Source: www.TurfMagazine.com
Orlando, Fla., Nov. 4-5
The Irrigation Show and Education Conference gives attendees an opportunity to network with more than 300 exhibitors and 5,300 attendees, as well as see innovative water technologies and stay current on industry best practices.
Attendees can also investigate the cutting-edge new products, technologies and services at the New Product Contest and get certified and earn continuing education units.
For show schedule and education classes, as well as all show information, go to www.irrigation.org/irrigationshow.
General Session & Featured Speaker
Charlie Hall, Ph.D., Texas A&M University
Monday, Nov. 5, 9-11 a.m.
Charlie Hall will provide a macro perspective on economics in the landscape, horticulture and agricultural realms. He is nationally recognized in academia for his expertise in the production and marketing of green industry crops. He specializes in strategic management, market outlooks, cost accounting and financial analysis for green industry firms and is known for his passionate take on macroeconomics.
Hall started his career studying agricultural economics and is now professor of horticulture and Ellison Chair in International Floriculture at Texas A&M University.
The General Session will also include a state-of-the association report and the presentation of IA awards and New Product Contest winners. General Session doors will open at 8:30 a.m.
Technical Sessions
Sunday, Nov. 4, 8 a.m.-5:20 p.m.
Conference technical sessions provide a forum for sharing the latest research findings, best practices and cutting-edge products and ideas that promote efficient irrigation.
Approximately 60 20- to 30-minute presentations will address innovations in agriculture, landscape and golf. (Included in full registration.)
Irrigation Seminars
Monday, Nov. 5, 12-4:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 6, 8:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Once again this year, the Education Conference offers irrigation seminars, providing certified professionals with more opportunities to earn CEUs during the event. With all new topics for 2012, these one-hour seminars are designed to reinforce irrigation industry best practices and will be delivered in two tracks: one for agricultural interests and one for landscape and golf interests. Certified professionals will earn one CEU per each one-hour seminar attended. (Included in full registration.)
Florida Irrigation Industry Issues & Trends
Sunday, Nov. 4, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
This open discussion is presented by the Florida Irrigation Society and is geared toward all Florida contractors, designers, distributors and manufacturers. Critical issues of the day affecting the Florida irrigation industry, such as water use laws, ordinances, trends and techniques, business regulations and licensing, will be presented and opened for discussion and input.
Green Industry Job & Career Fair
Monday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
In conjunction with the Irrigation Show, the Florida Irrigation Society and Workforce Florida are holding a job and career fair open to all interested in careers in the original green industry. Meet with industry employers to learn about landscape and irrigation job openings in Florida and around the U.S. Speak with advisors from colleges and universities with recognized horticulture programs to learn about getting a degree or adding industry knowledge or credentials. Participants will also be able to attend the Irrigation Show on the day of the job and career fair at no cost.
NRCS Technical Service Provider Training
Tuesday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
This one-day workshop offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide certified irrigation designers and certified agricultural irrigation specialists the opportunity to qualify as technical service providers. The class is also open to individuals who plan on becoming CID or CAIS certified within the year. The workshop will focus on the distinctive aspects of NRCS irrigation management planning. Expand your business horizons by becoming a TSP and help extend the reach of conservation through irrigation management and practices.
Preregistration is required. To preregister, contact Dana Larsen at 202-720-8970 or dana.larsen@wdc.usda.gov. Participants also need to receive a level 2 eAuth account before the end of the workshop. Stop by the NRCS booth on the show floor and bring a government-issued photo ID.
International Reception
Saturday, Nov. 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Open to all international attendees of the Irrigation Show, the International Reception brings together our international visitors for an evening of networking, conversation and celebration of efficient irrigation worldwide.
Opening Night Event! – Party @ Club IA
Saturday, Nov. 3, 7:30-10 p.m.
Enjoy food, drink and live music while you Party @ Club IA, the brand new kick-off event of the 2012 Irrigation Show and Education Conference.
Club IA is your place to mingle with friends, make meaningful connections and share exciting news about your projects and your company. Listen to music by Orlando-based band MPiRE. (MPiRE is generously sponsored by Miller-Leaman.) Open to everyone with a full registration.
IrrigationPAC – Hospitality
Sunday, Nov. 4, 5-6 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 5, 4-5 p.m.
Open to all IrrigationPAC contributors, the hospitality area on the show floor will be open for networking and political bantering. Join the political action committee’s volunteer leaders and the IA’s government affairs staff to celebrate and support IrrigationPAC. Exclusively for IrrigationPAC supporters.
Certification Breakfast
Monday, Nov. 5, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
(Coffee starts at 7 a.m.)
Join other certified professionals to celebrate your accomplishments at this invitation-only breakfast hosted by the IA Certification Board of Directors. Breakfast highlights will include updates on our certification program. Exclusively for IA-certified professionals in good standing. Seating is limited; RSVP to certification@irrigation.org.
Florida Contractor & Irrigation Business Reception
Monday, Nov. 5, 3:30-5 p.m.
Join industry leaders and fellow irrigation professionals in a special event exclusively for Florida companies without having to leave the trade show floor! Discuss trade show highlights, exchange ideas or just get refreshed. Visit event sponsors at their booths – Florida distributors and manufacturers or the FIS – to receive a ticket for entrance.
Closing Night Event! – Party @ The Pub
Monday, Nov. 5, 6-9 p.m.
Sample more than 50 beers and wines from around the world while enjoying delectable delights at this lively networking event at The Pub at Pointe Orlando. Savor three hours of open tap and an appetizer buffet in an authentic British pub atmosphere. Reserve your ticket today. (This is a separate ticketed event.)
Turf Talk
Tuesday, Nov. 6, 7:15-8:15 a.m.
Hosted by the Landscape Water Management Contractor Common Interest Group, this morning networking coffee offers a variety of table topics including green roof technology, water budgeting, marketing ideas, liability protection and more! Choose the topic that interests you most and discuss it with peers from across the country.
Open to all attendees, but ticket is required for admission. (See registration form to request a complimentary ticket.)
Common Interest Group Meetings – Peer Networking
IA common interest groups provide a unique opportunity for IA members to network among their peers while discussing common challenges related to a specific irrigation technology, specialty or end-use market. CIGs also help define industry best practices and monitor evolving trends and developments. Find a networking opportunity that fits your interests.
CIG meetings are open to all IA members; advance registration is not required. For more information on each group’s mission, visit www.irriga tion.org/About/Common_Interest_Groups.aspx.
- Designer: Sunday, Nov. 4, 9:30-11 a.m.
- Drip/Micro Irrigation: Sunday, Nov. 4, 7:30-9 a.m.
- Landscape Water Management Contractor: Sunday, Nov. 4, 7:30-9 a.m.
- Manufacturers’ Representatives: Sunday, Nov. 4, 7:30-9 a.m.
- Nursery and Greenhouse: Saturday, Nov. 3, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Pressurized Irrigation: Tuesday, Nov. 6, 7:15-8:15 a.m.