EXPO ATTENDEES CALL EXPO A “MUST-ATTEND, INCREDIBLE, WELL-ORGANIZED EVENT.” CLICK TO REGISTER NOW!
EXPO ATTENDEES CALL EXPO A “MUST-ATTEND, INCREDIBLE, WELL-ORGANIZED EVENT.” CLICK TO REGISTER NOW!
Demo Schedule
Thank you to our TNLA Key Contributing Investment Partners:
Education sessions are ongoing throughout the day, allowing attendees to join any session at their convenience. Some Demos are complimentary to attend while others require either the Tradeshow Plus Pass or EXPO Education Pass. While certification is not required to participate in these sessions, those seeking continuing education hours must sign into each session using the QR code available at each location. Note: We’re putting demo sessions in as we get contracts signed, thank you for your patience
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 9:40 am to 10:10 am
Room: The End Zone: Retail, $
From Hello to Sold: How Customer Service Turns Teams Into Sales Machines
Speaker: Nessa Spence, San Jacinto Jacinto Environmental Supplies
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. Exceptional customer service is a key driver of sale... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. Exceptional customer service is a key driver of sales, reputation, and long-term success in the green industry.
Understand how strong customer service directly increases sales, referrals, and repeat business
Learn simple, repeatable service behaviors that build trust and support natural sales growth without pressure
Discover how organization, cleanliness, and professionalism work together as silent tools that elevate customer experience
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 9:40 am to 10:10 am
Room: Match Point Area, $
New Alternatives to Master Valves
Speaker: Josh Hiers, SiteOne Landscape Supply
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. An overview of new alternatives to master valves t... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. An overview of new alternatives to master valves that improve system efficiency, reliability, and control in irrigation design and operation.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 9:40 am to 10:10 am
Room: Meetup Garden
Growing the Future: The Role of Youth in the Nursery & Landscape Industry
Speaker: Joshua Burdick, Hill Country Water Gardens and Nursery
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. This presentation highlights the importance of youth in agriculture and the green industry, an... Read more...
Free to attend with badge. This presentation highlights the importance of youth in agriculture and the green industry, and how businesses can support the future of the industry by engaging young horticulturists through growth, development, and hands-on experience.
Investing in high school students and aspiring horticulturists strengthens your future workforce and the green industry as a whole
Practical opportunities involving young ag students that support daily operations and build community connections
Partnerships with groups like FFA and 4-H help connect you with motivated young people and shape the next generation of industry professionals
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 9:40 am to 10:10 am
Room: Power Play Area
AI Takeoff Demonstration
Speaker: Michael Ding, Bobyard
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Learn how AI-powered takeoff tools help landscapers move fast, improve accuracy, and win more b... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.Learn how AI-powered takeoff tools help landscapers move fast, improve accuracy, and win more bids in project planning.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 9:40 am to 10:10 am
Room: Match Point Area, $
Tree Injection Lab: Equipment, Setup & Application Techniques
Speaker: Emmett Muennink, Arborjet
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. This session covers the equipment, setup, and prop... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. This session covers the equipment, setup, and proper application techniques used in tree injection for effective and targeted treatment results.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 9:40 am to 10:10 am
Room: Slam Dunk Area, $
Success in Propagating Adaptable Texas Plants
Speaker: Sean Markovic, Golden Brook Nursery
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. ... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. Learn practical strategies to improve propagation success for high-demand, environmentally adaptable Texas plants.
Identify and solve common propagation challenges such as germination, cutting viability, and rooting success
Explore proven techniques for producing consistent, high-quality vegetative plant material
Apply practical case-based insights to improve reliability and outcomes across difficult-to-propagate species
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 10:20 am to 10:50 am
Room: Match Point Area, $
The Swimming Pool is the Gateway to the Backyard Project
Speaker: Kurt Wangenheim, Desjoyaux Pools USA
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. This session covers how the swimming pool can serv... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. This session covers how the swimming pool can serve as the focal point that drives design, planning, and upgrades for a complete backyard project.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 10:20 am to 10:50 am
Room: The End Zone, $
Strong Roots. Even Stronger Future.
Speaker: Amy Johannesen, Certified EOS Implementer, Hye Standards, LLC
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. What does EOS actually looks like inside a nursery... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. What does EOS actually looks like inside a nursery and landscape business and how it creates structure, clarity, and momentum without losing culture.
Hear directly from a local owner-operator who spent 30 years building from the inside before buying the business himself
Learn how running on EOS added structure, clarified core values, and strengthened what was already woven into the culture, and built a leadership team with real momentum without losing what made the business great
Amy Johannesen, Certified EOS Implementer, will walk through the tools that made the difference and what it could look like for your business
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 10:20 am to 10:50 am
Room: Match Point Area, $
Advantages of CAD Software in Irrigation Planning
Speaker: Charles Swanson, Texas A&M University
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. Computer-aided design tools help irrigation professionals... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend.
Computer-aided design tools help irrigation professionals create accurate, efficient, and scalable system layouts.
Improved accuracy by producing precise irrigation layouts and reducing design errors.
Greater efficiency through automated calculations and faster CAD drafting.
Better resource management by optimizing water distribution, pipe sizing, and system performance.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 10:20 am to 10:50 am
Room: Career Center Tailgate pop up 1
From Entry-Level to Crew Lead: How to Move Up Fast in the Green Industry
Speaker: TBD
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Strong crews don't happen by acci... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
Strong crews don't happen by accident—they are built by developing great people. This session will show emerging professionals the skills, mindset, and leadership behaviors needed to advance from entry-level positions into crew leadership roles. Learn how top performers earn greater responsibility, lead teams effectively, and create value for their companies while accelerating their own career growth.
Why Attend? The green industry continues to face workforce and leadership challenges. Companies that create clear advancement pathways are more successful at attracting, retaining, and developing employees. This session provides practical tools to help build the next generation of field leaders.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will leave with strategies to improve leadership development, increase employee engagement, strengthen crew performance, reduce turnover, and create a pipeline of future supervisors who can help drive operational excellence and business growth.
Relationships drive business growth, and successful sales professionals understand that networking is one of the most powerful tools for building trust, generating opportunities, and creating long-term customer relationships. In this interactive session, participants will learn the fundamentals of professional networking, relationship-building strategies, and effective communication techniques that lead to stronger sales results.
Why Attend? Whether you're new to sales or looking to strengthen your business development skills, networking remains a critical driver of customer acquisition and retention. Learn how to build meaningful connections that open doors to new opportunities and lasting partnerships.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will leave with practical networking strategies to expand their professional contacts, strengthen customer relationships, increase referral opportunities, improve sales conversations, and ultimately drive revenue growth for their organization.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:00 am to 11:30 am
Room: Meetup Garden
TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Alumni & Current Class Meet Up
Speaker: Chris Cornell, Cody Kimbro, and Cate Norris
Free to attend with badge. A meet-up for TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Alumni and Bootcamp Class VI, to connect, share experiences, an... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
A meet-up for TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Alumni and Bootcamp Class VI, to connect, share experiences, and build relationships.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:00 am to 11:30 am
Room: Match Point Area, $
Designing for Health, Wellness and Biophilia
Speaker: Joe Rabione, CRH Americas Building Products
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. ... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend.
Explore how biophilic design can transform outdoor spaces into healthier, more sustainable, and visually cohesive environments.
Practical strategies for applying biophilic design to patios, gardens, courtyards, and outdoor living spaces in both residential and commercial projects
Techniques for integrating natural materials, sensory-rich planting, water features, and thoughtful spatial planning to strengthen connection to nature
Insights into Texas-specific design considerations, including heat, drought conditions, native ecology, and emerging green industry trends
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:00 am to 11:30 am
Room: Slam Dunk Area, $
Balancing Fertilizer Inputs with Mycorrhizal Function
Speaker: Anissa Poleatewich, Sumitomo Biorational Company
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. An overview of balancing fertilizer inputs with my... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. An overview of balancing fertilizer inputs with mycorrhizal function to support plant health, improve nutrient use, and encourage strong soil biology.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:00 am to 11:30 am
Room: The End Zone, $
Native Plants for the Retail Garden Center
Speaker: George Cates and Weston Neiman, Native American Seed
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. An overview of native plants and how they can be i... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. An overview of native plants and how they can be incorporated into the retail garden center to meet customer interest and support sustainable landscapes.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:00 am to 11:30 am
Room: Match Point Area, $
Designing with Light: Software Tool, Fixture Types & Proven Techniques
Speaker: Preston Swor, Hunter Industries
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. ... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend.
Discover how to use lighting design software, understand fixture types, and apply proven techniques to create intentional, layered outdoor lighting plans.
Learn key lighting fixture types and where to use them
Use design software to plan and visualize lighting layouts
Apply layering techniques for functional and aesthetic results
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:00 am to 11:30 am
Room: Meetup Garden
TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Alumni & Current Class Meet Up
Speaker: Chris Cornell, Monarch Landscape Management, LLC & Cody Kimbro, Site Landscape Development, LLC
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Meet up for current and alumni of the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Moderated by: Chris Cornell, Monarch Landscape Managem... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
Meet up for current and alumni of the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp
Moderated by: Chris Cornell, Monarch Landscape Management, LLC & Cody Kimbro, Site Landscape Development, LLCRead less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:00 am to 11:30 am
Room: Career Center Tailgate pop up 1
Non-Traditional Employment Pathways
Speaker: Michael McLeon, Windham School District
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. As labor shortages continue to challenge the green industry, businesse... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
As labor shortages continue to challenge the green industry, businesses must look beyond traditional hiring methods and reduce their reliance on temporary workforce programs alone. This session explores innovative recruiting strategies and non-traditional employment pathways, such as second-chance hiring initiatives, students who can help create a more sustainable, year-round workforce. Get an in-depth view of how the Windham program is teaching their students to prepare them for the Texas Green Industry in the future.
Why Attend? Long-term business growth requires a workforce strategy that extends beyond H-2A and H-2B labor. Learn how leading companies are building diverse talent pipelines, strengthening workforce stability, and developing local employees for future leadership roles.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will leave with practical strategies to recruit and retain a broader workforce, reduce labor shortages, decrease dependence on seasonal labor programs, improve workforce resilience, and build a stronger talent pipeline that supports long-term operational success and business growth.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:00 am to 11:30 am
Room: Career Center Tailgate pop up 2
Learning Networking Skills & Maintaining Business Relationships – Part 2
Speaker: Savanna Taylor Thornton, TCNP, Lone Star Trees
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Building a connection is only the... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
Building a connection is only the beginning—long-term success comes from nurturing relationships over time. In this session, participants will learn proven strategies for maintaining professional relationships, strengthening customer loyalty, staying top-of-mind with clients and prospects, and turning initial connections into lasting business partnerships.
Why Attend? Customer retention and repeat business are essential to sustainable growth. Learn how successful sales professionals and business leaders cultivate trust, provide ongoing value, and build relationships that generate referrals, repeat sales, and long-term opportunities.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will leave with practical tools to improve customer retention, strengthen client engagement, increase referral business, enhance communication strategies, and build a network of trusted relationships that support long-term revenue growth and business success.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:40 am to 12:10 pm
Room: Career Center Tailgate Pop-Up 2
The Winning Team with Winning Health: Building a Safer, Stronger, More Efficient Workforce
Speaker: Nessa Spence, San Jacinto Environmental Supplies
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Learn practical, job-site strategies to reduce injuries, improve crew safety, and lower operati... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.Learn practical, job-site strategies to reduce injuries, improve crew safety, and lower operational costs in landscape and horticulture work.
Train crews on proper lifting, hauling, and unloading techniques to prevent common back, shoulder, and joint injuries
Implement simple warm-up routines, hydration practices, and smart equipment use to reduce strain and heat-related risks
Improve team coordination and workflow efficiency to boost productivity while reducing fatigue, lost workdays, and workers’ compensation claims
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:40 am to 12:10 pm
Room: Match Point Area, $
The AI-Enabled Landscape Company: From Sales to Operations
Speaker: Pallavi Raj, Landscape Professionals of Texas
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. AI is not coming to landscaping — it is already... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. AI is not coming to landscaping — it is already here. This session shows you exactly how to put it to work:
Use AI to streamline proposals, estimates, contracts, SOPs, and internal documentation
Strengthen marketing and SEO efforts while reducing time spent on repetitive administrative work
Walk away with a practical roadmap for integrating AI into daily operations to improve efficiency and support business growth
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:40 am to 12:10 pm
Room: The End Zone, $
Bulbs That Sell: Proven Varieties & Design Strategies
Speaker: Chris Wiesinger, The Southern Bulb Company
TNLA: 0.5
Must have a full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass. This presentation covers top-performing bulb varieties and pra... Read more...
Must have a full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass.This presentation covers top-performing bulb varieties and practical design strategies to boost sales and create eye-catching, profitable displays.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:40 am to 12:10 pm
Room: Meetup Garden
Best of Texas Plant Chat – Panel Discussion
Speaker: Dylan Cantu, Erin Butler, and Nathan Knutson
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. A panel discussion sharing insights, experiences, and practical perspectives on plants that perform be... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
A panel discussion sharing insights, experiences, and practical perspectives on plants that perform best across the state.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:40 am to 12:10 pm
Room: Match Point Area, $
From Plan to Power: Demo Kit Setup, Fixture Selection & Voltage Drop Essentials
Speaker: Preston Swor, Hunter Industries
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend.... Read more...
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend.
Learn how to build a demo kit, select the right fixtures, and apply proper wiring methods while managing voltage drop for reliable, real-world installations.
Assemble an effective demo kit for showcasing lighting systems
Understand common fixture types and proper wiring techniques
Manage voltage drop to ensure consistent performance and longevity
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:40 am to 12:10 pm
Room: Career Center Tailgate pop up 1
TNLA’s Interview Question Toolkit – TNLA’s WFD Task Force
Speaker: Catherine Brooks, Day Star Landscapes
TNLA: 0.5
Free To attend with badge. Presented by TNLA's Workforce Deve... Read more...
Free To attend with badge.
Presented by TNLA's Workforce Development Task Force
Hiring the right people starts with asking the right questions. In this session, TNLA's Workforce Development Task Force will introduce a practical interview toolkit designed specifically for green industry employers. Learn how to identify candidates with the skills, work ethic, cultural fit, and growth potential needed to succeed in today's competitive labor market.
Why Attend? A poor hiring decision can be costly in both time and money. This session provides proven interviewing techniques and structured questions that help employers make more informed hiring decisions while improving consistency throughout the recruitment process.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will leave with a ready-to-use interview framework, stronger candidate evaluation methods, improved hiring confidence, reduced turnover risk, and practical tools to help attract and select employees who will contribute to long-term business success.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 11:40 am to 12:10 pm
Room: Slam Dunk Area, $
Cut Above the Rest: Live FELCO Tool Demo
Speaker: Jennifer Thomson, Western Regional Manager, FELCO North America
TNLA: 0.5
Must have Full day Education Breakout Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. Description: Join us for a fast-paced, 30-minute live... Read more...
Must have Full day Education Breakout Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend.
Description: Join us for a fast-paced, 30-minute live demo designed for nursery professionals. See firsthand how FELCO’s precision pruners deliver cleaner cuts, longer tool life, and superior performance . We’ll cover key product differentiators, how to match the right tool to the right user and simple maintenance tips that turn a one-time purchase into a lifetime tool. See the all-new FELCO 2e demonstrated live in Texas for the very first time, delivering next-level power, precision, and efficiency on the expo floor.
Presented by: Jennifer Thomson, Western Regional Manager, FELCO North America
Video: https://youtu.be/Q2_VffT_ZJw?si=32R_G0YCDVxiY9Y4Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 12:15 pm to 12:50 pm
Room: The End Zone
Vertical Hydroponic Growing with Clayponics Living Structures
Speaker: Logman Arja, Texas Tech University
TNLA: 0.5
Discover how vertical hydroponic systems are transforming food production by... Read more...
Discover how vertical hydroponic systems are transforming food production by combining 3D-printed ceramic structures with soilless growing technology. Learn how ClayPonics' innovative approach reduces water use, maximizes production in small spaces, and integrates agriculture into homes, schools, businesses, and urban environments—offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable growing.
Three Key Takeaways
Grow More with Less – Learn how vertical hydroponics can produce fresh crops year-round while using up to 90% less water and significantly less space than traditional growing methods.
Innovation Meets Sustainability – Explore how 3D-printed ceramic technology improves root health, water efficiency, and environmental sustainability while creating beautiful, functional growing systems.
The Future of Urban Agriculture – See how vertical growing systems are reshaping food production for homes, schools, restaurants, and communities by bringing local food production closer to where people live and work.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Room: Meetup Garden
Internship/Student/University Meet and Greet
Speaker: John Leifester, Dedicated Landscape Solutions
Free to attend with badge. A networking session connecting students, interns, and university partners to explore opportunities, bu... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
A networking session connecting students, interns, and university partners to explore opportunities, build relationships, and support career pathways.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Room: Match Point Area, $
AI and the Future of Landscaping
Speaker: Michael Ding, Bobyard
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. Discover how AI is transforming the landscaping indust... Read more...
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend.Discover how AI is transforming the landscaping industry, from design and planning to maintenance and operations, and what it means for the future of the field.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Room: Match Point Area, $
From Weeds to Wins: Growing Your Business with Regenerative Landscaping
Speaker: Kathleen Hallal, Firehawk Bioherbicide
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. Regenerative landscaping reduces weed pressure by imp... Read more...
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. Regenerative landscaping reduces weed pressure by improving soil health instead of relying on repeated treatments. This session covers soil assessment, interpreting weeds as ecological indicators, and regenerative strategies that restore balance in managed landscapes.
Improve soil conditions to support healthier, more resilient landscapes
Reduce inputs (water, chemicals, labor) while increasing landscape performance
Leverage regenerative practices to enhance efficiency and business outcomes
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Room: The End Zone, $
Plant Performance from the 2025 Texas Superstar® Trial
Speaker: Paul Winksi, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. This presentation highlights top-performing selection... Read more...
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. This presentation highlights top-performing selections from the 2025 Texas Superstar® in-ground and container trials. Plantings were established May 5, 2025, and evaluated through September 1.
Top-performing varieties demonstrated strong flowering, uniformity, and overall quality under Texas heat and humidity.
Biweekly evaluations identified consistent performers with improved tolerance to insect and disease pressure.
Results provide reliable, research-based recommendations for landscape and container use in commercial and retail settings.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Room: Slam Dunk Area, $
Your plants are talking, are you listening?
Speaker: Matt Bonavita, Green Laniel
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. Learn how to tune into plant signals, understand stre... Read more...
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. Learn how to tune into plant signals, understand stress indicators, and respond with better decisions to improve overall plant health and performance.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Room: Power Play Area
Transforming Growing Spaces with Next-Gen Greenhouse Solutions
Speaker: Dave Bishop, Next G3N Greenhouse Manufacturer
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Explore innovative greenhouse technologies and design strategies that enhance growing environm... Read more...
Free to attend with badge. Explore innovative greenhouse technologies and design strategies that enhance growing environments, improve efficiency, and support higher-quality production.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Room: Career Center Tailgate pop up 1
TNLA’s Job Posting Toolkit
Speaker: Antonio Vergara, Mundo Verde Irrigation & Landscaping
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Presented by TNLA's Workforce Development Task Forc... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
Presented by TNLA's Workforce Development Task Force
The best candidates won't apply to jobs they don't understand or find appealing. In this session, TNLA's Workforce Development Task Force will share a practical job posting toolkit designed to help green industry employers create compelling, effective job advertisements that attract qualified candidates and stand out in a competitive labor market.
Why Attend? Many companies struggle to fill open positions not because of a lack of applicants, but because their job postings fail to communicate career opportunities, company culture, compensation, growth potential, and expectations. Learn what today's workforce is looking for and how to position your company as an employer of choice.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will leave with ready-to-use job posting templates, strategies for attracting higher-quality candidates, techniques to highlight career pathways and company culture, and tools to build a stronger talent pipeline while reducing recruiting time and hiring costs.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Room: Career Center Tailgate pop up 2
Growing Great Employees – Part 1
Speaker: Justin Dorsey, Texas HR Team
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Justin Dorsey, Texas HR Team... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
Justin Dorsey, Texas HR Team
The success of every green industry business depends on the quality and performance of its people. In this session, Justin Dorsey will explore the foundational principles of employee development, including setting clear expectations, building accountability, fostering engagement, and creating a culture where employees can thrive and grow.
Why Attend? Recruiting employees is only the first step. Companies that invest in developing their people experience higher productivity, stronger retention, and a more engaged workforce. Learn practical strategies to help employees reach their full potential while strengthening your organization's culture.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will leave with proven approaches to improve employee performance, increase engagement, strengthen retention, develop future leaders, and create a more productive workforce that supports long-term business growth and operational success.
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend.
Learn how to transition conventional landscapes to organic systems while maintaining client confidence, delivering results, and ensuring long-term success.
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend.
This session covers practical root management strategies for trees to support stronger establishment, healthier growth, and long-term landscape success.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 1:40 pm to 2:10 pm
Room: The End Zone, $
Beat the Heat: Game Plan for Saving Stressed Plants
Speaker: Sean Markovic, Golden Brook Nursery
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. This session provides actionable strategies to protect... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend.This session provides actionable strategies to protect plant health, reduce heat stress, and keep landscapes thriving during extreme summer conditions.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 1:40 pm to 2:10 pm
Room: Match Point Area, $
Let It Roll: Autonomous Cart Demo
Speaker: Chris Tiesen, Burro
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. This live demo showcases autonomous cart technology in... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend.This live demo showcases autonomous cart technology in action, highlighting how it improves efficiency, reduces labor demands, and streamlines material transport on the jobsite.Read less...
Free to attend with badge. Meet up for growers and retailers to talk about doing business in the Texas Green Industry, Trends they... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
Meet up for growers and retailers to talk about doing business in the Texas Green Industry, Trends they are seeing and what the future holds.
Moderated by Nigel Clark, Everde & McKenna Jenkins, Alldredge GardensRead less...
Free to attend with badge.
Presented by TNLA's Workforce Development Task Force
A strong workforce starts with helping candidates effectively showcase their skills and experience. In this session, TNLA's Workforce Development Task Force will introduce a practical resume writing toolkit designed specifically for the green industry. Learn how to help job seekers, students, and current employees build professional resumes that highlight their strengths, certifications, accomplishments, and career potential.
Why Attend? Many qualified candidates are overlooked because their resumes fail to communicate their value. Employers, educators, and workforce development professionals will gain insights into what makes a resume stand out and how to better prepare candidates for success in today's hiring environment.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will leave with tools to strengthen their hiring pipeline, improve candidate preparedness, support employee career advancement, and create clearer career pathways that attract, develop, and retain top talent for long-term business success.**
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 1:40 pm to 2:10 pm
Room: Career Center Tailgate pop up 2
Growing Great Employees – Part 2
Speaker: Justin Dorsey, Texas HR Team
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Developing great employees requires more t... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
Developing great employees requires more than training—it requires intentional coaching, feedback, and career development. Building on the concepts introduced in Part 1, this session focuses on practical strategies for helping employees grow professionally, increasing accountability, improving performance, and creating clear pathways for advancement within your organization.
Why Attend? Today's workforce wants opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute. Companies that invest in employee development are more successful at retaining top talent, building stronger teams, and preparing future leaders for greater responsibility.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will leave with actionable tools to coach employees more effectively, improve retention, strengthen workplace culture, increase productivity, and develop a pipeline of high-performing team members ready to support future business growth.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 1:40 pm to 2:10 pm
Room: Power Play Area
The Future of Landscape Design: Native & Adaptive Plants (Panel Discussion)
Speaker: Mary Sirgo, Native Plant Society, Panelist Donald Gerber, Pollinatives, Lauren Kirchner, Spring Creek Growers
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Panel Discussion: Moderated by Mary Sirgo, Native Plant Society, Panelist D... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
Panel Discussion: Moderated by Mary Sirgo, Native Plant Society, Panelist Donald Gerber, Pollinatives, Lauren Kirchner, Spring Creek Growers
As water availability, climate challenges, and consumer preferences continue to shape the landscape industry, native and adaptive plants are becoming an increasingly important part of successful landscape design. Join industry experts for a dynamic panel discussion exploring emerging plant trends, design strategies, performance considerations, and market opportunities surrounding native and adaptive plant selections in Texas.
Why Attend? Today's clients are demanding landscapes that are beautiful, resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective. Learn how leading professionals are incorporating native and adaptive plants to address water conservation, environmental stewardship, and long-term landscape performance while meeting evolving customer expectations.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will gain practical insights into plant selection, design innovation, market trends, and water-wise landscape solutions that can help differentiate their services, improve project outcomes, reduce maintenance requirements, and position their business for future growth in an increasingly sustainability-focused marketplace.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 2:20 pm to 2:50 pm
Room: The End Zone, $
Growing Community, Growing Business: How Education & Outreach Build Loyalty, Visibility and Long-Term Success
Speaker: Nessa Spence, San Jacinto Environmental Supplies
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. As gardening trends shift and attention spans shrink,... Read more...
Must have full day education pass or Tradeshow Plus pass to attend. As gardening trends shift and attention spans shrink, nurseries and landscape businesses must find new ways to connect with emerging audiences and deepen community engagement through education, partnerships, and expanded programming.
Attract and retain customers by tying education to key topics like conservation, water use, pollinators, native plants, and food production
Build loyalty through community partnerships, volunteer programs, and in-store events that create authentic, non-sales engagement
Strengthen teams with staff education and engagement strategies that reduce burnout and turn employees into confident brand ambassadors
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 2:20 pm to 2:50 pm
Room: Meetup Garden
Stretch Break
Speaker: Nigel Clark, Everde Growers
Free to attend with badge. A quick guided pause designed to help attendees release tension, improve circulation, and refocus throu... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
A quick guided pause designed to help attendees release tension, improve circulation, and refocus through simple, easy-to-follow stretches.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 2:20 pm to 2:50 pm
Room: Match Point Area, $
First Aid Readiness for Tree Crews: Meeting OSHA Requirements & Preparing for Real-World Emergencies
Speaker: Kristoffer Rasmussen, Arborist Strong
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. This session equips tree crews, supervisors, and safe... Read more...
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. This session equips tree crews, supervisors, and safety leaders with the knowledge and confidence to meet updated OSHA first aid kit requirements and respond effectively to emergencies in high-risk field environments where quick action can save lives.
Understand what belongs in an OSHA-compliant first aid kit and how it differs from a trauma kit
Learn why training matters for responding to life-threatening bleeding and other serious injuries in the field
Build confidence in recognizing emergencies and activating the right response when every minute
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 2:20 pm to 2:50 pm
Room: Career Center Tailgate Pop-Up 1
TNLA’s Career Fair Toolkit – TNLA’s Workforce Development Task Force
Speaker: Chase Kinney, KBW Supply
Free to attend with badge. Learn directly from indust... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
Learn directly from industry leaders as they walk through the toolkits developed by the TNLA Workforce Development Task Force. These five resources are designed to help your business strengthen operations, elevate professionalism, and make more strategic investments that support long-term growth in the horticulture industry.
Learn directly from industry leaders as they walk through the five Workforce Development Task Force toolkits
Learn how to effectively access and apply each toolkit using the TNLA website and TNLA HIVE
Turn these resources into real, practical results to strengthen your team, operations, and long-term business growth
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 2:20 pm to 2:50 pm
Room: Slam Dunk Area, $
Pruning for Growers
Speaker: Greg Fox, Clean Scapes
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. Learn essential pruning techniques for growers to improve plant structure... Read more...
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend.
Learn essential pruning techniques for growers to improve plant structure, overall health, and production outcomes through practical, effective management practices that are presented in this session.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 2:20 pm to 2:50 pm
Room: Career Center Tailgate Pop Up 1
TNLA’s Hiring Process Toolkit
Speaker: Chase Kinney, KBW Supply
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Presented by TNLA's Workforce Development Task Forc... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
Presented by TNLA's Workforce Development Task Force
Hiring great employees requires more than posting a job and conducting an interview. In this session, TNLA's Workforce Development Task Force will introduce a comprehensive hiring process toolkit designed to help green industry employers attract, evaluate, select, and onboard the right candidates more effectively. Learn proven practices that create a consistent, professional hiring experience and improve long-term employee success.
Why Attend? With labor shortages continuing to impact the industry, every hiring decision matters. A structured hiring process helps companies identify better candidates, reduce costly hiring mistakes, and improve employee retention from day one.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will leave with practical tools, templates, and best practices to streamline hiring, improve candidate quality, enhance onboarding, reduce turnover, and build a stronger workforce pipeline that supports sustainable growth and long-term business success.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 2:20 pm to 2:50 pm
Room: Career Center Tailgate Pop Up 2
Stand Out as a Candidate and Be Seen Outside of Your Resume
Speaker: Dee Maddox, DMX Consulting
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. In today's competitive job market, qualifications alone are not alway... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
In today's competitive job market, qualifications alone are not always enough. This session explores how candidates can differentiate themselves through personal branding, professional communication, networking, leadership potential, and workplace presence. Learn what employers are really looking for beyond a resume and how to showcase the qualities that make you a valuable asset to any organization.
Why Attend? The green industry needs talented individuals who can demonstrate initiative, professionalism, and a commitment to growth. Whether you're entering the workforce or seeking advancement, understanding how to stand out can open doors to new opportunities and career success.
What Your Business Will Gain Employers and workforce development professionals will gain insights into identifying high-potential talent, while attendees will learn how to better represent their skills, strengths, and career aspirations. The result is a stronger talent pipeline, improved employee engagement, and a workforce better prepared to contribute to long-term business success.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 2:20 pm to 2:50 pm
Room: Match Point Area, $
A Splash of Color with Your Landscape
Speaker: Sajjad Razvi, Hugh M. Cunningham Companies
TNLA: 0.5
Must have Full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. How colored lights can make your landscape an ever-changing expe... Read more...
Must have Full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend.
How colored lights can make your landscape an ever-changing experience. These lights can turn from any shade of white to any color. Control them individually or collectively as groups.
Expert: Sajjad Razvi, Hugh M. Cunningham CompaniesRead less...
Must have Full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. Description: In this high-impact, 30-minute session, discover wh... Read more...
Must have Full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend.
Description: In this high-impact, 30-minute session, discover why professionals across the nursery, landscape, and green industry rely on FELCO for long-term performance and profitability. We'll break down the true cost of disposable tools versus investing in precision-engineered pruners built to last. Learn how FELCO’s replaceable parts, ergonomic design, and proven durability translate into better cuts, less downtime, and stronger margins for both end users and retailers. Attendees will gain practical selling points, product knowledge, and quick maintenance tips to help see the value and make the switch from short-term replacement to long-term investment. See the all-new FELCO 2e demonstrated live in Texas for the very first time, delivering next-level power, precision, and efficiency on the expo floor. Presented by: Jennifer Thomson, Western Regional Manager, FELCO North America
Video: https://youtu.be/U4ERMTBloxE?si=n5F47Yh5gYI25EdFRead less...
A networking session designed for rising professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships that support future leadership development.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 3:00 pm to 3:40 pm
Room: Match Point Area, $
Landscape Materials On Demand: Modernizing Last-Mile Logistics for the Supply Yard
Speaker: Steve Rice, BulkDelivery Pro
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. The “last-mile” is one of the most complex and costly parts of the la... Read more...
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend.
The “last-mile” is one of the most complex and costly parts of the landscaping supply chain, but digitizing ordering and dispatch can turn it into a scalable, high-margin advantage.
Identify hidden margin killers in manual dispatching and routing, and reduce inefficiencies that erode profit
Implement digital workflows to streamline ordering, reduce liability, and minimize payment delays
Use delivery and cost-to-serve data to optimize operations, improve customer experience, and scale volume without adding staff
Free to attend with badge. The contractors winning the best commercial accounts aren't the cheapest. They're the ones who've learned... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
The contractors winning the best commercial accounts aren't the cheapest. They're the ones who've learned to sell differently. In this session, Ben Mason breaks down how to shift the conversation from price to value — with property managers, HOAs, and facility teams — and why irrigation is one of the strongest proof points you have. Walk away with a framework for positioning your services as an investment, not a line item.Read less...
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 3:00 pm to 3:40 pm
Room: Slam Dunk Area, $
Native Alternatives to Popular Landscape Plants
Speaker: George Cates and Weston Neiman, Native American Seed
TNLA: 0.5
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend. Discover native plant options that can replace commonly used landscape sp... Read more...
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend.
Discover native plant options that can replace commonly used landscape species, offering similar aesthetic appeal while improving adaptability, supporting local ecosystems, and reducing maintenance needs.Read less...
Must have full day Education Pass or Tradeshow Plus Pass to attend.
A practical overview of targeted pruning methods to promote healthier plants, improve structure and form, and support stronger long-term resilience in the landscape.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Room: Career Center Tailgate Pop Up 1
TNLA’s Career Fair Toolkit
Speaker: Chase Kinney, KBW Supply
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Presented by TNLA's Workforce Development Task Forc... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
Presented by TNLA's Workforce Development Task Force
Career fairs can be one of the most effective ways to build a future workforce—if approached strategically. In this session, TNLA's Workforce Development Task Force will share a practical toolkit to help green industry employers maximize their investment in career fairs, connect with qualified candidates, promote career opportunities, and build relationships with students, educators, and job seekers.
Why Attend? As competition for talent increases, companies need more than a booth and a stack of brochures to stand out. Learn how to effectively engage potential employees, communicate career pathways, and convert conversations into future hires.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will leave with proven strategies, recruitment materials, and engagement techniques to improve career fair results, strengthen their talent pipeline, increase brand awareness among future workers, and create a sustainable workforce strategy that supports long-term growth and reduces labor shortages.
Date: Wednesday, August 12 Time: 3:00 pm to 3:40 pm
Room: Career Center Tailgate Pop Up 2
Tips on How to Write Emails Like a Boss
Speaker: Dee Maddox, DMX Consulting
TNLA: 0.5
Free to attend with badge. Email remains one of the most important business communication tools, y... Read more...
Free to attend with badge.
Email remains one of the most important business communication tools, yet poorly written emails can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and missed opportunities. In this session, participants will learn how to write clear, professional, and impactful emails that get results, improve collaboration, and strengthen business relationships. Discover best practices for tone, structure, professionalism, and communicating with confidence at every level of an organization.
Why Attend? Strong communication skills are essential for career advancement and business success. Whether communicating with customers, vendors, coworkers, or leadership, effective emails help build credibility, improve efficiency, and create a more professional image for both employees and the company.
What Your Business Will Gain Attendees will leave with practical techniques to improve communication, reduce misunderstandings, increase responsiveness, strengthen customer and team relationships, and enhance professionalism across the organization—leading to greater productivity and stronger business outcomes.