Carnivorous & Exotic Plant Symposium & Expo
Kernersville, North Carolina – May 16–17, 2026
The Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden (PJCBG), located in Kernersville, North Carolina, is thrilled to host the Carnivorous & Exotic Plant Symposium & Expo in partnership with the International Carnivorous Plant Society (ICPS). Funding and support for this exciting new event are being generously provided by the Guilford County Horticultural Society and the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden Foundation.
This two-day symposium and expo will be held May 16–17, 2026, with activities centered at the Kernersville Community Recreation & Event Center. Opened in January 2025, this $18.3 million facility offers spacious presentation halls and a vibrant expo floor—an ideal setting for two full days of learning, networking, and celebrating plants with fellow enthusiasts.
In addition to the main event, the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden will host off-site Master Gardener tours and special exhibits, extending the symposium’s educational and cultural reach across Kernersville.
Kernersville Community Recreation & Event Center
Ciener Botanical Garden
Vendors & Exhibitors
The expo will feature about 60 curated booths, ranging from plant growers and nurseries to cultural institutions, artisans, and garden clubs.
Confirmed vendors & exhibitors include:
And more!
This mix ensures attendees will find everything from rare carnivorous plants and houseplants to educational opportunities and family-friendly activities.
If you are interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor, please contact Kenny Coogan, ICPS Education Director, at kenny@carnivorousplants.org.
Presentations & Speakers
Throughout the weekend, hourly talks will highlight the science, conservation, and cultivation of carnivorous plants.
Saturday, May 16
10:00 AM — KEYNOTE
Joey Santore
Some Western Hemisphere Carnivores
11:00 AM
Johnny Randall
Venus Flytrap History, Genetics, and Conservation
12:00 PM
Jared Chauncey
Man-Eaters: Past and Future
1:00 PM
Kadeem Gilbert
Tiny Worlds Inside of Pitcher Plants
2:00 PM
Mataeus Funderburk
The Effects of Salinity on Venus Flytrap Growth
3:00 PM
Alison Northup
Gardening for Conservation
3:30 PM
Drew Martinez
Escaping the Niche: How to Make Carnivorous Plants Mainstream
Sunday, May 17
10:00 AM — KEYNOTE
Joey Santore
Some Eastern Hemisphere Carnivores
11:00 AM
Jeremiah Harris
Growing Guinness World Record Venus Flytraps
12:00 PM
Max Kotelnicki
Cultivating Southeastern Carnivores
1:00 PM
Dan Walker
Carnivorous Plants of North Carolina
2:00 PM
Richard Wong
Sarracenia and Climate Change
3:00 PM
Mike Helfrich
How to Grow Nepenthes
Community & Local Flavor
With full support from Visit Winston-Salem and the Town of Kernersville, this symposium is set to be a regional highlight for plant enthusiasts.
Kernersville’s central location makes it an excellent hub for exploration. Visitors can enjoy nearby cultural and historical attractions, explore the mountains to the west or the beaches to the east (each only about three hours away), and even take day trips to see the world-famous wild Venus flytrap populations near Wilmington.
Kernersville is ideally located in the heart of North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad, just 20 minutes from Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO). Visitors will find plenty to explore beyond the symposium itself, from strolling the charming downtown filled with local shops and restaurants, to enjoying outdoor destinations such as Triad Park, Salem Lake, and the extensive greenways in nearby Winston-Salem and Greensboro. For those interested in history and culture, Old Salem Museums & Gardens and Reynolda House Museum of American Art are within a short drive. With its mix of small-town charm and easy access to larger city amenities, Kernersville offers a welcoming home base for a memorable weekend.
Nature lovers won’t want to miss a visit to nearby Pilot Mountain State Park, just 40 minutes northwest of Kernersville. This iconic quartzite peak rises dramatically from the landscape and offers panoramic views, diverse hiking trails, and opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and peaceful reflection. It’s a perfect complement to the symposium weekend—inviting visitors to connect with the region’s wild side.
Sponsors
This event would not be possible without the generosity of sponsors who share our passion for plants and community, including:
Cake & All Things Yummy will be providing cupcakes to the first 100 guests each day!
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, businesses, and organizations wishing to support the symposium.
Registration & Membership
THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT
Regular paid ICPS members will attend the event for free with registration! Full ICPS members also get to early bird entrance from 8am-9am both days!
Current non-members may purchase single-day or two-day tickets, which include a complimentary one-year ICPS e-membership. Admitted at 9am.
Tickets will be available starting in January 2026. For updates, registration, and additional details, visit:
Logistics
Event Location:
Kernersville Parks & Recreation
1020 Shields Rd, Kernersville, NC 27284
Local Airport:
Piedmont Triad International Airport Airport Code GSO
Hotel:
Hampton Inn Kernersville
150 Clayton Forest Drive, Kernersville, NC 27284
Register here for our event discount:
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/carnivoroussymposium
We look forward to welcoming you to Kernersville in May 2026 for this historic celebration of carnivorous and exotic plants.