As the name implies, Biennials are held every two years. These extremely popular events generally last a week and give attendees a chance to see a wide variety of palms both in cultivated gardens as well as in their native habitats.  Palm experts from various parts of the world give entertaining talks during the course of the week that increase each registrant’s knowledge about this fascinating plant family.  Some of the most knowledgeable palm people in the world attend these events and always welcome questions from anyone who asks.  Last but certainly not least, attendees get a chance to meet other people from every corner of the globe that share their enthusiasm about palms. It is a chance to learn and to socialize. Long lasting friendships are formed and attendees look forward to a chance to renew those friendships and make new ones at each succeeding Biennial. Generally 150 to 200 people make the trip to a biennial.

Biennials are usually held in countries which have affiliate palm societies or at least a group of IPS members who wish to host them. To attend a Biennial, you must be a member of the IPS. Often post and pre-trips are planned to other parts of the same country or another country nearby.     

Recent Biennials include Singapore and Sarawak in 2016, South Florida in 2014, Thailand in 2012 and Brazil in 2010. The 2018 Biennial will be held in Colombia.   

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Biennials have been held for nearly as long as the IPS has existed.  The first one was held at Fairchild Tropical Garden in Miami, Florida in 1958.  Because the Society was founded in Florida, the first events were held there as well.  As the IPS grew, and members joined from elsewhere in the United States and then the rest of the world, the biennials began to move back and forth across the country and then to other countries.  With members from over 70 countries now, it has become normal to see people from a great many of them in attendance at these events.

Below is a list of all the past Biennials. Those highlighted, when clicked on, will take you to a page that tells more about that particular event. Information is still be added to this section of the website.  Check back often and see what has been added.  It is a window to our history and will give you an idea of what to expect when you plan on attending a Biennial. 

Next Biennials
2018 Colombia- May 26 - June 2, 2018 - "Favorite "Favorite Tee" Tee" T Shirt WYx5FqpOw

Past Biennials
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2014 - South Florida
2012 - Thailand
2010 - Brazil
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2006 – Dominican Republic
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2002 – France
2000 – New Caledonia
1998 – Thailand
1996 – Southern California
1994 – Venezuela
1992 – Miami, Florida
1990 – Hawaii
1988 – Australia
1986 – San Diego, California
1984 – San Francisco, California
1982 – Florida
1980 – Hawaii
1978 – California
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1974 – Miami, Florida
1972 – Mexico City, Mexico
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1964 – Arcadia, California
1962 – Miami, Florida
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