Registration now open for MSU Fall Christmas Tree Webinar on September 17

Bill Lindberg<lindbe35@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - August 24, 2026

Learn what Christmas tree customers value, best methods of marketing, and what growers could implement to increase demand.

A branch of an evergreen tree — Christmas tree branch. Photo by Bert Cregg, MSU

Registration for the MSU Fall Christmas Tree Webinar, taking place Sept. 17, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., is now available. Hosted by Michigan State University Extension, this webinar will prepare Christmas tree growers for the upcoming winter sales season. Presenters will include Lauren Hearit, PhD, and Kevin Chastagner, PhD, from Hope College, as they share research updates into Christmas tree customers. Attendees will learn what real and artificial Christmas trees customers want, the steps that could make an artificial Christmas tree grower switch to a real tree, and methods to best communicate with prospective customers.

Tony Stefani, owner of Hillside Christmas Tree Farm, will discuss the marketing strategies they use as a choose-and-cut farm before, during and after the Christmas tree sales season. Starting with building awareness and attracting customers before opening to marketing throughout the selling season and evaluating analytical results after the season ends.

There is no cost to attend the webinar, however registration is required.

Can’t make the live webinar? No problem! A recording of the webinar will be sent to all registered attendees.

Schedule

12:30 p.m. Dr. Lauren Hearit and Dr. Kevin Chastagner

Consumer Insights for Christmas Tree Growers: Key Findings and Implications

This session presents findings from a statewide consumer research study. Learn about consumer values, life transitions and household characteristics shape preferences among both real and artificial tree buyers. The session also explores implications for promotional messaging and customer targeting.

1:00 p.m. Tony Stefani, Hillside Christmas Tree Farm

Keys to Operating a Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farm

Tony Stefani, owner of Hillside Christmas Tree Farm, will discuss the marketing strategies they use as a choose-and-cut farm before, during, and after the Christmas tree sales season. Starting with building awareness and attracting customers before opening, to marketing throughout the selling season, and lastly evaluating analytical results after the season ends.

1:20 p.m. Question and Answer

1:30 p.m. Conclude

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