National Collegiate Landscape Competition

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National Collegiate Landscape Competition

March 17 – 20, 2027 | Huntington Convention Center & Cuyahoga Community College | Cleveland, Ohio
National Collegiate Landscape Competition

March 17 – 20, 2027 | Huntington Convention Center & Cuyahoga Community College | Cleveland, Ohio
National Collegiate Landscape Competition

March 17 – 20, 2027 | Huntington Convention Center & Cuyahoga Community College | Cleveland, Ohio
National Collegiate Landscape Competition

March 17 – 20, 2027 | Huntington Convention Center & Cuyahoga Community College | Cleveland, Ohio
National Collegiate Landscape Competition

March 17 – 20, 2027 | Huntington Convention Center & Cuyahoga Community College | Cleveland, Ohio

The National Collegiate Landscape Competition is where landscaping careers take root. Hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, this event has been the landscape industry's career-defining event for 50 years, helping students launch their futures and employers discover top talent. NCLC brings together students, faculty, and industry representatives for four days of hands-on competitive events, a Career Fair, educational workshops, scholarship events, and networking. Whether you are a college student, faculty, a landscape industry recruiter, or supplier, this event is a game-changer!

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The Home of NCLC 2027: Huntington Convention Center & Cuyahoga Community College

Get ready, because the National Collegiate Landscape Competition is headed to Cleveland, Ohio! Join us from March 17–20, 2027, at Cuyahoga Community College and the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland for an unforgettable experience in one of the Midwest’s most vibrant cities. With hands-on competition, industry connections, and exciting event spaces, Cleveland provides the perfect backdrop to grow your skills, expand your network, and shape your future in the landscape industry.

student shaking hands with professional at the nclc career fair

Career Connections

This event is the biggest connector of the best talent in the industry. For companies, the NCLC Career Fair is the most efficient way to recruit top students from over 55 schools, all in one place. For students, this is where careers get launched. Get face-to-face with leading firms, secure internships, and land full-time positions on the spot.

Skill-Building Competitions

The best and brightest horticulture students in the nation put their knowledge to the test in more than two dozen, real-world, hands-on events, from landscape design and plant ID to equipment operation and arboriculture. Witness in action the dedication and talent that will shape our industry’s future.

students participating in the nclc ultimate skills showcase

students attending an nclc educational workshop

Expert-Led Educational Workshops

Students sharpen their skills in a series of educational workshops taught by top experts working in the field today. These sessions provide invaluable insights into a wide range of topics, from advanced design principles and sustainable practices to business management and new technologies, ensuring students stay ahead with field-tested knowledge.

Meaningful Networking

NCLC hosts a number of networking events for students, faculty and industry. New this year - our student/industry breakfast before the Career Fair. This exclusive event is designed to foster meaningful connections, providing a casual yet focused environment for students to interact with hiring companies, discuss career paths, and build relationships that will last long after the competition ends.

group at a table during the nclc networking breakfast

What People Are Saying...

It's very rewarding to see students who were very shy and unsure of themselves to come out of their shells and discover hidden talents at NCLC. They have a lot of fun in the process. A lot of them come back and thank us for pushing them out of their comfort zones because they didn't think they had anything to contribute. NCLC literally changes students' lives.”
Mark D.

These are the brightest, hardest-working, most focused students who are going to be the future leaders of our industry, and if you're not here, you're missing out.”
David G.

It’s an incredible opportunity to meet people from across the country and explore internships, job opportunities, and so many other possibilities.”
Devin W.

Being more involved in NCLC is a great way to re-energize yourself and feed off the students' energy. It's easy to get bogged down in the day to day and forget how far we've come since we were students and remember how lucky we are to be a part of this industry. I always looked at NCLC as an event to go to if I had a position to recruit for; it was an added bonus to realize how re-fueled I was after returning.”
Claire G.

Future NCLC Dates

March 29 - April 1, 2028
The Classic Center & University of Georgia | Athens, Georgia

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