2026 was a successful but challenging year:

• Bill Cline will present an overview of the past season and outlook for 2027.
• Plant pathologist Caleb Bollenbacher is testing fungicides for fruit rot control in the lab and in the field, and will share those timely results and recommendations.
• Entomologist Lorena Lopez will discuss insecticide trials against Prionus (longhorn beetles), insecticide trials against scale insects, and will answer questions about the emerging issue of thrips management during bloom.
• Mike Mainland will discuss cultivars — “what looked good in 2026?” and we will offer pesticide training for those who need credits.
• We are also excited to have a special invited speaker — Plant pathologist Phil Harmon from the University of Florida at Gainesville will join us to talk about his experiences with Blueberry Bacterial Wilt and Algal Stem Blotch. These two diseases are more common further south, and have now begun appearing in North Carolina blueberry fields.

In addition to the educational program, our new and returning vendors will be showcasing products to benefit your business during our Trade Show hours. We hope to see you there!

Venue and Accommodations

The Charlie Rose Expo Center, Crown Complex is located in the heart of Cumberland County. The Crown Complex is a state-of-the-art, five-venue complex comprised of a 4,500-seat arena, a 9,200-square foot ballroom, a 10,880-seat coliseum, an exposition center with 60,000 square feet of unobstructed space and a 2,440-seat theatre.

Overnight Accommodations

We have reserved a block of rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fayetteville at a specially negotiated group rate for attendees of the 2027 Open House & Trade Show:

• Double Queen Room: $114/night
• King Room: $116/night

In order to fulfill our hotel contract obligations and avoid potential attrition charges, we strongly encourage attendees to book their accommodations within our room block.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fayetteville offers a complimentary fitness center, on-site restaurant and lounge, and is conveniently located just off I-95.

Reservations:

• By Phone:
  Call the hotel directly at (910) 323-8282 and provide the group name/code: NC Blueberry Council
• Online:
  Book Your Room Online

Group Rate:

Cutoff Date: December 27, 2036
Final deadline to make your hotel reservation at the discounted group rate.