2023 Convention (Richmond, VA)

Virginia is for Gesneriad Lovers

July 3 to July 8, 2023

The Richmond Virginia area convention team is looking forward to meeting you at The Gesneriad Society’s 66th Annual Convention to celebrate our favorite plants. Mark your calendars for July 3-8, 2023 and join us at the Westin Richmond Hotel for a wonderful show. We are sure you will be surprised and amazed by the entries due to the many talented growers and hybridizers attending.

Richmond is a city steeped in history with many historical buildings and museums and cobblestone streets lined with beautiful old homes. But it is also a city with outdoor venues along the James River for walking, biking and white-water rafting, an award-winning botanical garden, and a variety of other gardens and historic properties. Our city has something for everyone and we have planned a variety of tours around Richmond for you to enjoy during your visit to Virginia. Our pre-convention trip on Sunday will be to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, about an hour’s ride west of Richmond.

Let’s not forget some of the other reasons for your visit – plant sales and speakers. We will have a large variety of plants for sale from several commercial growers as well as from individual growers so you’re sure to find many new plants to add to your collection. We have planned four full lectures as well as mini-programs, informal discussions, and panels… with programs to interest all.

The Westin, located at 6631 West Broad Street in Richmond, offers a convention hotel rate of $119 per night and includes free parking. There is a heated indoor pool and exercise equipment for your enjoyment. The convention rate is in effect three days before and three days after the convention activities so plan to extend your visit. Remember that Richmond is located in the middle of the east coast close to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, and the Nation’s Capital to the north, all less than two hours away. Also about an hour east is the 301- acre interactive living-history museum Colonial Williamsburg and nearby Historic Jamestown, site of America’s first permanent English colony established in 1607.

As usual, plan for typical hot days in July, but we hope that will not dissuade you from traveling to the Commonwealth of Virginia to visit with old friends and new, learn new growing skills, buy exciting new gesneriads, AND enjoy what Richmond has to offer.