iLandscape 2023 —

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For the first time, all sessions were recorded (and will be available online) and are included with the participant’s education registration. “The conference was great again,” said landscape designer and ISA arborist Bruce Davey of Fleck’s Landscaping in Wheeling, Illinois. “Such a wonderful collection of presenters and knowledge.”

Lifetime member and former ILCA education manager Julie Nicoll wouldn’t miss the show. “I try to come back every year to see people,” she said. “The volunteers and working chairs are the key to these events and that’s why I stayed 27 years with ILCA. I miss them even now.”

Networking and catching up with friends and former co-workers is another big draw for many who attended the raffles, clinked glasses at the bars and shared laughs at dinner. “The best part of iLandscape is the camaraderie of being with so many other creative, passionate, hardworking plant people,” said Mary DiCarlo, landscape designer with

Wave Outdoors Landscape & Design in Arlington Heights, Illinois. “It’s a fun environment meeting with colleagues, suppliers and vendors before the crazy spring season begins.” some fun as well.”

Come

One, Come

All Landscape architect Sean Rennau of Austin Engineering in Peoria has been attending iLandscape shows since the beginning. “I love the topics, especially the ones on native plants and design and sustainability.”

The show floors had a steady stream of attendees scoping out products. “I think I can speak for our entire team when I say that we really enjoyed the opportunity to bond with each other as we walked through the show exhibits exploring new products and attending education sessions—learning new ways to improve our designs, practices and our business,” DiCarlo said. “One of the big things for me is meeting up with the vendors I work with on a regular basis, exploring what new products are out there. It was also having time to let our hair down and have

“An exhibitor said we do a lot of shows throughout the year, but this is the one show we look forward to—it delivers,” Grams said. “Yes a trade show is sales, but it’s about networking, checking in with people and seeing everyone you deal with as a vendor and potential new vendors.”

Dozens of ILCA volunteers helped manage the 50-plus education sessions and logged participants’ continuing education credits. That networking is a great reason to get involved. For younger staff it’s a chance for mentoring and meeting new people.

“Well run successful organizations, committees, departments, and individuals often look back in their past or history and bookmark a specific accomplishment or event that propelled them to reach a (continued on page 14)

(continued from page 12) milestone and another level of professional and personal growth,” said Steve Raczak, sales rep for Twixwood Nursery in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and a long-time ILCA volunteer and educator. “I’m confident that this incredible show was such a moment for our association it will be spoken about for years to come.”

Put it on your calendar!

Mark your calendars for the 11th iLandscape show, January 31-February 2, 2024. For more ILCA happenings, visit www.ilca.net and click on Education + Events.