May 6-8 2026 Bend, Oregon
See below for Sponsorship Opportunities
The inaugural Western Cone & Seed Summit is a 2.5 day event occurring May 6-8, 2026 in Bend, Oregon at Worthy Brewing on Bellevue Drive. Practitioners spanning academia, private industry, tribal nations, non-profits, and public agencies are encouraged to attend and contribute their knowledge to this event. Please join us in addressing the complex sourcing and supply chain of native tree seed, primarily conifers, for reforestation in Western North America.The Western Cone & Seed Summit (WCSS) centers actionable solutions while being amenable to future integration of other seed procurement in parallel to the ultimate goal of scaling tree seed supply. For many of us involved in tree seed procurement, we are well aware of the problems and barriers to scale. WCSS will be focused on building coalitions, sharing active solutions, and connecting marketplaces for sustained cashflow that can weather the variability of seed production years across geographies. This event will also define the true cost of seed- highlighting many of the unrealized investments required to have a sustainable and resilient supply chain. This includes how the supply chain can be funded through diversification in the seed marketplace, and relinquish its dependence on ephemeral funding cycles. .
Tentative Agenda March 2026
Summit Themes
❋ Seed Solutions in Action
Stakeholders will provide updates on successes and challenges to scaling seed supply operations across the west. This includes initiatives in the public and private sector and discussion on how those solutions overlap and can be further applied.❋ Research, Tech, & Genetics
Scientists specializing in topics ranging from assisted migration, new methods of propagation, and orchard operations will share highlights of their work. Presentations will highlight where the science is heading and spur conversation on what’s needed for further development. ❋ Funding Solutions
From non-profit funding to private industry, presentations will focus on seed demand, and frameworks for a diversified and resilient seed marketplace. A marketplace which supports skilled labor networks and small businesses involved in seed procurement.❋ Workforce & Community Engagement
A spotlight on the training mechanisms and compensation metrics necessary to scale the workforce. How can we reinstate a knowledge base and maintain trained individuals across positions in the industry. This includes the integration of rural communities into roles across the reforestation pipeline starting with seed.
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Art by Erin Fox at Psychedelic Lens
Sponsorship
Partners choosing to support this event directly contribute to registrations for stakeholders requiring financial assistance. Sponsorship also supports the ability for the Western Cone & Seed Summit to be facilitated beyond 2026.
Tier 1 $1000
Includes 2 registrations and sponsorship org listed on programs.Tier 2 $2000
Includes 3 registrations, org listed on programs, and org materials displayed at the welcoming table.Tier 3 $3000
Includes 4 registrations, org listed on programs, materials at welcoming table, and a time-slot to speak at the event highlighting their services related to tree seed supply.