8:45 AM - 9:45 AM
Competing Effectively in Uncertain Times
Keynote Speaker Dr. Charlie Hall
We all know the opening line of Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities which says “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...” which describes fairly well the green industry environment in which we find ourselves. If one word could describe it best, it would be uncertainty. While the risk associated with making strategic business decisions under uncertainty can be daunting, it is precisely that risk that creates market opportunity – at least for those who are willing to take the risks. Knowing which risks to take, however, is the requisite to success. In this keynote, Charlie will address the factors underlying uncertainty in the green industry market and, more importantly, what to do about them.
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Connecting Generations: Enhancing Employee Engagement by Bridging the Generation Gap
Keynote Speaker Clint Swindall
The ability to bring generations together is one of the single most important factors for business success in the new millennium. In order to achieve cooperation between the generations in the workplace, understanding the reasons for the differences and knowing how to respond to these differences will determine the level of success of all organizations. It is essential that we learn how to approach the generational challenges in the workplace. For the first time in history, we have four generations in the workforce — four generations that have been shaped by the times in which they grew up.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Business
If you own or manage a landscaping, nursery or contracting business in Texas, you can’t afford to miss this dynamic presentation by Laura S. Fowler Attorney at Law. Learn from a lawyer who daily counsels with Texas business owners who provide these services, the very costly legal mistakes you can EASILY avoid. From payroll and employment disputes to environmental and immigration challenges faced constantly by owners just like you, Ms. Fowler’s talk is entertaining, at times heart stopping and based entirely upon the terrible mishaps owners face that could have easily been avoided. Class Instructor: Laura Fowler, Attorney at Law
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Keynote Breakout: Peering into the Mind of the Consumer
If you listen to the media, then the consumer isn’t spending anymore, they are dissatisfied, and they don’t trust anyone. That’s why you should always take what the media says with a grain of salt! In this session, Charlie will discuss some of the latest trends and consumer research regarding today’s gardening and landscaping customer and dispel the myths of the media. Class Instructor: Charlie Hall, PhD
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Make Money with Alternative Pots
Consumers are more and more conscious about the environment in the wave of 'go green'. Sustainable pots are a relatively easy and cost-effective way to target 'green’ consumers. When they are buying, you'll make money. Class Instructor: Mengmeng Gu, PhD
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Keynote Breakout: Living for the Weekday
What Every Boss and Employee Needs to Know about Enjoying Work and Life:
We live in a world of disengagement. According to The Gallup Organization, three out of four people are at some level of disengagement in their life. The people in this group have chosen to see their work as a necessary evil to survive. The result is often an entire career waiting for time away from work. They’re waiting for vacation. They’re waiting for Friday. And every single week, they’re living for the weekend. We all look forward to the weekend, but those who truly enjoy life have found a way to look forward to Monday as much as they look forward to Friday. This program will move you one step closer to employee engagement by moving you one step closer to a balanced life. Class Instructor: Clint Swindall
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
TBD
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Combined Class with Plant Materials: Drought Tolerant Landscapes for Texas
This session will cover the general knowledge of drought tolerant landscapes. You will learn how to plan the landscapes for efficient use of water, soil improvement, mulch, irrigation, plant establishment and plant materials recommended for Texas landscapes. Class Instructor: Genhua Niu, PhD
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Combined Class with Trees & Turf: Drought Tolerant Trees
This presentation will cover tree selection, physiological factors, climatic factors, site (substrate) considerations, soils and rooting, and impacts of secondary organisms associated with tree vigor for drought tolerance. Class Instructor: Wayne K. Clatterbuck, PhD
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Subsurface Drip: Why is it relevant?
As the economy of water continues to change in Texas, subsurface drip becomes more and more important to the landscape industry. Come take a look at where irrigation may be headed faster than the industry can imagine. Class Instructor: Byron Beall.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Best of Texas
As a member of the Best of Texas Taskforce, Mike Arnold, PhD was involved in the selection and editing of the Best of Texas Landscape Guide. Join this presentation to find out some of the “Best of Texas” as well as the new and exciting tools that the guide has to offer! Class Instructor: Mike Arnold, PhD
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Drought and Salt Tolerant Plants for Texas Landscapes
Many communities in Texas are facing water shortages and water quality issues (poor or marginal water quality). This session will cover the general knowledge of drought and salt tolerant plants for Texas landscapes. You will learn why we need drought and salt stresses in landscapes, examples of drought and salt tolerant landscape plants, and how to plan the landscapes for efficient use of water, soil improvement, and mulch to improve the tolerance of landscape plants to drought and salt stresses. Class Instructor: Genhua Niu, PhD
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Native Plants: Cool Plants for Hot Places
Living and working in Texas, the biggest stress for our plants is heat. We also live in a time when water conservation should be our top priority. By implementing drought tolerant natives into the landscape, your customer’s gardens and landscapes won’t skip a beat in this Texas heat. Sun/ shade requirements, bloom time, best time to plant, care, herb companions, design (incorporating the natives into existing landscapes, spacing, and the importance of your individual microclimates.) will all be discussed in this informative presentation. Class Instructor: Lucy Harrell
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
New and Exciting Exotics to Color Your Landscape
This presentation will consist of a run-through of the latest cultivars, combinations and trends in the plant materials world. Trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, herbaceous perennials, and grasses. Class Instructor: David Creech, PhD
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Proper Tree Pruning
Pruning is not a simple subject, for a full understanding, we will cover subjects including basic tree physiology, the basic forms of trees and tree mechanics. This presentation will address the reasons to prune, when to prune (and when not to prune), and how often to prune, as well as, a brief look at the tools to use. Class Instructor: Bryan White
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Welcome to the World of Artificial Grass
Find out more about the growing trend of artificial grass in both residential and commercial landscapes. We will cover the different types of synthetic grass, the installation process, job costing and pricing, and maintenance once it is installed. Find out more about the growing trend of artificial grass in both residential and commercial landscapes. We will cover the different types of synthetic grass, the installation process, job costing and pricing, and maintenance once it is installed. Class Instructor: Kimberly Van Buren (The GrassQueen)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Drought Tolerant Trees
This presentation will cover tree selection, physiological factors, climatic factors, site (substrate) considerations, soils and rooting, and impacts of secondary organisms associated with tree vigor for drought tolerance. Class Instructor: Wayne K. Clatterbuck, PhD
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Tree Worker Safety
This informational presentation will cover the basic American National Standards Institute and Occupational Safety & Health Administration requirements for tree climbers and tree workers as well as truck and chipper safety.
Instructor: Susan R. Landers
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Affordable & Effective IPM Programs
Take a look at Integrated Pest Management through an economic lens and learn which IPM practices can give you the biggest return on your investment of time and attention. We’ll talk about scouting, low cost less toxic pest management products, and the cultural practices that can payoff in reduced pest problems. Class Instructor: Laura Miller
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
TBD
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Overcoming Bedding Plant Problems: Improving Variety Selection & Cultural Practices
Cultural practices, such as bed preparation, planting time, fertilization practices, irrigation tendencies, and variety selection, play a major role in the success of commercial flower color installations. The new varieties on the scene these days also, in many cases, are improvements over our traditional varieties. Find out how to get maximum performance from your warm season and cool season bedding plants, along with details on companion color options, in this informative presentation. Class Instructor: Allen Owings
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Turfgrass Disease Management During Adverse Weather Conditions
Recognize common diseases on St. Augustine grass and Bermuda grass and relate their outbreaks with current drought and hot weather conditions in Texas. This presentation will provide you with updated management practices available for landscape professionals and golf course superintendents. Class Instructor: Young-Ki Jo, PhD
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Laws & Regs Update
Class Presenter: Brad Tullis
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Irrigation Pt. 1, Lunch, Irrigation Pt. 2
Part I from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Irrigation Lunch (which is included with your registration), and Part II from 1-5 p.m. You must attend the full day to receive the 8 CEUs.
Part I (8 a.m.-12 p.m.): Four Secrets to Successful Irrigation System Renovation: This workshop will cover the four critical elements needed to maximize an irrigation system’s efficiency. Outdated irrigation systems are everywhere, and represent a tremendous business development opportunity. Most aging and underperforming systems can be saved and revitalized. This four-hour technical workshop covers the four secrets that will turn any new installation or poor performing system into a problem-free system while saving money and water. Attendees will also be taught how to quickly isolate pressure restrictions in existing systems.
Part I will be taught by Jeffrey Knight of Water Educational Training Services (WETS). Jeffrey has over 20 years experience in the irrigation industry. WETS has been an approved provider of irrigation classes since 1997 and Jeffrey has taught hydraulics, design, backflow, troubleshooting, auditing and scheduling during this time.
Part II (1- 5 p.m.):
Fundamentals of Backflow (1pm-3pm): This discussion will attempt to answer questions that continue to confuse irrigators relating to Cross Connection Control. What is Backflow? Who can install a Backflow Prevention Device? Who can repair a Backflow Device? Who can test a Backflow Device and when must they be tested? What is the proper Backflow Device to use and how must it be installed.
The State of Texas Water (3pm-5pm): As Texas's population continues to grow, water purveyors struggle to meet the demands for water quantity and quality. Each region of the state faces unique problems as well as unique solutions relating to water demands. This “Guided Tour” will take the participants through the seven major regions of the state. The discussion of each region will include:
• Major Water Challenges
• Water Resources
• Average Rainfall
• Water Demand
• Major Cities
• Expected Results or Solutions
Part II will be taught by Mr. Jerry R. Lewis. Jerry has been a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality training provider for the past fifteen years. Licensed in 1982 as Texas Irrigator LI 1251, he also currently holds licenses or certification as a TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester, Customer Service Inspector, and Landscape Irrigation Auditor. In his career Jerry has held licenses as a Texas Plumbing Inspector and Water/Wastewater Operator. In his seventeen years of public service, Jerry served in positions across the state as Director of Parks and Recreation, City Manager, and General Manager of Municipal Utility Districts.
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
How to Market to People Who Are Not Like You: The New Market Segmentation
Kelly McDonald
If you could grow your business simply by marketing to your existing customers, making money would be a cakewalk. But to generate new revenue, you have to win over the customers you’re not getting. Who are these mystery customers? How are they different from your current clientele? Most importantly, how do you forge a bond with them across these differences?
This is a great opportunity to gain a better insight into marketing to your customers, and time before the show to start networking. Please join Kelly McDonald for a presentation you can't afford to miss.
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Keep it Positive: Moving from Surviving to Thriving
Bruce Wilkinson
Economic downturns, competition, managing risk, increased regulatory compliance, embracing change, green customer expectations and employee issues can take a toll on today’s Nursery/Landscape leadership team, causing many organizations to hunker down in survival mode. But it’s time recharge our batteries and inspire our staff with a positive attitude in order to start thriving as leaders in the Great Texas Green Industry.
This will be a content filled, motivational presentation on how to inspire both yourself and your staff to get back into exceptional leadership, platinum level customer service, green creativity and increased profitability. Let’s get started!
