Cactus & Succulent Society of America

2009 CSSA Convention in TUCSON

Why should I come to Tucson in April?

Well there are probably 101 reasons to come to the Tucson CSSA convention in April of 2009.  Just a few of them are listed here.

1). It’s in Tucson Arizona… the center of the universe as far as cactus and succulents are concerned (at least those of us who are lucky enough to call Tucson home humbly believe).

2). The weather in Tucson will be absolutely perfect.  We picked the ideal time of year to visit the Desert Southwest. It won’t be 110 in the shade. While I can’t legally guarantee perfect weather, statistically it’s almost impossible for the weather not to be perfect during this week.  It will be a great time to enjoy the out doors with tours, nursery and garden visits and just lounging around.

3). It’s spring time in Tucson with a number of plants likely to be blooming  around town. Click here to see pictures of just some of them (all were taken in Mid April in Tucson)

4). Fabulous sights – you will be deep in the heart of the beautiful Sonoran desert with all it’s desert wonders.

6). Amazing day trips before, during and after the conference will be available.  World class cactus and succulent botanical collections at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, The Boyce Thompson Arboretum , Desert Botanical garden are all just short drives away.  Where else can you be surrounded by the sacred Saguaro Cactus (and the Saguaro National Park east and west)  Click here for links to some of these sites.

7). When you wake up every morning you will actually be in Tucson Arizona… surrounded by the most beautiful desert scenery anywhere in the world.

8). Two tracks of talks (over 30 speakers) from some of the most world renown, knowledgeable and interesting speakers available in the world.  Click here for a current list of confirmed speakers.

 9). Optional Workshops will be available on a variety of interesting topics, presented by very knowledgeable and interesting presenters.  Click here for a list of already set workshops.

10).  Unique, unusual and exciting special events.  Some of the events being planned are: An Agave roast, Book signings, Easter egg hunt, fabulous closing banquet entertainment.

11). Plants, plants, plants and even more plants… .  (We expect upwards of 30 vendors…some of the vendors confirmed are: Plants for the Southwest, Arid Lands, B&B Cactus Farm…while Tucson has an abundance of first class Nurseries we will also have plant sellers from all over the country! Click here for a current list of vendors committed to coming.  And don’t forget the famous Plant auction containing hundreds of special plants that you won't find anywhere else. (mention some of the special plants being groomed for the convention by local nurseries)

12). Art work, books, and all kinds of other cool stuff you just can’t live with out (and that none of your friends will have).

13)  We are also planning two different botanical Art shows in conjunction with the conference. One will be held at the Hotel and the other at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

14). One of the most beautiful hotels and conference centers in the desert southwest, nestled in the enchanting Catalina foothills.  Check it out here.

15). Beautiful plant show.  Large full size specimen plants headlined by some of Mark Dimmitt’s Tree size Adeniums in full bloom.

16). Special surprises.  Yes we have planned a number of special surprises… Ok … just one of them…you have forced it out of me… one of the surprises will be the beautiful Golden Spined fishhook (Ferocactus wislizenii var. flavispinus.).  It won’t be for sale at the conference the only way to get one will be to be as an attendee.  A special gift from the Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society to our guests.

17) A chance to meet many world renown experts and authors and a chance to meet again with old friends and make many new ones.

18). An opportunity to meet with like minded specialists from around the world.  We are making space and time available for other organizations to hold meetings during the convention.  (contact Kevin Barber(Kevin@rainbowgardensbookshop.com) to reserve space or find out more).

19). An opportunity to discuss and participate in conservation of our plants and their habitats.

20). Book signing.  We will have a number of world renowned C&S authors on hand to sign your books.  Some of them include John Pilbeam and Mark Dimmitt.

21). Fun, Fun, Fun… yes there will lots of ways to have a great time at the convention.

22). Did I mention you will be in TUCSON!

23).  I guess I’ll stop here… Suffice it to say that there are a LOT of reasons to make your reservations NOW.

Wait...one more reason...or rather a reason for every night you stay in Arizona.