18th AOC Conference Lectures

Mr George Hatfield George is, of course, a well known West Coast USA cymbidium hybridiser, commercial grower, an AOS Judge and ex CSA president.
'The Cymbidium Industry in the USA', An overview of the cymbidium industry from small family businesses to large commercial concerns.
'Cymbidiums. Past, present & future', the way ahead for cymbidium growers
Mr Clive Hayman & Ms Rita Cusack 'The Phragmipedium Story' - Clive and Rita have been growing this interesting genus for many years, and growing them very well. Refer to the AOC records of awards over the past 10 years, their names are most prominent. It has been their devotion to this genus that has helped make them so popular in Australia.
Dr Graham McKay 'The Phalaenopsis Revolution - New varieties & culture'. Graham is passionate about Phalaenopsis and grows about 10,000 orchids as a hobby. He also breeds orchids and as part of this breeding program aims to improve the plant’s characteristics. He makes about a hundred crosses each year.
Mr Kevin Hipkins 'Specimen orchids - growing & showing'. Who will forget the beautiful species cymbidium specimen that Kevin bought to Port Macquarie? Where does he get the inspiration to produce these plants? Always, for every show? Perhaps Kevin can inspire others to produce plants of this calibre for the next and subsequent AOC Conferences.
Mr Clive Halls 'Masdevallias for the New Millenium'. Clive is a well known, professional Orchid nurseryman from Victoria. An apprentice nurseryman to Sander's Orchids (UK) (many years ago). His knowledge of Masdevallias is legendary and he grows them to perfection.
Mr Gary Backhouse 'Bush Gems - The Native Terrestrial Orchids of Victoria'. In Victoria, orchids can be found from the coast to the highest mountains, from deserts to swamps. Gary, author and photographer, gives us a glimpse into their variety.
Mr Neville Roper 'The proliferation of Sarcochilus Hybrids in Australia'. Neville is relatively a young man, that has devoted his time to the hybridising of this genus. I am sure he is going to present a very passionate paper on Sarcochilus. Again, if you wish to know more about Neville, in your search of the awards list for phrags, also look for sarcs.
Mr Wayne Turville 'Breeding trends with Australian Dendrobium Orchids'. Wayne has a nursery at Tyabb, south of Melbourne, where he grows our native orchids to perfection. To see is to believe.
Mr Dennis Diehm 'Modern mid and mini Cattleya in culture'. Dennis is a semi professional hybridist operating out of Southern New South Wales, well known for his work in the smaller types of Cattleyas. He is also doing great work with his phalaenopsis.
Mr Gary Yong Gee 'Oncidium and it's relatives'. Gary is well known by most serious orchid growers/people, a marvellous photographer and very well travelled. An author of many papers on a wide range of genera.
Mr Grant Garrett 'Why the Champions received the accolades they did'. A synopsis of the Orchid Show and its rewards, or (hopefully) its awards.