50th Anniversary of the Mid-America Orchid Congress and Tennessee Capital Orchid Show, 2009
Friday, October 30th thru Sunday, November 1, 2009
Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
700 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin, TN 37067
The Orchid Society of Middle Tennessee would like to invite you to participate in our Fall 2009 50th Anniversary Mid-America Orchid Congress show and sale. The show will be held at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin, TN. This will be an AOS sanctioned show. We are very excited to be hosting this 50th Anniversary event, and look forward sharing the experience with all our fellow orchid enthusiasts.
Download Show Program (pdf - includes schedule, map and rules)
Download Event Schedule (pdf)
Download Map of Floor Area (pdf)
Download Show Schedule Rules & Regulations (pdf)
Download Registration Form (pdf)
Speakers:
Ken Cameron speaking on "The role of DNA in orchid classification: why so many name changes?" Ken Cameron is an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Wisconsin and the Director of the Wisconsin State Herbarium. His research focuses on Orchid evolution, classification, molecular relationships, and especially on Vanilla. Prior to his appointment at the University of Wisconsin, he was a botanist for 10 years at the NY Botanical Garden. Previously this year, Dr. Cameron provided the keynote address at the Quito Orchid Expo in Ecuador. Read Ken's bio to learn more.
Erich Michel speaking on 'The True Encyclias" An exploration of the anatomy and taxonomic placement of the Genus Encyclia in the Epidendrum subtribe. A review of important species in cultivation. Propagation and culture of species will also be discussed. Read Erich's bio to learn more.
Ron McHatton speaking on "Orchid Sex" The development in orchids of fused reproductive organs and heavy, non-windblown pollen aggregrates necessitates the intervention of another living creature in the sexual saga of orchid reproduction. This presentation, not for the squeamish or prudish among us, looks at the relationship between orchid flowers, recently referred to as 
inflatable insect love dolls by a nationally published author, their pollinators (we can't repeat the analogy for this one here) and the amazing array of floral fragrances and pollination mechanisms found in our wonderful world of orchids. And there's even something befitting the holiday - did you know that the pollinator of at least one of our native orchid species donates an eye to the cause? That sort of gives new meaning to Trick or Treat. Read Ron's bio to learn more.
Show Hours:
Friday, October 30: Show set-up will start at 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Plant registration will be open until 7:00 p.m. The vending area will be open for sales from 12 Noon - 6:00 p.m. MAOC committee meetings will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Preview Party will be held from 9:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 31: Judges and clerks breakfast will be held from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m., with ribbon judging to follow. Upon completion of the ribbon judging (approximately 12:00 p.m.) the exhibits will be opened to the public. Judges and clerks luncheon will be from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Vending area will be open from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The banquet will be from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. The Saturday lecture schedule and program topics are posted in the program.
Sunday, November 1: MAOC Affiliated Societies breakfast will be from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Join us in a dynamic exchange of information amongat the Sunday morning breakfast. The topic will be "CREATIVE APPROACHES TO A LOCAL ORCHID SHOW".
Exhibit and sale areas will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Show Sponsors:
Orchid Society of Middle Tennessee and the American Orchid Society
Show Chair Contacts:
2009 OSMT Show Co-Chairs are:
Tom Harper and Steve Burger
Steve Burger
9651 Fredonia Rd, Manchester TN 37355
Phone: (931) 394-2713
Email: gandsgh@blomand.net
Vendor Exibits:
OSMT is proud to present a varied array of vendors for our show. There is sure to be something for everyone with such an impressive line-up! Please join us in welcoming:
Carter and Holmes Inc.
Clown Alley Orchids
Hillwood Orchids
KeikiPro LLC
Marble Branch Farms
Merkle's Orchids
Michel Orchid Nursery
Natt's Orchids
New Vision Orchids
Normans Orchids
Oak Hill Gardens
Orchid Gallery
Orchidbabies
Orchid Inn
OW Orchids
Stones River Orchids
Woodland Orchids
Non - Plant Vendors:
Balogh Int'l. Inc.
Celebrate Orchids
Dawn Vertrees Jewelry Design
Nature Glassworks
Orchids and More
Picture Perfect Orchid Photography & Art
Robert's Orchid Supply
Entries and FAQs:
Can anyone enter an orchid? Yes, however all entries must comply with American Orchid Society rules and standards.
Entry due date: Applications for orchid displays must be returned to the show chairman. Applications are available upon request from the show chairman.
AOS ribbon judging: Saturday morning, 7:30 a.m. until approximately 12:00 noon.
Will orchids be available for sale?: Yes, we will have a number of vendors from around the region with hundreds of orchid plants and supplies for sale.
Hotel Reservations:
**Please dial 1-888-403-6772 to call in your reservations and ask for the Mid-America Orchid Congress group rate.**
Or online at Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
Rooms at the Marriott are at a special rate of $119.00 per night. When making reservations at the Marriott you need to mention the OSMT/MAOC show.