Dear Friends,

I would like to invite you to Rochester, NY for NAQGCON 2027!

Welcome to Rochester, NY for NAQGCON 2027, to be held on May 20-22.

Rochester is rich in history. In 1834, Rochester was the largest flour producer in the U.S. nicknaming it “The Flour City”. During the mid-19th century, the city became home to an expanding nursery business, giving Rochester it’s second nickname, “The Flower City”. We are home to Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglas and George Eastman.

May brings the sweet scent of lilacs drifting through the air. Rochester’s Highland Park is home to over 500 varieties of lilacs, the largest collection in the Northeast. Over 500,000 people visit the park annually during lilac time. This is one of my most favorite times of the year and you may have guessed, my favorite flower. Don’t forget to stop by the park while you visit!

Recommended Activities Include: The Strong National Museum of Play (it’s not just for kids ☺), George Eastman Museum, Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, Tour Mount Hope Cemetery and Cruise on the Sam Patch down the Erie Canal. For more activities please visit: www.visitrochester.com

If you have a few days before or after the conference, NYS has so much to see and do. Some of my favorite activities are visiting Niagara Falls, taking a Wine Tour in the Finger Lakes and visiting Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands. To find more can’t miss attractions visit: www.iloveny.com.

As I am planning for our conference, I will provide news and updates along the way. As you may have guessed, the theme for NAQGCON 2027 is Lilacs. So, get those thinking caps on, the creativity flowing, and get those competition pieces started!

Hotel Information
We will be staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/University & Medical Center.
Address of the hotel is: 30 Celebration Dr, Rochester, NY 14620.
Room Rates will be $189.00 per night and will be extended 3 days before and 3 days after the conference. The hotel will start accepting reservations late June. As soon as I receive the
code for booking, I will get that out to everyone.

More information to come as plans come together and we get closer to 2027. I look forward to meeting new friends, seeing olds friends and creating memories that will “twirl” in our minds forever.

Your 2027 Host,
Melinda McGinnis-LePree

Questions? Email me: naqgconhost@naqg.org