Learning Theatre lineup for GLAS 2026

Learning Theatre at GLAS

All Bord Bia Learning Theatre presentations at GLAS take place upstairs from the main entrance lobby

Horticulture

8 July 2026

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.

Learning Theatre – free talks

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:
Michael Gaffney, Teagasc
Pat Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald Nurseries
Sinead Mulcahy, Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine

10:30 – 10:45 Q&A

The future of horticulture – what does a future-ready horticulture sector look like?

10:50 – 11:20 Regulatory compliance – Plant Health and Biosecurity Strategy 2026-2030

The horticulture industry faces increasingly strict regulations on pesticide use, water management, and environmental impact. Adapting to these regulations requires investment in training, technology, and compliance monitoring.

Presented by:
Mary Canty, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

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:
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

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

12:35 – 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 and Ireland

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:
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

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

GLAS is more than just a trade show – it’s where the Irish horticulture and landscaping industries come together to shape the future. It’s a perfect space for practitioners in the horticulture, garden retail, sportsturf, grounds maintenance and related industries.

Admission for GLAS is free by registration at the door. The show kicks off at 9am, with free parking at the National Basketball Arena.

Make sure to check out the GLAS website closer to the event as more details are added. You can register to collect your badge on arrival or download a ticket from the GLAS site. Alternatively, you and your colleagues can simply register at the main entrance.