Counting down to Irrigation Show 2017

The Irrigation Show and Education Conference will be held November 6-10, 2017 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., with the trade show portion being held November 8-9.

During one event-packed week, the Irrigation Association gives you the opportunity to network with your customers, suppliers and industry peers; preview the industry’s latest products, technologies and innovations; and access the best irrigation education classes and seminars – all in one location.

This year’s show will offer ideas and best practices that can make a powerful difference in your business. From the newest products and most exciting business technology trends to the comprehensive education sessions and incredible networking opportunities, the Irrigation Show will ignite your business and keep you on the cutting edge of your profession.

 

On the Show Floor

Browse the show floor to see firsthand all of the latest products, services and technologies in agriculture, landscape, golf and sports turf irrigation to help you expand your business, satisfy customers, and grow your bottom line.

 

Pond and Waterscape Pavilion

The Pond and Waterscape Pavilion is a must see for those doing business in this growing market segment. Discover cutting-edge products and technologies for pond and waterscape installation and maintenance.

 

New Product Contest

See the latest innovative products to hit the irrigation market. The New Product Contest puts the spotlight on technologies and products introduced during the past year. Attendees not only have the opportunity to see these products up close, but they can also listen to the product creator present to the expert judges during the new product contest presentations on Nov. 8 from 8 to 11 a.m.

 

IA Pitcher’s Mound

Thursday, Nov. 9, 1-3 p.m.

Back by popular demand, the IA Pitcher’s Mound is modeled after ABC’s popular reality show “Shark Tank.” Inventors, entrepreneurs and businesspeople in the irrigation arena are invited to take the mound and pitch their new product or service idea to bring to the market. Attendees are given a front row seat to watch as the panel of judges evaluates each pitch and determines if it is a “strikeout,” “base hit” or “home run.” The 2016 Pitcher’s Mound introduced an array of new irrigation product and technology ideas.

 

General Session and Keynote

Thursday, Nov. 9, 8:45-10:45 a.m.

The general session is the marquee event during the Irrigation Show, celebrating the past year and looking forward to the bright future ahead. For this year’s session, keynote speaker Doug Rauch will entertain and inspire with his experience as the president of nationwide grocery retailer Trader Joe’s.

The session also includes valuable information about the IA’s strategic plan, and recognizes those who have made significant contributions in the industry with the annual awards.

IA will present a new award during the 2017 general session. The Vanguard Award was created to honor a team of individuals, companies, organizations or other group entities that have executed an innovative installation project in the irrigation industry. Celebrate the first Vanguard Award winners and the other outstanding award recipients, and learn about the valuable contributions they have made to our industry.

The highlight of the session is the anticipated announcement of the winners of the new product contest. After seeing these new technologies firsthand on the show floor, come hear which products the panel of judges chose as the best in each category.

The general session is open to all attendees and exhibitors. Continental breakfast will be provided.

 

IA Water Summit

Friday, Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Earlier this year, California Governor Jerry Brown declared the state’s historic drought “over.” Does this mean that all is well throughout the United States regarding water management? Are there still challenges facing the irrigation industry?

For the past two years, the Irrigation Association has hosted Western drought-focused summits in conjunction with the Irrigation Shows in Long Beach, Calif., and Las Vegas, Nev. However, given the recurring issues facing water use in agriculture and landscape irrigation in the Southeast, IA has expanded the scope of the 2017 event. This year’s summit will host a featured presentation in addition to

two esteemed panels focusing on sustainability in water use and state water-use challenges. Experts will discuss how irrigation plays a role in the broad sustainability discussion as well as how states have addressed challenges facing the irrigation industry, including solutions that advance efficient irrigation.

 

Technical Program

The 2017 technical program presents the latest cutting-edge research covering a variety of irrigation topics. Industry experts will present case studies and research findings on innovations in agriculture and landscape irrigation.

 

Irrigation Seminars

Top experts in the field offer practical techniques and best practices for landscape irrigation. Each landscape irrigation seminar is a one-hour session that provides detailed coverage on a focused topic.

 

Common Interest Groups

Expand your personal network at an Irrigation Association common interest group meeting. Common interest groups bring together irrigation professionals to discuss shared issues related to a specific technology, specialty or end-use market.

 

Education Classes

Elevate your expertise and knowledge in irrigation to the next level through IA’s education classes. Through these classes, you will discover great ideas, learn new skills, and even earn CEUs from experts in agriculture, landscape and golf irrigation. Choose from a variety of options, each geared toward a specific knowledge level in the industry.

 

Certification Exams

Set yourself apart from your competition, and show your customers your commitment to providing the highest level of expertise and knowledge. IA’s Select Certified program sets the bar for industry professionals, recognizing exceptional commitment to efficient water management and irrigation best practices. This program is the most rigorous in the industry and provides an impartial, third-party endorsement of your knowledge and experience.

 

Networking

Irrigation Show and Education Conference offers plenty of opportunity to connect with current and potential business partners, and develop peer contacts. Networking events include the Opening Night Party, Certification Luncheon, Women in Irrigation Social, IA Power Breakfast, Young Professionals Breakfast, and Closing Night Party.

 

When asked what they gained from the 2016 Irrigation Show, attendees responding agreed that they:

  • Made new business contacts (92%)
  • Learned about new products/technologies (97%)
  • Met with current suppliers and identified potential new suppliers (93% and 89%)
  • Were exposed to new ideas applicable in their jobs (92%)
  • Increased their industry knowledge base with new skills and best practices (88%).

 

 

For more information about Irrigation Show 2017, or to register, visit www.irrigationshow.org.