches and Soils
A review of the various biochar trials that Arigna has ongoing. The short presentation will cover the results to date, the lessons learned and Arigna’s view of the opportunities and challenges for biochar as an input in sports amenity, landscapes and horticulture sectors.
Presented by:
Cathal Fitzgerald, Chairman, Arigna Group.
Entrepreneur and investor in the finance and sustainability sectors. Cathal holds an MBA from Boston College and is a CFA charterholder. As chairman of Arigna Group, overseeing the transition from a fossil fuel producer to biochar. Arigna has two 35k metric tonne biochar machines fully operational in Ireland since 2023, making it one of the largest operating biochar producers in the world.
All above are subject to change, please check back closer to the show for the latest.
Attendance qualifies for IASIS CPE Credits as follows;
GLAS trade show exhibition attendance: 10 IASIS CPE Credits.
Seminar attendance:
The Future of Horticulture – 5 Credits.
Regulatory Compliance – 5 Credits.
Innovation in design and landscaping – 3.5 Credits
Fertilisers for the future – 3.5 Credits
Beyond Peat – 5 Credits
Biochar at work – 3.5 Credits
With the full support of Bord Bia, GLAS offers a unique networking opportunity for both buyers and sellers in Ireland’s horticulture, sportsturf and related industries.
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