Spring Training for Landscape Professionals

ABOUT SPRING TRAINING

This one-day training event for landscape professionals is planned by the Spring Training Committee. We use the feedback gathered during the previous year’s event, as well as insights gained during a bustling season to carefully curate two distinct tracks of education. There is a track focused on the needs of crew members and a second track for owners and managers. We also feature a greenhouse full of suppliers showcasing cutting-edge products, equipment, and services.  This event has an attendance of 350 with 21 exhibitors.

SESSION LINEUP

NOTE: All sessions will be presented in English.

• Crew Member Sessions
  • Managing Difficult-to-Control Weeds in the Landscape
    • Presented by Kyle Daniel, Purdue University
      • • Description: Many weeds can be a problem in the landscape and chemical control options may be limited due to phytotoxicity concerns around ornamental plants.  This presentation will discuss the life cycle of our most difficult weeds and address effective control options, including pre and post-emergence herbicides.
  • A Day in the Life of an Arborist – Identifying Preventable Tree Issues
    • Presented by Aaron Schulz, Oak Bros Tree Care & Removal
      • • Description: Tree are valuable assets designed to survive for decades to centuries, depending on species. However, not everything goes according to plan due to human error. This session will look at preventable tree issues observed by a Consulting Arborist and how to mitigate them, beginning in the nursery. Topics covered include: structural pruning, species & site selection, planting practices, and field identification of manageable tree issues.
  • Drainage Fundamentals and Most Effective Downspout Runoff Solutions
    • Presented by Martin Juven, NDS
      • • Description: This session will review essential techniques for managing downspout runoff and preventing costly water damage to homes and landscapes. Attendees will learn how to redirect water away from structures using catch basins and channel drains while preventing clogs and protecting landscape beds. The session will also cover the use of pop-up emitters and flow wells to manage runoff safely, improve landscape health, and reduce pollutants. Attendees will gain practical knowledge to install effective drainage systems that enhance property value and protect against water damage.
• Owners & Managers Sessions
  • Growth Strategies for Landscaping Businesses: Mastering Sales, Marketing, and Partnerships
    • Presented by Mark Bradley, LMN
      • • Description: This seminar outline provides landscapers with a comprehensive framework for expanding revenue through effective sales processes, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge marketing tactics. By focusing on each stage of the sales funnel, leveraging modern marketing methods, and building strong partnerships, attendees can learn how to drive growth and success in their landscaping businesses.
  • Leading Others Well
    • Presented by Janelle Reeb, J. Reeb Consulting
      • • Description: Explore your leadership style in relation to other styles and gain valuable experience reframing some of the most common misunderstandings. When you enhance your understanding of the core values that influence the behavior of those you lead, it will help you reduce frustration, improve interactions, and increase team productivity.
  • What’s Growing in 2025
    • Presented by John Cottrell, Stoneleaf Nursery
      • • Description: Join John for an in-depth look at the exciting lineup of plants the nursery is growing for the upcoming season. He’ll highlight the new varieties you should consider, tried and true performers, and touch on plant health care issues you should be aware of moving into the spring season. Don’t miss his expert recommendations on what you should be recommending to your customers in 2025 to maximize sales.
  • Professional Services Panel
    • Panel participants include Mike Ackley, Goodfield State Bank; Matthias Pope, Dill Wealth Management; Jay McGee, Mid America Insurance; Moderator – Adam Bellas, Bellas Landscaping
      • • Description: The advisors you choose will have a big impact on your success during profitable times and in moments of uncertainty.  You will be a stronger leader with the right group of trusted professionals offering guidance, functioning as a mini-board of directors. This could include a financial planner, CPA, banker, insurance agent, business consultant, and more. What advisors do you currently have in place?  Are they working for you?  What systems need work and who can help you analyze what is working? We’ve assembled a panel of local professionals to discuss these considerations and how you should be planning for the next year.
• Combined Sessions for all Attendees
  • Complying with Commercial Motor Vehicle Regulations
    • Presented by David Whittaker, Illinois State Police
      • • Description: This session is designed to help you better understand the responsibility of operating commercial motor vehicles. Led by an expert from the Illinois State Police, this presentation will provide a broader understanding of roadside inspections and what triggers them. Attendees will also learn about the requirements for medical examiner’s certificates, driver’s license classifications, and how to avoid costly overweight violations under the Illinois Vehicle Code. This session will provide valuable insights to ensure compliance, avoid fines, and keep your team safe on the road.
  • Emergency Trauma Care at the Jobsite
    • Presented by Ron Yanor, Adamax Tactical Academy
      • • Description: This practical session prepares landscape professionals to handle serious injuries on the job. Ron will cover essential trauma kit supplies, provide recommendations, and guide attendees in creating emergency evacuation plans for rural or remote worksites. With real-world demonstrations and expert insights, this session equips you to respond quickly and effectively in critical situations.
  • Walk on the Blocks That I Stumbled On
    • Presented by Phil Bahler, PaveTool Innovators
      • • Description: Phil Bahler, a Hardscaper of 40 years, and founder of Pave Tool Innovators will share his experiences of what did and did not, make him successful in a grueling, painfilled industry. As an inventor of over 85 products for the Hardscape industry, he will share how implementing equipment, tools, and systems will alleviate pain and increase profitability.

Alta Equipment Company
Altorfer Cat
American Rentals
Aquascape
Blunier Implement
Brickworks Supply Center
County Materials Corporation
Dayton Bag & Burlap
Foster Brothers Wood Products
Fosters Inc
J&L Morris Trucking
JULIE
LMN
Martin Equipment
NDS, Inc
Oakbros Tree Care & Removal
PaveTool
Peoria Brick Company
SiteOne Landscape Supply
SmartGate Conveyors
Spring Meadow Nursery
Stoneleaf Nursery
Techo-Bloc Midwest Corp
Trinity Stone
Unilock
Vermeer Midwest