HTA announces full speaker lineup for Horticulture, The Conference
Industry experts, political figures, a meteorologist, an economist, and experts in global foresight, communication, and organisational behaviour make up the speaker lineup for the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) Horticulture, The Conference, later this month.
Held at London’s Barbican Centre on Thursday 24 September 2026, Horticulture, The Conference aims to inform and support environmental horticulture businesses as they prepare for the future.
Elia Johnston, director of membership and marketing at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said:
“Delegates are in for a treat this year, with what I believe to be our strongest lineup yet. It is important for us to create a programme that features a wide range of guest speakers who can cover a full spectrum of topics, such as our changing climate, the value of green spaces, and the trends and opportunities for businesses that can support future growth.
“We take pride in the opportunities we provide for our delegates to network with colleagues from across the sector, and we are confident that this year’s programme will inform, entertain, and support environmental horticulture businesses while inspiring them to take action and continue to thrive.”
The Speakers and Sessions
Signals from the Future
Pippa Goodman, leading expert in global foresight from NextUp
Goodman, a leading expert in global foresight from NextUp, will cover an in-depth look at sociological, technological, legal and environmental trends, emerging risks, as well as the opportunities and what they mean for the future of UK environmental horticulture businesses.
Unpacking the Economy: the headwinds and tailwinds set to affect horticulture
Matthew Swannell, associate director at Oxford Economics
Swannell will explore the current state of the UK economy, key economic indicators to watch over the short and medium term, and their implications for environmental horticulture. He will also examine likely trends in consumer and public spending, labour market conditions, and how these are likely to affect opportunities and risks for the industry.
The Value of Green Spaces – Launch
Laura Loveridge and Samantha Smith, The HTA’s market research manager & policy and public affairs manager
The third report in the HTA’s ‘Value of’ series. Drawing on new public polling and evidence from across the UK, the report demonstrates how green spaces can help tackle extreme heat, flooding and pressure on the NHS, while supporting healthier communities, biodiversity and economic growth. It also highlights inequalities in access to green space and sets out an eight-point action plan for the government to better protect, expand, fund and integrate green infrastructure.
Creating the Climate for Green Spaces
Laura Tobin, Fellow of the Royal Meteorological, Baroness Natalie Bennett, Green Party Peer, Jonathan Whittemore, commercial and business manager at Johnsons Nurseries Ltd and chair of the HTA’s Ornamentals Management Committee
Tobin will deliver the opening address. With her expertise and dedication to weather and climate science, she will offer insights into our future climate. Tobin will then join a panel discussion. The panel of leading voices from politics, horticulture and meteorology will be moderated by Jennifer Pheasey, the HTA’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, and will explore how green infrastructure can help the UK adapt to a changing climate, build resilience and improve our quality of life.
Employment & People – Generations at Work
Dr Anthony Klotz, professor of organisational behaviour at the UCL School of Management in London
Klotz will explore the forces reshaping today’s workforce, from evolving employee expectations and engagement challenges to workplace culture and retention. He will share practical insights on creating more sustainable, fulfilling workplaces and building a workforce equipped to thrive.
In conversation with…
Fran Barnes, the HTA’s chief executive, Shazia Ejaz, director of campaigns at the Recruitment and Employment Federation (REC) and Henil Vashi, horticultural advisor at Robin Tacchi Plants.
This session will blend external expertise with sector‑specific insight, covering topics such as what Gen Z expects, what older generations need, and how the sector’s business culture can evolve.
Other speakers
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Conservative MP Robbie Moore, shadow minister for environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who will reflect on the value and importance of environmental horticulture in individual political updates.
Rounding off the day will be Ben Hanlin, who will close the conference with his keynote speech. As an award-winning speaker who helps businesses boost performance through better communication and stronger human connection, Ben will engage and energise delegates and leave a lasting impression.