2025 Amorphophallus symposium

Amorphophallus Conservation Conference 2025 Schedule

November 5–6, 2025 | The Huntington, San Marino, CA

Jumpt to: Day 1  |  Day 2

DAY 1 – November 5

  • 8:00 – 9:00 AM
    • Registration and Morning Coffee
  • 9:00 – 10:30 AM
    • Welcome and Introduction      
      From Field Surveys to Future Collaborations: Advancing Amorphophallus Studies in Sumatra, Angga Yudaputra, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia
    • Sustaining Amorphophallus Diversity in Indonesia: Research, Ex-Situ Conservation, and Emerging Challenges, Yuzammi, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia
  • 10:30 – 11:00 AM
    • Break
  • 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
    • Benefits and Challenges to Pedigree Tracking of Genetic Diversity in Ex Situ Metacollections of Endangered Species: A Case Study Using Amorphophallus titanum, Olivia Murrell, Manchester Metropolitan University
    • Managing Meta-Collections of Exceptional Species: Adapting Zoo Pedigree Management for Plants, Jeremie Fant, Chicago Botanic Garden
    • Beyond the Collection: How Metacollections Anchor Rare Plant Conservation - Framing Metacollections as a Strategic Tool, Not Just a Concept, Emily Coffey, Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • 12:15 – 1:15 PM
    • Lunch
  • 1:15 – 3:15 PM
    • Hands-on Workshops:
    • Implementation of Pollen Banking for Preserving Genetic Diversity and Supporting Collections Ex Situ, Jeremy Foster, Chicago Botanic Garden
    • Cultivation of Amorphophallus and Other Tuberous Aroids, Dylan Hannon, The Huntington
  • 3:15 – 3:45 PM
    • Break
  • 3:45 – 5:00 PM
    • Plant Biobanking: An Insurance Policy for Threatened Biodiversity, Katie Heineman, San Diego Zoo
    • Micropropagation of Amorphophallus: a Gate to Long-Term Conservation?, Raquel Folgado, The Huntington
    • Think Twice and Trade Right: Introducing the Illegal Plant Trade Campaign, Sean Lahmeyer, The Huntington
  • 5:15 PM
    • Bus to local restaurant (optional)

DAY 2 – November 6    

  • 8:00 – 9:00 AM
    • Morning Coffee
  • 9:00 – 10:40 AM
    • Amorphophallus titanum Ex Situ Observations and Their Value, Stephen Jones, United States Botanic Garden
    • Trading Places: Staff Exchange and Knowledge Exchange to Help Aroid Conservation, Dylan Hannon, The Huntington
    • Building Infrastructure for Plant Exchange: Examples from the Chicago Botanic Garden, Adam Dooling, Chicago Botanic Garden
    • Partners in Preservation: Strengthening Amorphophallus Conservation Through Collaboration, Derek Carwood, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
  • 10:45 – 11:00 AM
    • Break
  • 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Planning Ahead – Part 1  
      Facilitated discussion moderated by Vanessa Handley, Montgomery Botanical Center and Amy Byrne, The Morton Arboretum
  • 12:30 – 1:00 PM
    • Working Lunch
  • 1:00 – 2:15 PM
    • Planning Ahead – Part 2     
      Facilitated discussion moderated by Vanessa Handley, Montgomery Botanical Center and Amy Byrne, The Morton Arboretum
  • 2:15 – 2:30 PM
    • Break
  • 2:30 – 4:30 PM
    • Tours of The Huntington:
      • Cryopreservation lab with Raquel Folgado
      • Gardens and curation – TBD
      • Aroid collection with Dylan Hannon
  • 4:30 – 5:00 PM
    • Next Steps & Conference Closing