Schedule of Events

Julius Ballroom Foyer

Milano Ballroom Foyer

Milano Ballroom I

AI isn’t just for tech startups - it’s the next strategic advantage for well-established landscape businesses looking to take control of their numbers, people, and customer experience. But without a clear plan, AI becomes another shiny object that doesn’t move the needle.

In this session, Mark Bradley - landscape entrepreneur, software innovator, and founder of LeanScaper - will deliver a practical, business-first roadmap for owners who are ready to lead with data and scale with systems. This isn’t about bots or gimmicks. It’s about understanding how AI can help solve your most expensive problems - right now.

Mark will break down exactly how to build an actionable, realistic plan to adopt AI across every department of your company, from estimating and marketing to field production and fleet management. Using real-world examples and a systems-based approach, he’ll show how AI-powered tools can drive:

• Financial Intelligence: Automate job costing, identify slippage before it’s too late, and see profit in real-time.
• Sales & Marketing: Use AI to find better leads, write faster proposals, and build follow-up systems that convert.
• Customer Experience: Create automated check-ins, resolve issues faster, and track satisfaction over time.
• Field Efficiency: Optimize crew deployment, identify production bottlenecks, and turn field data into actionable next steps.
• Fleet Management: Predict maintenance needs, optimize routes, and reduce downtime through AI-driven insights.
• Team Performance & Incentives: Use real-time data to create smarter bonus systems and drive behavior change on the front lines.

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what AI tools are ready for your business today, what to ignore, and how to align your team around a smarter, leaner, more profitable way to work.

Milano Ballroom I

Technology integration in the landscape industry has historically been slow and, at times, downright clunky. But why? Many other industries have successfully leveraged technology and innovation—so what’s holding us back?

By definition, technology is "the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes." Our industry, however, has been built on a foundation of horticultural expertise, time-tested methodologies, and trusted techniques passed down through generations. In many ways, scientific knowledge can feel like a theoretical exercise compared to the hands-on, proven practices we've relied on for decades. Plus, technology often seems confined to the properties we service, not something that naturally integrates into the outdoor spaces we cultivate. So, how do we flip the script?

The reality is that technology alone won’t transform our industry. The key is how we integrate these tools into our businesses. This requires strategic planning, peer feedback, business adaptation, and a clear vision of the desired outcome before implementation even begins. More importantly, our industry must recognize that technology and innovation have already made a significant impact on our trade. The latest advancements aren’t just about introducing a new tool or transitioning to a digital platform—they’re about reframing the entire business model. Now is the time to rethink the way we operate. This shift requires an approach rooted in operational excellence, ensuring that utilization and implementation are carefully thought through. It’s not just about software or hardware; it’s about fundamentally changing the way we manage and execute our work.

It’s time to stop viewing technology as just “more screen time” and start recognizing it as a tool that enhances efficiency, improves operations, and reshapes the way we interact with the landscapes we create and maintain.

Milano Ballroom V

I didn’t set out to be a techie — but as our landscaping business grew, I found myself constantly asking: How can we save time? Be more consistent? Stop reinventing the wheel every week?

This session is about how we’ve used simple, accessible technology to answer those questions. I’ll share what’s worked (and what’s still in progress) at Downer Brothers Landscaping — not from the perspective of an expert, but as someone who’s learned by doing. We’ve built systems for time tracking, job costing, quoting, communication, scheduling, client engagement, equipment monitoring, and design coordination — all using tools that are available to any company, regardless of size.

This isn’t a how-to or a product pitch. It’s real-world perspective from a business in motion. My goal is to spark ideas and encourage others to get curious, experiment, and start building smarter, leaner operations — even if you’re not “techy.” If you’ve ever thought, “There’s got to be a better way to do this…”, this session is for you.

Julius Ballroom

Milano Ballroom I

This session explores how our industry is evolving—from gut feel to data, from “labor” to Smart Crew. We’ll discuss what’s changed, what’s working, and what’s coming next, with a bold lens on people, tech, and performance.

Milano Ballroom I

Technology doesn’t have to be high-tech to make a big impact. This session explores simple, effective ways to enhance customer engagement through virtual service updates, direct messaging, and interactive communication. At the same time, you will discover how technology can strengthen employee connections with easy-to-implement tools for engagement, recognition, and team culture. Walk away with practical strategies to improve relationships, efficiency, and business growth—without needing complex systems.

Milano Ballroom V

Three truths remain at the heart of a customer’s decision. We have only ever been able to deliver two at a time.

They are looking for     

1. Cheaper                          - Low skill, Volume
2. Better Quality                  - Better Products / Design and Training
3. Better Service                 - Better Systems, Primarily Communication and Operations.

The caveat is automation will help bring all three together at some point, maybe soon. We are seeing it come to life now!!!

Julius Ballroom

Milano Ballroom I

Learn actionable strategies to reduce technician turnover in this interactive workshop. We’ll start by teaching you how to measure turnover effectively, identify key drivers, and set realistic benchmarks. From there, dive into proven methods to boost retention, including targeted hiring practices, recognition programs, and fostering career growth for your technicians.

Milano Ballroom I

In commercial landscaping, data can either sit untouched in spreadsheets or systems—or become a catalyst for meaningful change. At Level Green Landscaping, actionable data fuels weekly conversations that drive performance, increase accountability, and guide continuous improvement across both sales and operations.

Join Marion Delano, Director of Technology & Marketing at Level Green, for a behind-the- scenes look at how their team uses tools for sales and account management metrics—to guide smart decision-making at every level of their business.

Milano Ballroom V

Great design isn’t limited to professional Designers & Architects—it’s a collaborative process where everyone involved plays a role. This session explores how blending traditional design principles with modern tools empowers homeowners, contractors, and landscape professionals to contribute meaningfully to the design, installation, and enhancement of outdoor spaces. By bridging the gap between vision and execution, we’ll discuss how accessible design approaches can enhance creativity, improve communication, and lead to more cohesive, well-executed projects. Whether you’re sketching on paper, using digital aids, or working hands-on in the field, this session will show how embracing a designer’s mindset at every stage leads to better landscapes and stronger collaboration.

Julius Ballroom

Milano Ballroom I

What if you could instantly know what your customers are thinking - without sitting in on a single call? Join Tony for a deep dive into how cutting-edge AI is transforming phone conversations into powerful business intelligence. You’ll see how AI automatically surfaces the questions your customers are asking, the objections they raise, the services they care about most, and even which competitors they mention. It also reveals how your team is responding - highlighting what’s working, what’s not, and how closely reps are following your sales processes. Whether you're looking to close more leads, coach your team more effectively, or finally understand what’s really happening on the phone, this session will show you how to turn every conversation into a growth opportunity. Stick around for a special offer and a sneak peek at how you can put this AI to work in your own business.

Milano Ballroom V

Join John Butler, Commercial Division Manager at Milosi, as he shares decades of experience and insights into the transformative impact of technology on the landscaping industry. Throughout his career, John has witnessed first-hand how technological advancements—from innovative software solutions to state-of-the-art equipment—have reshaped operational efficiencies and enhanced customer service. In this engaging session, he'll discuss Milosi’s strategic adoption of technology and share his vision of what the future holds for landscaping businesses. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable strategies and inspired by a forward-looking perspective on how to successfully navigate and thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Milano Ballroom I

Derek Kaye will share how his business successfully navigated around the labor shortage, first with robotic mowers and more recently utilizing artificial intelligence assistants. A few examples would be real world lessons learned from AI assistants from scheduling, invoicing, customer service and business automations. How using autonomous mowers decreases labor and grows recurring revenues. You will learn how to future proof your business not only by using technology but being a technology company that attracts a younger workforce.

Julius Ballroom

Milano Ballroom Foyer

Milano Ballroom Foyer

Milano Ballroom I

Step into the digital ecosystem transforming the contracting world in 2025! In this seminar, we’ll pull back the curtain on the cutting-edge tools, software, and platforms that contractors use to streamline operations, optimize communication, and deliver exceptional results to clients. From project management and scheduling apps to real-time collaboration tools, smart home integrations, and advanced customer relationship management (CRM) software, our panel will dive deep into the behind-the-scenes technology that ensures contractors stay ahead of the curve.

Discover how automation, AI, and cloud-based solutions have redefined client interactions, improved transparency, and elevated overall efficiency. Whether you're a contractor looking to sharpen your tech edge or a client curious about what makes your projects run like clockwork, this session offers practical insights and actionable takeaways. Join us as we explore the innovations shaping the contracting industry and learn how embracing these tools can lead to smoother operations and happier clients.

Milano Ballroom Foyer

Milano Ballroom I

AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s reshaping industries today, and landscaping is no exception. In this seminar, Michael Ding, CEO of Bobyard, will explore how AI-powered technology is transforming the industry. From automating takeoffs to advancements in robotics, attendees will discover how AI can boost efficiency, cut costs, and open up new business opportunities. Whether you're a CEO, estimator, or project manager, this session will equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI, make the most of its potential, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

Milano Ballroom I

In Lawn & Landscape's 2020 Technology Report, 37% responded they are using electric/battery-powered equipment. Five years later, that number rose to 57% in the 2025 report, showing the industry's interest in the equipment continues to rise. Panelists will give their first-hand experience with the equipment, their struggles and successes with embracing batteries and what they feel is next for the future of the green industry.