2026 Central New York Summer Cut Flower Conference

Topic: "Bespoke floral designs and event planning"

Ashley Paul is the founder of C+A Event Planning, a full-service wedding planning and floral design studio based in Upstate New York. With over 17 years of experience bringing weddings to life from first consultation through final bloom, Paul approaches every event with the eye of a designer and the precision of a planner.

Topic: "Entering the wholesale market with support"

Stephanie Brainard is the owner of Brainard Farmette, where she cultivates pure raw honey in addition to a wide variety of summer blooms. She is passionate about connection and community. With a degree in business in entrepreneurship, she focuses on nurturing our relationship with florists, reaching out to new clients and building connections amongst growers in the region.

Topic: "NYSFI and new 2027 flower introductions"

Sue Adams is vice-president of Mark & Sue Adams Greenhouses, a five- acre operation in Poughkeepsie, New York. She is an award winning container designer, graduate of Cornell University, president of New York State Flower Industries, serves on the New England Floriculture Board (president emeritus) and is the author of, “What Do Your Flowers Say Today?”

Topic: "Starting a perennial cut flower farm"

Tammy Spear is the founder of Bloomers at Poormon Farms, a specialty cut flower operation. Beginning in 2023, Spear planted peonies, other perennials and woodies, as well as annuals suitable for cut flower bouquets. She began selling in 2025 by setting up "Bloom Bars" at bridal and baby showers and parties, and this year she added a farmer's market as a sales outlet.

Topic: "Agritourism and partnerships in cut flower farming"

Jamie Hunt is the director of farm operations at Tap Root Fields Farm. He is responsible for advancing the organization's mission through innovative programming, sustainable resource management, community partnerships and operational excellence. He also drives the integration of food production, visitor engagement, conservation, education and economic development to create meaningful connections between people, agriculture and the landscape.

Topic: “How to assess organic pest control options (even if you aren’t organic)”

Maryellen Sheehan is Cornell Cooperative Extension Madison County’s agriculture and commercial horticulture resource educator. Sheehan works with aspiring farmers on land access, soil management, IPM, natural resource management, farm enterprise exploration, food safety, farm business planning and more. Prior to joining CCE Madison, Sheehan ran an organic produce operation and worked as NOFA-NY’s vegetable educator.

Topic: "Market channel assessment"

Lindsey Pashow is the statewide agritourism and agriculture business development, marketing specialist for Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Harvest New York team. Her focus of work includes agritourism, food safety, industrial hemp, produce auctions, marketing, cut flowers and farm to institution.