2026 Poster Session

Looking for different ways to highlight your research in horticulture in 2026? We are pleased to announce that the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention (OFVC) will be hosting a Poster competition/display.

When: February 18-19, 2026

Where: Niagara Falls Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Ave., Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3Y9

Goal: To highlight research on fruit, vegetables and alternative crops relevant to Ontario horticulture allowing growers and members of ag-industry to see the excellent work that you do in support of the many commodities they grow.

Categories: Regular and Student Competition

DUE DATES:
Poster application Sunday, January 25, 2026 by 11:59 pm EST.
Poster PDF (EMAIL CHAIRS): Wednesday, February 4, 2026 by 11:59 pm EST.

Details: The Poster Session is an effective venue for researchers, industry and extension specialists to present new information pertinent to Ontario’s horticultural industry. Posters that present results from research trials, including pest management, crop production, new cultivars, and opportunities for marketing Ontario horticulture are welcomed. Posters should be approximately 120 cm x 90 cm (48” x 36”) in either portrait or landscape orientation. Please do not bring oversized posters. Both student and regular submissions are welcome.

What are we looking for in 2026? Traditional research posters and infographics or other visual messaging tools that can convey appropriate details are encouraged. The complete poster is limited to one page only. As our target audience is predominantly comprised of growers and consultants, avoid technical language or jargon.

Student Poster Competition

The long-standing Student Poster Competition features student research conducted in the field of horticulture. The event offers students an opportunity to showcase their work to their target audience, compete for cash awards and to publish their posters online. In 2026 the competition will be limited to the first 20 applications so please get your forms in early. Prizes are available as follows:

1st Prize – $750
2nd Prize – $500
3rd Prize – $300

Eligibility for Student Poster Competition

The poster competition is directed at students currently enrolled at a college or university in an undergraduate or graduate (Masters or PhD) program who are conducting research on horticulture crops or related production/marketing practices relevant to Ontario. The research must be novel and the student must have performed the majority of the work.

Poster Format and Judging Criteria

While there is no specific format requirement for posters, students are encouraged to describe the problem being addressed or technology being evaluated, what was done to solve the problem or with the technology during the evaluation, what happened (results) and a discussion on the importance of this work to the horticulture industry. Infographics are an excellent option, provided they contain elements that can be evaluated using the judging criteria.

Posters will be judged by an impartial panel including research scientists, OMAFA specialists and representatives from the horticulture industry. Decisions made by judges are final.

Judges will rank the posters based on the following criteria:

Introduction (background and objectives provided)	10
Body (materials and methods, and results clearly stated)	10
Summary (conclusions; relevance to industry; future direction)	20
Research (impact to industry; appropriate methodology)	15
Organization (sequence logical and evident; statements clear and unambiguous)	15
Visual Impact (graphs, tables and photos lead to improved understanding of topic; easily read and understand; appealing backgrounds and colours)	20
Appropriate for target audience (no scientific jargon; grower/industry friendly)	10

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention print posters onsite?
   No. The printing of your poster is your responsibility. Your poster will be displayed at the assigned poster board number, which you will receive before February 16th.
2. Can I still enter the poster session if I can’t attend the convention?
   Yes, as long as your poster is displayed in the convention’s poster session by 9:00 am on the morning of February 18th, 2026
3. Is there an oral presentation component to the poster session?
   No. The judges score your poster based on the criteria listed above.
4. Do I need to stand beside my poster at a particular time?
   No. However, the poster session provides a great opportunity to network with convention attendees and answer questions about your research. Busier times through the poster session tend to be before and after speaker sessions, at breaks and lunch time.
5. Is this poster session virtual?
   No. You are required to display a hard copy of your poster (approximately 120 cm x 90 cm (48” x 36”) in either portrait or landscape orientation) in the poster session by the assigned time. You can provide approval to post your poster PDF on the convention website by filling this out on the online poster application form.
6. Will I get free registration to the convention if I’m entered into the regular poster session?
   No. Free registration is only provided to the first 20 students who entered the student poster competition.

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