Welcome to the official website of the 13th International Slipper Orchid Symposium, sponsored by Krull-Smith.
This year we offer a change of scenery as the 13th International Slipper Symposium will convene at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in Tampa, Florida. We will follow much of the same popular format as in previous years with the added bonus of being near all the popular attractions the Tampa area has to offer visitors, as well as the close proximity to June’s Orchid Estate.
We are currently confirming the speaker lineup and those speakers will be announced shortly.
Following the speaker presentations, there will be a roundtable discussion where the experts will answer questions and discuss issues important to them and address issues and concerns brought up by those who are in attendance.
Friday, November 5 - Although there are no official scheduled events for Friday, we suggest symposium attendees arrive and check in at the hotel on Friday in order to be fresh and rested for the following day's activities. Past attendees have commented that Friday was their favorite day of the event because of the opportunity to socialize with fellow enthusiasts, meet online friends face-to-face. This is a good time to plan carpools for the Saturday evening BBQ and auction at June's Orchid Estate.
Saturday, November 6 - The symposium begins promptly at 9:00am. Plant sales tables will be set up in the meeting room with vendors available before and between presentations to allure and entice us into increasing our collections. There will be a sit down lunch in the hotel restaurant (included with registration) and following the last presentation the speakers will hold a cultural panel / roundtable discussion led by Frank Smith. Later this evening all registrants are invited to attend a BBQ and plant auction under the pavilion at June's Orchid Estate in Thonotosassa. Food will be good and plentiful, highly desirable orchid plants, flasks and community pots will be up for auction, and fellowship with those of a common passion will abound.
Sunday, November 7 - 9:00 a.m., registrants are once again invited to June's Orchid Estate to tour and see this fabulous new nursery. A light breakfast will be served and visitors will have the opportunity to purchase plants to take home.
