12:00 – 5:30 pm
Badge Pick-up / Information
Grand Ballroom Foyer
2:30 – 3:30 pm
Newcomer's Networking Session
Grand Ballroom B
Embark on your conference journey with a warm welcome at our Newcomer's Networking Session! Join us as we roll out the red carpet for first-time attendees, providing the perfect platform to mingle, connect, and kick-start your conference experience. Network with fellow newcomers and seasoned veterans alike, exchanging insights, forging new friendships, and laying the groundwork for a fruitful event ahead.
3:45 – 4:15 pm
Opening Session
Grand Ballroom B
Join us as we set the stage for a memorable event, filled with inspiration, innovation, and endless possibilities. Welcome esteemed speakers, industry leaders, and passionate participants; connect with friends and hear about all that’s new at this year's retreat.
4:15 – 5:15 pm
Economic Outlook
Grand Ballroom B
Get ahead of the curve with insights from CBRE’s Global Chief Economist! Join us for an exclusive session as we dive deep into the industry's economic forecast, current trends, and pivotal shifts at both the institutional and property levels. Discover how advancements in green/LEED initiatives, redevelopment strategies, investment trends, and cutting-edge technology are reshaping the game. Gain strategic foresight into how these changes will revolutionize the way landscape contractors serve, sell, and deliver.
Richard Barkham, PhD
CBRE, Global Chief Economist, Global Head of Research, Head of Americas Research
5:15-5:30 pm
Networking Break
Grand Ballroom Foyer
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Weeders to Leaders
Grand Ballroom B
Unlock the secrets of leadership with landscaper and author, Jeff McManus! Join us for an enlightening session where Jeff will delve into his popular book, 'Growing Weeders into Leaders', revealing its profound relevance beyond the workplace and into everyday life. Discover Jeff's powerful insights on cultivating leadership from within—an approach that empowers organizations to nurture and develop the talent they already possess. Learn how to harness the transformative power of a leadership mindset, motivating teams to rally behind common objectives and drive success. Don't miss this opportunity to uncover the strategies for fostering leadership excellence in any setting!
Jeff McManus
University of Mississippi, Director of Landscape, Airport and Golf Services
6:30 – 9:30 pm
Welcome Party
Pool Deck
Elevate your networking game as you mingle with industry leaders, visionaries, and peers, all against the vibrant backdrop of the Mile High City. Welcome to an evening where connections are forged, ideas are sparked, and memories are made while you savor delectable cuisine and premium cocktails high above the city lights.
9:30 pm - Onwards
Late Night Networking
Edge Corner Bar
Savor the end of the day while recapping all the insights, fun, and new ideas with fellow attendees over a hosted bar behind the velvet rope before retiring for the evening.
7:30 – 8:30 am
Networking Breakfast
Grand Ballroom B
Join us for a dynamic networking breakfast where attendees can enjoy a delicious spread at their leisure. Fuel up, network, and discuss topics that matter to you in a relaxed atmosphere. It's the perfect start to a day filled with learning and connections!
7:30 – 8:30 am
Weathermatic Breakfast (Invite Only)
Boardroom
8:30 – 8:45 am
Networking Break
Grand Ballroom Foyer
8:45 – 9:45 am
Growth Thru Acquisition
Grand Ballroom A
Explore McHale Landscape Design's strategic growth journey. Discover how they boosted annual revenue by acquiring four companies in five years. Learn about the challenges they faced, from cultural integration to regulatory hurdles, and how they overcame them. Gain insights into the benefits of strategic acquisitions, such as accelerated growth, enhanced market presence, and access to new talent pools. Uncover actionable strategies and best practices for navigating the complexities of acquisitions in today's competitive landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to glean invaluable insights and chart a course toward sustainable success.
Kevin McHale
Owner, McHale Landscape Design
8:45 – 9:45 am
Green Tech Revolution: Maximizing ROI on Autonomous Mowing and Electric Equipment
Grand Ballroom B
Discover how these advanced technologies can streamline your operations, increase efficiency, and boost sustainability. Learn from industry leaders who have pioneered the integration of these tools, sharing essential best practices and common pitfalls to avoid so you can make the most of your investment in technology. Gain insights into managing initial costs, training teams, and maintaining new equipment effectively. Equip yourself with practical knowledge and strategies to overcome typical challenges, ensuring a smooth transition to more innovative and environmentally friendly practices.
Billy Otteman
Senior Director of Brand, Scythe Robotics
9:45 – 10:00 am
Networking Break
Grand Ballroom Foyer
10:00 – 11:00 am
Managing Hyper Growth
Grand Ballroom B
Embark on a captivating journey into Lifescape Colorado's hyper-growth trajectory. Discover how they effectively managed soaring revenue, customer base, and staff expansion. Through a compelling case study, explore typical challenges such as maintaining quality standards and fostering company culture amid rapid growth. Uncover Lifescape's strategic approaches to overcoming hurdles like resource allocation, talent acquisition, and operational scalability. Additionally, explore the transformative benefits of hyper-growth, including expanded market presence, heightened brand recognition, and enhanced innovation. Gain actionable strategies and best practices for navigating rapid expansion while ensuring sustainable success in today's dynamic business landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to glean insights from Lifescape Colorado's unparalleled growth journey and chart your course toward sustained excellence.
Michael Hupf
Chief Executive Officer, Lifescapes Colorado
10:00 – 11:00 am
Innovation
Grand Ballroom A
Unlock Growth through Innovation. Gain invaluable insights into how innovation fuels success in sales, operations, recruiting, and culture. Learn from HighGrove's transformative initiatives like Lean management, new product development, and client-focused education. Discover actionable tactics to keep your business ahead in a competitive market. Don't miss this dynamic session packed with practical strategies to propel your company to new heights of success!
Jim McCutcheon
Chief Executive Officer, HighGrove Partners
11:00 – 11:15 am
Networking Break
Grand Ballroom Foyer
11:15 – 12:30 pm
The Political Landscape
Grand Ballroom B
Gain useful insights from the green industry's foremost advocate! Join us for an essential session where we'll explore the ever-evolving statutory, regulatory, and political terrain and its direct impact on your business—from federal policies down to local ordinances. Discover the latest updates on crucial issues shaping our industry, from H2B regulations to the rising tide of regulatory demands. Get actionable strategies on how you can actively support and engage to safeguard your business interests. Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to navigate the landscape effectively and ensure your business thrives in today's dynamic environment!
Andrew Bray
Sr. Vice President, Government Relations, National Association of Landscape Professionals
12:30 – 4:30 pm
Network & Chill
Pool Deck
Join us for an afternoon of business brilliance and poolside networking set against stunning views of the city’s skyline! Dive into meaningful connections, enjoy yard games, and discuss business at your own pace in a laid-back atmosphere.
1:15 - 2:30 pm
SiteRecon Executive Session (Invite Only)
Boardroom
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Industry Partner Showcase and Dinner
Grand Ballroom Foyer
Join us for a spectacular Happy Hour & Dinner Reception celebrating our industry partners! Connect with fellow attendees, discover innovative products, and build valuable relationships—all while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Don't miss this chance to elevate your networking experience!
9:00 pm - Onwards
Late Night Networking
Edge Corner Bar
Savor the end of the day while recapping all the insights, fun, and new ideas with fellow attendees over a hosted bar behind the velvet rope before retiring for the evening.
7:30 – 8:30 am
Networking Breakfast
Grand Ballroom B
Join us for a dynamic networking breakfast where attendees can enjoy a delicious spread at their leisure. Fuel up, network, and discuss topics that matter to you in a relaxed atmosphere. It's the perfect start to a day filled with learning and connections!
7:30 – 8:30 am
Attentive Inc. Breakfast (Invite Only)
Boardroom
8:30 – 8:45 am
Networking Break
Grand Ballroom Foyer
8:45 – 9:45 am
Transitioning a Family Business – A Panel Discussion
Grand Ballroom B
Join our panel discussion on transitioning family businesses, featuring both first and second-generation owners. Delve into the complexities of generational handovers as our expert panel shares firsthand experiences, invaluable insights, and lessons learned. Explore the challenges inherent in family business transitions, from navigating intergenerational dynamics and succession planning to preserving legacy and maintaining business continuity. Discover key strategies for navigating these transitions, from fostering open communication and setting clear expectations to embracing change and leveraging the strengths of each generation. This session offers indispensable guidance for ensuring a smooth and successful transition. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the experiences of seasoned entrepreneurs and chart a course toward generational prosperity in your family business.
Kurt Bland
President, Bland Landscaping, Co.
Kevin McHale
Owner, McHale Landscape Design
Bruce Moore, Sr.
Founder, Eastern Land Management, Inc.
Doug Stacey
President, Landscape Services, Inc.
8:45 – 9:45 am
Building High-Performing Teams
Grand Ballroom A
Unlock the secrets to assembling a championship-worthy business team in this dynamic session! Drawing from the thrilling world of sports, discover how to apply coaching philosophies to business leadership. Learn to view your role not just as a boss, but as a coach who nurtures skills, ignites passions, and fosters a unified drive towards organizational success. Explore strategies for defining clear roles and accountabilities, inspiring through influence rather than authority, and leading by example to cultivate a workplace where everyone is motivated to contribute to the team's victories. Join us and transform your leadership approach to build a resilient, high-performing team that not only meets but exceeds their goals, pushing your company towards its very own "Super Bowl.”
David Anderson
CEO & Founder, Off Madison Ave
Founder (Former CEO) & Advisory Board Chair, LighthousePE
9:45 – 10:00 am
Networking Break
Grand Ballroom Foyer
10:00 – 11:00 am
Equipment Trends and Topics
Grand Ballroom B
Get a deep dive on the state of the outdoor power equipment industry. Learn how trends like power diversification, robotics, labor and regulation are impacting the entire OPE value chain — from manufacturers to contractors — and how you can best position your business to take advantage of upcoming opportunities in the industry.
Chuck Bowen
Vice President, Communications and Member Relations, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)
10:00 – 11:00 am
Winning the War for Talent
Grand Ballroom A
Join us as we explore innovative approaches to keeping key employees engaged and committed to long-term success. We'll uncover the power of golden handcuffs and deferred compensation arrangements in incentivizing loyalty and performance. Discover how these tools can align employee interests with company goals while mitigating turnover risks and talent flight. Moreover, we'll delve into the nuances of shadow stock programs, offering insights into their design, implementation, and effectiveness in retaining key talent. Learn from real-world case studies and best practices as we navigate the complexities of talent retention in today's competitive landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the full potential of your workforce and drive sustainable success. ****
Byron McFarland
Founder, The McFarland Group
11:00 – 11:15 am
Networking Break
Grand Ballroom Foyer
11:15 – 12:30 pm
AI Overview for the C-Suite
Grand Ballroom B
Explore the AI ecosystem and identify how technologies like ChatGPT can elevate your business operations. Discover use cases across different business areas that address your unique business challenges. By examining cross-industry examples, you'll see how various sectors harness AI, gaining practical insights that can revolutionize your business processes. Additionally, we'll provide you with the initial steps to develop a strategic plan for integrating AI technologies into your corporate workflows.
Rick Grimes
AI Explorer & Proliferator
Partner, MagicSquare
*Schedule subject to change