STUDENT DAY
STUDENT DAY
The CGC's Student Day is returning for 2026!
Step into the world of greenhouse growing with Student Day — a dynamic half-day event designed to kickstart your career in the horticulture sector. Whether you're curious about career paths or ready to land your first job, this is your chance to connect, learn, and grow.
When:
Thursday, October 8th, 2026
10:00am - 1:00pm
What to Expect:
🌱 Inspiring talks from horticulture pros sharing real career stories and advice
💼 Insider tips from HR experts on how to stand out and get hired
🤝 Speed networking with industry leaders who want to meet you
🍴 A networking lunch with companies actively looking for talent
Don't miss this opportunity to build your network and explore exciting job opportunities in the greenhouse industry!
Industry Panel:
Career Journeys & Lessons Learned
10:20 – 11:10 AM
Overview:
Advice on how to navigate and build a career:
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Unexpected turns and pivotal moments
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Biggest challenges and how to navigated them
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Skills and attitudes to help with success
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Advice they wish they had as students
Panelists:
Astri Buchanan
ICL Growing Solutions
Astri first became interested in horticulture when working as a summer tree planter and later joined the industry full-time working in vegetable greenhouses in Leamington. She joined ICL in 2023 and now works with growers and distribution partners across Eastern Canada providing technical expertise on fertilizers an wetting agents.
Belal El Hassan
Hendriks Greenhouses
Belal El Hassan Father of Three Boys in Universities Born in Lebanon in a refugee camp Grownup in the poultry farming industry in Kuwait Graduated from DuPage Horticulture School in Chicago Illinois worked in Kuwait in Greenhouse vegetable Production. Moved to Canada late 1990 work in Floriculture production Currently Senior Grower at Hendriks Greenhouses .Community Leader. Class of 2025 HILA award winner and Chair of the PAC at Niagara Collage.
Grads Panel:
Beyond Graduation
11:10 – 11:40 AM
Overview:
Advice for landing a first job and building a career:
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Building Your Personal Brand & Pitch
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Acing Interviews and Navigating Early Careers
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Resume & LinkedIn ideas and tips
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Dos and Don’ts for Applications and Interviews
Panelists:
Madison McAllister
Madison is a Biocontrol Technician at GrowLiv Biologicals, a Canadian beneficial insectary located in Amherstburg, Ontario. Serving Niagara and the surrounding regions, Madison is known among growers for her enthusiasm and passion for biocontrol. When she is not pausing to pet greenhouse employees of the furry variety, Madison works diligently to support growers through practical knowledge, effective application, and open communication.
Madison MacDonald
BioBee Canada
Madison MacDonald is a Technical Sales Representative with BioBee Biological Solutions Canada, based in Leamington, Ontario, where she helps greenhouse growers build effective integrated pest management and biocontrol programs. A horticultural professional, she holds a Horticultural and Landscape Technician diploma from St. Clair College and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Windsor. Before joining BioBee, Madison worked as a research assistant with the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs in Harrow. Her background in operations and customer service brings a practical, grower-focused approach to biological pest management.