The annual symposium and awards event is more than just awards. It is a educational event developed specifically for communities to help them succeed in their beautification efforts.

Education
The educational sessions at each symposium differ, but always cover a wide range of topics. Past sessions have covered the following topics:

• Fundraising - building solid foundations, using bulbs, themed events
• Selecting plants for site specific color
• The power of photography
• Using native plants
• Getting civic groups involved
• How gardens change the face of neighborhoods

Tours
See first-hand what the host city is doing and how they're doing it. Tours showcase the community and their accomplishments as well as allow symposium attendees to see first-hand examples of successful and innovative projects that can often be adapted and used in attendees' home communities.

Network
Meet like-minded people from around the country and learn from their successes and failures. Attendees are eager to share their stories and talk about their communities. AIB judges will also be attending the symposium and are a wealth of information.

Awards
There are two award ceremonies: the criteria awards ceremony and the population awards ceremony. Click here for more information on the awards ceremonies.