ACS Convention - January 2-5, 2025

2025 American Camellia Society National Convention and Show
January 2-5, 2025
Gainesville, FL

The Gainesville Camellia Society is excited to host the 2025
National Convention in Gainesville, FL! Sign up for a fun-filled
itinerary of gardens, a state park and sightseeing of
beautiful Gainesville, Florida -
the original Home of the American Camellia Society

Welcome to the 2025 American Camelia Society National Homecoming Convention

Early Bird Rate: $295
Due by December 15, 2024
Regular Rate: $335
Due by December 24, 2024
Day rates are available - see form below
All four hotel Breakfasts, all three lunches, two banquet style dinners and four open-bar cocktail hours included in the full registration fee!!!

Hotel breakfasts may be purchased for non-staying guests - $25

Click here to register for the 2025 ACS Convention
(online registrations only - check or credit card accepted)
Both Out-of State and Local Residents (Gainesville and Ocala Regions) should register online

Hilton at University of Florida
Conference Center Gainesville
1714 SW 34th Street
Gainesville, FL 32607

Early Bird Daily Room Rates - taxes and fees excluded
1 King Bed Standard Room: $129
2 Queen Beds Standard Room:$129

Last Day to Book: December 2, 2024

Hotel Contact:
Christina Rodenwoldt - Senior Sales Manager
(352)384-3412
crodenwoldt@hiltongainesvilleuf.com
Click Here for Reservation -- Hilton UF

ACS Convention Schedule of Events/Programs

Click here to download the 2025 ACS Convention Schedule

Highlight of Places You'll See

Thursday, January 2, 2025
ACS President's Reception
at Hilton Presidential Suite

Cocktails and snacks in the Presidential Suite with Host and ACS President, Dennis Hart

Friday, January 3, 2025
Picnic & Tour at Wilmot Botanical Garden
Judges Dinner at Hilton Convention Center The Wilmot Botanical Gardens is named for Royal James "Roy" Wilmot who in the 1940's was a horticulturalist with the Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Florida. Wilmot was an authority on camellias and classified many of the known varieties. Wilmot Garden was once the largest publicly owned collection of camellias in the country.
Wilmot was a founding member of the American Camellia Society that was established in 1945 in Macon, GA. He was the first secretary of the society and also it's first yearbook editor. The American Camellia Society had it's first headquarters at the Universty of Florida, with the Wilmot Botanical Garden being the site of its trial gardens.

Friday, January 3, 2025
Florida Museum of Natural History & Butterfly Rainforest
The Butterfly Rainforest is a can't-miss living exhibit that features hundreds of free-flying butterflies and birds from around the world along with an asortment of other animals including turtles and fish to experience firsthand.
The lush ladscape is planted in tropical trees and flowering plants amid waterfalls and a walking path. Skilled interpretive staff are available to help answer questions and provide you with a personal and highly engaging experience.

Saturday, January 4, 2025
Camellia Flower Show
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Gainesville, FL
Guest Speaker Dr. Craig Tisher
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (Gainesville, Florida) is a 68 acre non profit facility comprised of 24 major collections visually accessible from a 1 ½ mile paved walkway. These include the state's largest public display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Giant Victoria water lilies can only be seen in late summer as they are a tropical species and usually disappear in October when the cooler weather sets in.
Some of Kanapaha's gardens are organized taxonomically; others demonstrate principles of ecology or natural selection. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a premier Gainesville wedding venue with both indoor and outdoor rentals for wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, meetings, retreats, conferences and other social functions. Kanapaha's signature plants include a premier stand of Chinese royal bamboo (Wong Chuk), and--during the warm months--giant Victoria water lilies and Asian snake arums.

The months offering the most color are June through September. Kanapaha hosts many special events throughout the year including a Bamboo Sale and North Central Florida's premier horticultural event, the Spring Garden Festival. Except during special events, like our Spring Garden Festival, dogs are permitted on leashes.

Picnic baskets are welcome and there is a picnic area very close to the entrance building. Kanapaha's walkways are largely wheelchair accessible and benches, gazebos and other rest stations are liberally spaced throughout the facility.

Tour & Luncheon at Silver Springs State Park
Farewell Banquet & Plant Auction at Hilton Convention Center
Sunday, January 5, 2025
Explore one of America's largest and best loved springs!
The 4,000-acre Silver Springs State Park encompasses not only the springs, but the entire 5-mile Silver River and surrounding sandhill forest. Wander among the historic structures and serene gardens surrounding the main spring, reminders of the park's past history as a major tourist attraction. Visit the Silver River Museum. Paddle the river. Hike. Camp

ACS Convention - January 2-5, 2025