WEDNESDAY EDUCATION SESSIONS

8:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Designing for Curb Appeal

Vallari Talapatra, Eco Scapes, Inc.

Utopia CD

This session has been approved by LA CES for 1.25 CEU’s

We’re used to creating the backyard “oasis”. What about the front yard that makes the neighbors rubber neck as they drive by? Over the last ten years, Vallari has conducted workshops that discuss some of the common issues and challenges that homeowners face. And she’s bringing that feedback to you! We’ll learn how to design site specific front yards that use both hardscape and plants, while honoring the architecture. After all, getting the most functionality from the front yards is something that all of us strive for!

Making Landscapes that Matter

Scott Beuerlein, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Utopia AB

This session has been approved by LA CES for 1.25 CEU’s

This session takes you on a fascinating horticultural journey. Scott connects evolution, art, genetics, natural history, food, wine and more with landscapes that make us feel more comfortable, happy and secure. He will make the case that green spaces and the plants that create them fulfill basic human needs, not wants, and clearly shines light on the elements that matter the most.

Groundcovers: Great Alternatives to Turf Grass

Kathy Jentz, Washington Gardener Magazine

Nirvana BC

This session has been approved by LA CES for 1.25 CEU’s Groundcovers are low-growing plants that serve many different purposes in the landscape from limiting weed growth to stabilizing slopes to adding texture to your garden. Kathy Jentz, author of the forthcoming book, “Groundcover Revolution,” will cover several of these beautiful, hard-working plants and the best kinds to use for specific situations.

Onboarding New Employees: Welcome to the Team, Now Grab a Shovel!

Kevin Battistoni, Hunter / FX

Nirvana A

This session has been approved by LA CES + ISA for 1.25 CEU’s

Finding the right employees is one of the most difficult challenges that companies are faced with today. You must hyper-focus on your onboarding processes and company culture during hiring, or else all the time you’ve spent finding those new team members will be wasted. During this presentation, Kevin will share strategic insights from green industry business owners, managers, and trainers who’ve built their companies through years of trial and error. From interviewing and onboarding to incentives and career path planning, you will learn proven tactics utilized by industry leaders today to successfully scale their workforces.

Wowing Your Clients With Exceptional Service Every Step of the Way

Lauren Howell, Stuber Land Design

Euphoria

This session has been approved by LA CES for 1.25 CEU’s We all know that keeping a client is better than having to find a new one. Taking care of our clients by providing exceptional service is a big part of keeping them! But what does good customer service look like these days? How can I deliver better service than my competitors? How do I keep my team excited about taking care of our clients? We will look at many aspects of providing customer service - from our office staff to our frontline crews and everyone in between.