Cultivate is evolving into an industry-only gathering designed for deeper connection, learning, and inspiration. Experience educational sessions, peer-led discussions, interactive art installations, curated tastings, and a nourishing lunch by Chowgirls, all while exploring what sustainable events can truly become. Come learn together, spark new ideas, and shape the future of responsible, beautiful gatherings.
Where values-based event industry leaders are building a better future.
This immersive day brings together event and wedding planners, venue managers, caterers, florists, photographers, and other industry leaders for educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and guided group discussions with peers.
What’s Included:
Coffee, Snacks, & Lunch
Enjoy a nourishing Lunch by Chowgirls Catering while connecting with peers on selected topics such as film in photography, sourcing in an Amazon world, and more.
Sessions & Peer Discussions
Learn from experts in the field on topics ranging from designing out waste, foam-free floral mechanics, values-based photography. Sessions will range from presentations to peer-led discussions, but all will have a component of connection with other industry leaders.
Full List of Sessions and Speakers to be announced!
Art Installations & Tastings
Explore more and get inspired to make sustainable changes through interactive art installations, sustainable designs in action, and savoring and sipping your way through the event.
Meet Our Keynote
Marley Finnegan, Purpose Sustainability Strategy
Marley Finnegan is the founder of Purpose Sustainability Strategy, sustainable event consultancy + education, and sister service, group travel emissions calculator Purpose Net Zero, which simplifies the measurement + management of 70-90% of travel emissions, a.k.a. the attendee travel footprint. She's a proud single mom to a beautiful 7-year old and the host of the inner work podcast, The Blueprint Within.
With 20 years experience in the large scale events industry, Marley has played roles in partnerships, development and strategy as well as having been tapped as Sustainability Advisor to the 2024 Democratic National Convention and hired to create PCMA's first-ever sustainability course.
Marley has completed over 300 hours of education in sustainability strategy, regenerative economics and leadership for post-capitalist futures. Currently, Marley is working on completing her first book, Radical Growth Within, along with the creation of Equiterra: A CoCreative Leadership Project for Regeneracy, supporting leaders in shifting from business as usual to post-conventional, multi-nodal, regenerative leadership models.
Learn more about the breadth of her work at marleyfinnegan.com.
Sessions & Speakers
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For Planners, Venues, and Caterers
Annie Pennings Guenthner, Chowgirls Catering
Ashleyn Przedwiecki, LUUM Collective
Madeleine Partsch, Minnesota Chamber Environmental Sustainability FoundationDiscover how to design and manage events that significantly reduce waste without sacrificing creativity or profitability. This session will cover practical strategies for low-waste event design, profitable pathways for caterers, onsite waste logistics and sorting, and the critical role planners play in reducing event waste. Get clarity on local organics and recycling requirements and discover resources to help your business transition toward more sustainable practices.
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For Photographers, Any Business
Jess Knighton, Jessica Knighton Photography
Adrian Steinbach, Adrian Steinback Photography
Celisia Stanton, Celisia Stanton PhotographyIn a saturated photography market, your values can be your greatest differentiator. This open discussion will explore how photographers are centering their ethics in their work, from creating safe and affirming client experiences to navigating film alternatives and AI tools with integrity. We’ll also discuss how to talk with clients and couples about sustainability and values-aligned choices. Learn how leading with your values can help the right clients find you, build trust, and create more meaningful work.
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For Florists
Hannah Ampe, Minne Floral Co.
Beck Kling, Pansy Floral
Sydney Roberts, Cosmos Floral
Alissa Trego, The Tiny FloristJoin local florists for an open conversation about how common event floral pieces can be designed without floral foam. Florists will share their foam-free philosophy and demonstrate alternative mechanics such as chicken wire, tubers, and alternative materials like AgraWool. This interactive discussion invites everyone to ask questions, share ideas, and learn together about how beautiful, foam-free floral designs are created. Seasoned foam-free florists and those interested in exploring alternatives are welcome!
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For Planners, Venues, Caterers
Marley Finnegan, Events of Purpose
Natalie Bardwell, Be Events
Cassie Ogren, HoneyHillHear directly from experienced planners as they share how sustainability comes to life behind the scenes of real events. In this conversation, planners will walk through their approaches to reducing carbon footprints, designing with sustainability in mind, educating and guiding clients, and collaborating with vendors to bring a responsible vision to life. Drawing from large-scale events like the Democratic National Convention and Aveda Congress, as well as tips and strategies used in weddings, this session offers practical insights into what sustainable planning looks like across different event types and scales.
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For Florists
Molly Gaeckle, Northerly Floral
Allie Kuppenbender, Bleedheart Floral
Sydney Roberts, Cosmos Floral
David Miller, Ergo FloralAn open conversation on how florists and floral farmers can collaborate to strengthen the local flower ecosystem. We’ll unpack what regenerative farming really means, the realities of sourcing local versus imported blooms, and how to collectively educate clients about pricing and seasonality. Together, we’ll explore how building a stronger local flower network supports healthier businesses, healthier land, and healthier communities.
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For Caterers, Planners
Nicole Baron, The Bridekick
Alexandra Zauner, Lucille’s Bottle ShopThis tasting experience explores how expanding plant-based, gluten-free, and alcohol-free options makes events more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable. Featuring a curated tasting by Alex of Lucille’s, you’ll discover the depth, sophistication, and joy of today’s alcohol-free beverage world, paired beautifully with vegan cheeses by Chowgirls.
LUNCH TABLE DISCUSSIONS
Table 1 - AI & Sourcing in an Amazon World
Table 2 - Ordinances & Business Resources
Table 3 - Film & Sustainable Photography
Table 4 - Sustainability for Organizations/Non-profits
Table 5 - Venues
Table 6 - Florists
Table 7 - Planners
Table 8 - Catering
Table 9, 10, 11, 12 - Open / Free style
The Schedule: April 8th
The After Party
Join us for a five-course dining experience that challenges the hospitality industry to look beyond the table. We’re shining a spotlight on what happens after the party! Designed for planners and creatives, this intimate evening showcases the artful and elevated side of sustainability. Featuring chefs, artists, and local makers, every element, from edible vessels and food-waste paper menus to sculptural tablescapes dyed and formed from scraps, has been intentionally designed with its afterlife in mind. This is a dinner where waste becomes decor, decor becomes keepsakes, and the end of the night is just the beginning of the story.
This is an event add-on, happening the night before Cultivate. Special discounts on ticket pricing for those who attend Cultivate and The After Party.
