Imagine operating new equipment, networking with other pros and attending educational seminars all in one location. That’s what you get if you attend one of the many industry events throughout the year.
The largest show, GIE+EXPO, starts today in Louisville, Kentucky, and there are several others coming up in the next few months.
Here are seven of the top shows for green industry professionals.
2014 APLD International Design Conference
Nov. 4-7, 2014 in Orlando, Florida
Co-located with the International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo, the APLD International Design Conference is for pool, spa and backyard industry professionals.
The event will feature live demonstrations, product displays, networking opportunities, education seminars and a chance to talk with manufacturers.
APLD’s 2015 conference will be held in Washington, D.C. Oct. 7-11.
2014 Irrigation Show & Education Conference
Nov. 19-20, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona
The largest irrigation exhibition in the world, the Irrigation Show focuses on water management systems, products and services. There will be more than 300 exhibits and educational classes focused on landscape and golf irrigation, agricultural irrigation and business basics.
There will also be certification exams offered for irrigation contractors, designers, auditors, specialists, and water conservation managers. View the full list of classes at irrigation.com/edu.
In 2015, the show will be Nov. 10-12 in Long Beach, California, in conjunction with the Irrigation Symposium. The theme will be “Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Irrigation.”
ASLA Annual Meeting & Expo
Nov. 21-24 in Denver, Colorado
The American Society of Landscape Architects’ annual event will include a variety of classes, workshops, guest speakers and seminars. Attendees can get an up-close look at new products, technology applications, services and design solutions. There will be more than 500 exhibitors in the EXPO area.
In 2015, the show will be in Chicago Nov. 6-9.
Lawn Care Summit
Dec. 3-5 in Tampa, Florida
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) will host the sixth annual Lawn Care Summit, an educational program offering both technical and business management sessions for lawn care professionals, including owners, managers and technicians.
This event will cover technical and business issues with educational sessions, regulatory updates, interaction with industry suppliers and networking with industry peers. Educational seminars include topics such as how to deal with employees out on medical leave, enhanced efficiency fertilizers, creating the right team within in your company, pesticide issues and more.
Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course (MAHSC)
Jan. 20-23, 2015 in Newport News, Virginia
Sponsored by the Virginia Horticultural Foundation, the MAHSC provides seminars, lectures and presentations by horticultural experts. The event will cover proper horticultural techniques, environmental sensitivity, pesticide certification and overall instruction in proper care for soil, landscaping and particular varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees for professionals.
The keynote speakers will address “Leading Innovation and Change in the Expanding Economy” and “Trends in Horticulture Retail and Service Business.”
CENTS Marketplace
Jan. 7-9, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio
The Central Environmental Nursery Trade Show (CENTS) draws landscape contractors, arborists, turf and pest management professionals, growers and independent garden centers. Educational classes include John Deere Landscapes University, an irrigation installation hands-on workshop, expanding your plant palette, cost-based estimating for projects and maintenance, keys to design/build success, pesticide safety, ornamental grasses, landscape lighting and more.
Equipment and other green industry manufacturers will also have booths at the event for landscapers to see machines and products, as well as talk with the product experts.
2015 GIE+EXPO
Oct. 21-23, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky
The 2014 show is going on right now. So if you aren’t in Louisville, start looking ahead to next year. The biggest industry show, GIE+EXPO is co-located with Hardscape North America (HNA) and gives landscapers the first look at new equipment and technologies. They can talk with product specialists, network, attend educational seminars and operate the equipment in the 19-acre outdoor demonstration area. If you don’t attend anything else, pick this one to go – there’s something for everyone, no matter your services.
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