Session Descriptions

Keynote

Jeff McManus, The Jeff McManus Group

Growing Weeders Into Leaders

One of the newest challenge’s leaders are facing is navigating a pandemic while keeping staff and customers safe and satisfied. Jeff knows the pressure of having to have an inspired and motivated workforce that is expected to get results. He goes beyond the numbers and dives into the human-side of facilities so that leaders can foster connection, build loyal brands and make a memorable impact on the lives of their customers and staff. A popular keynote and webinar speaker for audiences looking to ramp up organizational performance, Jeff uses his experience of turning teams around that were performing well below their full potential and turning them into national champions.   Jeff’s turned his idea of “Growing Weeders into Leaders,” the unique influence of motivating staff, into a bestselling book that has made waves across the facilities world. If you’re looking to get inspired and inspire those around you, Jeff is a natural choice.

Most organizations can’t pay for the talent they want, but with the right strategy most organizations can GROW the talent they have to get the leaders they need. Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. Leadership is a mindset.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

1. Participants will analyze strategies for “leading by example” in the workplace, while being inspired to implement them.
2. Participants will discuss the personal and organizational value of cultivating a culture of resiliency – to adapt and overcome – when managing crisis challenges.
3. Participants will be encouraged to utilize communication strategies in the workplace in order to develop a culture of trust resulting in a “growth” environment

Water Management

Dave Chandler, RainBird

The Intelligent Use of Water

With the ever changing drought monitor for the U.S., it is ever more important to look for was to use water more intelligently. The Intelligent Use of Water™ is Rain Bird slogan but it is also a culture belief and practice as we strive to be good stewards of this natural/limited resource. We will look at ways to better use water for landscapes, identify water wasting practices, show ways to save water, which also in turns protects the customer for expensive water bills and liabilities do to over irrigation.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk-

-Where are we now with Water?

– Smart technologies to help me save.

– Mechanical ways to help me save.

Bruce Nelson, Armada Technologies

Electrical Troubleshooting Irrigation Systems

A discussion of troubleshooting electrical issues in irrigation systems, from identifying the issue to locating the physical point of the problem.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

*Meters to Identify Problems
*Locating Wire and Faults – Options and Uses
*Tips and Tricks

Kevin Battistoni, Hunter Industries

Digital tools for green industry professionals

We will introduce you to and go over some of the latest technology that is revolutionizing our industry along with a host of fairly simple tools that you can utilize to simplify this technology…and your life!

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

1. Must-have applications on your mobile device
2. How to speak intelligently with your customers about WiFi and cloud-based irrigation controllers
3. It’s time to get onboard, don’t resist these changes any longer

Matt Bruns, The Toro Company

Get to Know Gen X/Y/Zers

Discussion of traits for Generation X, Y and Z consumers.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

Who is Gen X
Who is Gen Y
Who is Gen Z

Sports Fields

Dr. Kyley Dickson

The presentation will detail the minimum maintenance needs for a synthetic turf field and what the research has found on these different maintenance techniques. The presentation should show the key factors to look for when determining when to apply maintenance on synthetic fields. Attendees will be taught useful tips to improve field playability and performance. The presentation will also cover the basic synthetic turf maintenance needs for any budget.

Brian Winka, Advanced Turf

Save the date! Month-by-month management plans for Sports Turf

Many sports turf managers at the park & rec, high school, small college, etc. level can get bogged down in the weeds when it comes to scheduling and being prepared for agronomic tasks on sports fields. Further, as more and more facilites deal with budget cuts and reduced staff, it becomes increasingly important to have a plan in place to maximize your budget and your labor. Not only do sports field managers need to schedule specific agronomic practices thoughout the year, they often times must be prepared for these practices months in advance by ordering the necessary products and equipment. This presentation will be a monthly breakdown of specific tasks that should be considered. We will include the challenges of managing both grassed and skinned areas of fields. The recomendations in this presentation will be based on a significant number of years of hands on experience mananging parks and rec fields as well as many years of offering advice through consulting and extension activities.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

Learning to be an efficient manager with agronomimcs, planning, and staff.

Understanding best management practices for consistently producing quality and safe fields.

How planning ahead can not only benefit your fields but can also maximize your budget.

Golf

Paul Jacobs, USGA

Bunker Renovations: Trends and Tactics

Bunker renovations have been one of the most common course improvement projects in recent years. Paul will discuss various construction options that have been successful throughout the country and other factors to consider throughout the planning phase of your bunker renovation project.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

-Bunkers and their components have various life expectancies. Renovating or upgrading can improve aesthetics and playability, and in some cases reduce labor requirements for repairing sand washouts.

-There are various options for renovating bunkers. The most expensive option is not always the best option. Material selection depends on site conditions and design.

-Bunker sand selection and maintenance can also play a role in bunker performance post-renovation.

Dr. Lee Miller

The Trials of Summer (Patch) $ Other Lessons Learned in My Time in MO

Summer patch is a difficult to manage “crossover” soilborne disease that impacts Kentucky bluegrass sports fields and creeping bentgrass putting greens. This discussion will explore the similarities and stark differences in control methods between the two turfgrass systems. In addition, I will also reminisce over my time here in Missouri, and discuss the many interesting highlights.

Management of summer patch effectively varies considerably among turfgrass systems.

Depending on the calendar to make disease management decisions can lead to wasted time and money.

Research on various fronts in this turfgrass pathology program will continue, with the hope of providing you with future benefit.

Jonathan Larson

The Pests of 2021: What Bugged us the Most?

In this session, Jonathan Larson will discuss some of the noteworthy insects of 2021 that impacted the golf course industry. The biology and spread of issues like annual bluegrass weevil and the outbreak of fall armyworm will be covered.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk-

-The major pests of the southeast in 2021
-The biology of these grass munching menaces
-Integrated pest management approaches to deal with them in the future.

Landscape & Design

Jeff McManus, The Jeff McManus Group

Great Crew Leaders Aren’t Created, They’re Cultivated

The Crew Leader position is one of the most important positions in your company. This session is all about developing great crew leaders and sharpening the skills they need to deliver the kind of customer service your business depends on. Leaders
recognize where they are falling short, but this session will provide key strategies and specific action steps to help your team continue to be successful.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

1) Explore what is and where to find leaders
2) Learn how to develop great crew leaders
3) Discover key strategies to help your team be successful.

Laura  Fernald Ekasetya, Piet Oudolf Collection

20 Perennials for Naturalistic Plantings

These dreamy plants provide multi-season interest and support local wildlife. Learn more about these selections that have found their way into some of the most important current gardens in the naturalistic style, yet are underused in the landscape. Versatile, enduring, and sensuous, they hold the attention of humans and insects alike.

Brie Arthur, Brie Grows

The Foodscape Revolution

With so many new people interested in gardening now is time to address all the benefits that growing beauty and bounty offer! Join best-selling author and horticulturist Brie Arthur for a BRAND-NEW presentation combining expert gardening advice from both of her books. From container growing, proper planning, plant selection and creative combinations to attract pollinators, to soil prep, fertilizer, and long-term management strategies this program will offer a fresh take and practical gardening advice no matter your skill level. Be inspired to plant a foodscape like never before!

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

-Creative Landscape design
-Edible and ornamental combinations
-Sustainable land practices

Gregory Pierceall, Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture

Mid-Century Modern Landscape Renovation

With the redevelopment of a 1950s MCM home in Chicago the additions to the home required a unified and functional landscape. The before during and after will illustrate the design process, materials and forms that complete this implemented site design.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

-What is MCM landscape design?

-What are MCM landscape materials and forms?

-How forms follow function in site design?

Lawn & Landscape Care

Jeff McManus, The Jeff McManus Group

Great Crew Leaders Aren’t Created, They’re Cultivated

The Crew Leader position is one of the most important positions in your company. This session is all about developing great crew leaders and sharpening the skills they need to deliver the kind of customer service your business depends on. Leaders
recognize where they are falling short, but this session will provide key strategies and specific action steps to help your team continue to be successful.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

1) Explore what is and where to find leaders
2) Learn how to develop great crew leaders
3) Discover key strategies to help your team be successful.

Brie Arthur, Brie Grows

The Foodscape Revolution

With so many new people interested in gardening now is time to address all the benefits that growing beauty and bounty offer! Join best-selling author and horticulturist Brie Arthur for a BRAND-NEW presentation combining expert gardening advice from both of her books. From container growing, proper planning, plant selection and creative combinations to attract pollinators, to soil prep, fertilizer, and long-term management strategies this program will offer a fresh take and practical gardening advice no matter your skill level. Be inspired to plant a foodscape like never before!

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

-Creative Landscape design
-Edible and ornamental combinations
-Sustainable land practices

Christy Webber

The Lesbian Landscaper presented by: Christy Webber (a Lesbian and Landscaper)

DescriptionChristy’s adventures in growing a thriving profitable business on the Westside of Chicago.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk- Hick in a truck (ie…Chuck in a truck)

– If I only sold a million dollars! (ie…What is
$1,000,000.00?)

– OMG, how much did we sell? (and we lost
money?)

– What’s next?

Plant Resources & Solutions

Cody Azotea, Focal Pointe Outdoor Solutions, Inc.

Landscape Shrubs

An overview and discussion on new and improved cultivars plus some tried and true shrub species for central Missouri/St. Louis area.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

– New cultivars
– Field observations
– Underutilized species

Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp

Thugs,Wimps and Super Heroes

Not every plant deserves pride of place in the garden. Which plants will take over, if allowed, which underperform, and what should you plant instead?

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

*Sucker plants.
*But I’ve been using these plants for years…they are a sure thing.
*Change is hard.

Guy Sternberg, Starhill Forest Arboretum

Tough Trees for our Evolving Climate

Explore a selection of adaptable landscape trees and see some memorable examples of how well they can adjust to urban conditions, poor drainage, soil problems, and that gorilla-in-the-closet concern for the future: climate destabilization. We will emphasize native species but also touch upon some others to consider, or to avoid.

3 Main Bullet Points of Talk

-A brief introduction about our climate
-Climate effects upon trees
-Trees for various sites
-Native deciduous trees
-Selected conifers
-Non-native trees

Pesticide Recertification  

Pesticide Recertification (Sam Polly)

This session also covers the re-training requirement for current pesticide technicians in Category 3.