Schedule
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
8:30 am - 3:30 pm Registration Open Hall 3 Lobby
8:00 am - 10:00 am MTO Contractor Breakfast Rooms D, C *ticketed event*
10:00 am - 4:00 pm Green Trade Expo Open Hall 3
10:00 am - 10:15 am Opening Remarks | Joe Salemi LIVE Stage, Hall 3
10:15 am - 11:15 am BREAK
11:15 am - 12:15 pm Luminated Landscapes | Philip Colarusso LIVE Stage, Hall 3
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm Product Spotlight | Greenworks Commercial LIVE Stage, Hall 3
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm LMN | Christian Bseliss LIVE Stage, Hall 3
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Rain Ready Ottawa | Connor Renouf LIVE Stage, Hall 3
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm BREAK
3:00 pm Contest Winners Announced LIVE Stage, Hall 3
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Awards of Distinction Rooms D, C *ticketed event*
Thursday, February 13, 2025
8:30 am - 3:30 pm Registration Open Hall 3 Lobby
10:00 am - 4:00 pm Green Trade Expo Open Hall 3
10:00 am - 10:15 am Welcome Remarks | Joe Salemi LIVE Stage, Hall 3
10:15 am - 11:15 am BREAK
11:15 am - 12:15 pm Knowledge Tree Consulting | George Urvari LIVE Stage, Hall 3
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm Product Spotlight | Stihl Ltd. LIVE Stage, Hall 3
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Battery-Powered Equipment: Challenges and Opportunities LIVE Stage, Hall 3
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Managing Stress | Amanda Rocheleau LIVE Stage, Hall 3
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm BREAK
3:00 pm Contest Winners Announced LIVE Stage, Hall 3
4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Exhibitor Move-Out Hall 3
LIVE STAGE Hall 3 - Wednesday, February 12
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Philip Colarusso | Luminated Landscapes
Topic: Landscape Lighting - The Power Is In The Emotion
Description: In this session attendees will learn that light evokes emotions, how to draw out of a prospect the true emotional pain they are experiencing, and how to create a lighting concept that will solve that pain.
12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Christian Bseliss | LMN
Topic: Rookies to Rockstars
Description: Businesses are realizing they need to be more competitive in what they offer, like salary, benefits, and flexibility. But there's more to standing out than just these things.
One way is to support learning and skills development.
In the Green Industry, finding and keeping workers is tough. Companies that give employees chances to grow have an edge because people want employers who invest in their future.
Let us help guide you in building onboarding and development experiences that take employee goals and align them with company objectives.
Together we can solve the labor problem in the landscaping industry.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Connor Renouf | City of Ottawa
Topic: Rain Ready Ottawa
Description: This session will provide an overview of the Fusion Landscape Professional (FLP) certification offered by Landscape Ontario. Combining the art of horticulture with the science of hydrology, fusion landscaping focuses on creating landscapes that are both beautiful and functional by combining softscape, hardscape, and rainwater management elements into one holistic design. This session will also explore Rain Ready Ottawa, a City of Ottawa program that can provide up to $5,000 in rebates to your clients to install permeable pavements, rain gardens, and soakaway pits. Learn how becoming FLP certified can help your business grow and your clients get the landscape of their dreams.
LIVE STAGE Hall 3 - Thursday, February 13
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
George Urvari | Knoweldge Tree Consulting
Topic: Buying and Selling a Business
Description: The end goal is to have a business that is worthy of selling at the end of your entrepreneurial journey. Learn what companies are looking for when buying a business. Learn how to maximize your return on your business.
Buying or selling is much more than just numbers. Its Systems, Management, Corporate Culture, Loyal Clients, Great Employees, Location and consistent profits.
12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Moderated by: Masood Yarmand
Topic: Battery-Powered Equipment: Challenges and Opportunities
Description: this panel will explore the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to battery-powered landscaping equipment. Panelists will cover practical realities such as upfront costs, infrastructure requirements, and operational adjustments, as well as benefits like long-term savings, reduced environmental impact, and compliance with evolving regulations.
Nicholas Westwood | Manager, Grounds and Greenhouses | National Capital Commission
Allyson Downs | Director, Parks Maintenance and Forestry Services | City Of Ottawa
Trevor Cullen | Managing Partner | Clintar Commercial Outdoor Services - Ottawa
David Wildeboer | Founder and President | Wild Ridge Landscapes Inc.
Jessica Milligan | President | Strathmore
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Amanda Rocheleau
Topic: Managing Stress, Preventing Burnout, and Enhancing Well-Being
Description: In today's fast-paced world, managing stress and avoiding burnout are vital to sustaining both personal and professional success. This engaging and practical session will explore the common causes of stress and burnout, equipping you with tools and strategies to navigate life's pressures more effectively. Packed with actionable tips, this presentation is designed to empower you to prioritize your mental and emotional health for a more sustainable and rewarding career—and life.