GIE+EXPO launched a new Technology Summit to provide insights on robotics, technology, software, AI tools and more.

The summit, set for Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will include three sessions. In addition to learning about the technologies, attendees will hear real-world case studies from industry professionals.

The Technology Summit is hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Preregistration is required, and the $129 fee includes all three sessions.

These sessions include:

• Robotics and Technology in Landscape Design and Maintenance
  Olle Markusson, Global Director Product Management, Robotics, Husqvarna
  Co-presenter: Pam Dooley, Plants Creative Landscape
• Who What Where – What Apps are Best for Tracking Labor, Schedules and Project Management?
  Nanette Seven, Include Software
  Co-Presenters: Shawn Ryan, Environmental Designs; Todd Coleman, Bonick Landscaping; Mike Mendez, Mariani Landscape
• Disruptive Innovation and Must-Have Technology for the Green Industry
  Beth Berry, Real Green Systems
  Co-Presenter: Kendall Hines, LawnBot

“Technology helps smaller companies scale more quickly and enables larger companies to be more agile and lean, creating tremendous opportunities for companies of all sizes,” said Pam Dooley, owner of Plants Creative Landscape.

Dooley will share how her team is working toward using technology to advance the transparency and efficiency of her business. “Our responsibility as business owners is to provide maximum value so customers want to purchase from us and employees want to work for us. Technology allows companies the opportunity to align their people and processes, which creates profits.”

Berry stresses the importance of technology as we head into a post-COVID-19 world. “There has never been a more important time for business owners to leverage the power of technology to safely mobilize service delivery teams and provide communication and technology. Whether a company is heavily invested in technology or simply exploring opportunities to digitally transform, attendees will leave this event with a tactical road map for technology success.”

GIE+EXPO workshop schedule

In addition to the summit, GIE+EXPO workshops, spanning all three days, will cover a variety of management and technology-related topics specifically for landscape contractors’ businesses.

Two sessions presented by technology experts from Michigan State University will focus on how they have redefined the university’s grounds program using grounds management technology, drones and more. Attendees will walk away with knowledge about how these technologies can be integrated into their business models.

In addition, contractors who are looking to diversify will find two workshops on estimating tips and best practices in the hardscape market, as well as an irrigation symposium where a panel of leaders from all facets of the irrigation industry will discuss key issues, such as labor and environmental sustainability.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

• 12-1:30 p.m. – Irrigation Symposium: Panel Discussion, Moderator: Chris Pine, CLWM, CID, CIC, CLIA, CIT, BluGreen Solutions, President & IrriTech Training, Principal
• 3-4:15 p.m. – The Ins & Outs of Websites, Chris Darnell, The Harvest Group
• 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. – Creating a Modern Workforce: A 21st Century Approach to Management, Neal Glatt, CSP, ASM, GrowTheBench.com

Thursday, Oct. 22

• 8-9:15 a.m. – Michigan State University’s Landscape Services Technology Journey to Higher Performance, Adam Lawver, Director of Campus Services, Michigan State University
• 8-9:15 a.m. – Secrets Every Contractor Ought to Know About the Hardscape Business, Frank Gandora
• 9:30-10:45 a.m. – Estimating Hardscape Projects with Confidence, Jerry Gaeta
• 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. – Human Resources Compliance Best Practices, Steven Cesare, Ph.D., The Harvest Group
• 1-2:15 p.m. – How Your Landscaping Company Can Optimize Google My Business to Generate a Constant Flow of Leads, Christopher Yates, Success Landscape Marketing
• 2:30-3:45 p.m. – Creating a Five-Star Brand, Jeffrey Scott, Jeffrey Scott Consulting

Friday, Oct. 23

• 8-9:15 a.m. – Drones in the Green Industry, Jeremiah Saier, GIS Analyst, Michigan State University
• 8-9:15 a.m. – Online Reviews: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Chad Diller, Landscape Leadership
• 9:30-10:45 a.m. – Benchmarks & Critical Numbers for the Landscape Industry, James Huston, J.R. Huston Consulting

Registration in advance is required for the Technology Summit and GIE+EXPO Workshops. Technology Summit and Irrigation Symposium is $129, and the Hardscape Workshops are $65. All other workshops are $85. Find more information and online registration for the trade show and education program here.