WINTER WORKSHOP REGISTRATION

Full schedule listed below

Member Rates

Early Bird (before November 16): $110

Regular Rate (Nov 16-Dec 10): $125

Late Registration (Dec 11-17): $140  

NON-MEMBER RATES

Early Bird (before November 16): $145

Regular Rate (Nov 16-Dec 10): $160

Late Registration (Dec 11-17): $175

REGISTER HERE

VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES

NEW THIS YEAR!

1/2 Day Workshop Options

Not interested in the full workshop but looking for targeted training in the areas of irrigation or snow removal? Register for one of our 1/2 day workshops being held in conjunction with the Winter Workshop.

REGISTRATION FOR EITHER CLASS: $65

Lunch & Awards Program Included for All Attendees

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

9:00 - 10:00 AM

GENERAL SESSION - 2025 Year in Review

Dr. Cale Bigelow, Purdue University

The 2025 was one of the most challenging and interesting growing seasons in recent decades for Central Indiana. It all started with some very cold weather followed by one of the wettest months of April in history. Next came a summer period with an extremely prolonged period of excessively high dew points, we saw unprecedented pest pressure from a variety of diseases and weeds. To top it off came a period of August-October which was represented by one of the driest periods we have seen in the past 10 years. All of these weather factors created stress on existing turf and challenges for autumn recovery. Cale Bigelow returns with some insight into the growing season and how it affects the green industry this fall and into 2026. 

Credit: 1 requested in 3B and RT

10:00 - 11:00 AM

GENERAL SESSION - Why Did My Good Plant Go Bad?

Dr. Jim Chatfield, Ohio State University

The process of diagnosing plant problems in the landscape, including the Twenty Questions of Plant Diagnostics will be explored to provide a framework for your company’s training and management plant disease, insect, and environmental problems. 

Credit: 1 requested in 3A and RT

GENERAL SESSION - Grounds/Sports: Diagnosing Turfgrass Problems Often Requires Some Digging

Dr.  Lee Miller, Purdue University

While fewer diseases may afflict turfgrass when the mower blade is raised, several problems can still raise eyebrows when damaging a lawn or sports field. This seminar will discuss the thought process in diagnosing issues on higher cut turfgrasses, including how to differentiate between true diseases and abiotic disorders, which may require a closer look at soil conditions and some inquiry of your clientele.

Credit: 1 requested in 3B and RT

12:00 - 1:15 PM

Lunch and Awards

1:15 - 2:15 PM

Business Panel: Roundtable - insurance, accounting, and legal experts

Carlos Reichman

Chaleise Fleming

Michael Einterz, Jr

This panel discussion will provide an overview of things every landscape/lawncare company should be doing to protect your business (and employees) from unforeseen risk - financially, legally, or otherwise. You will leave this session with a list of the top 10 things you can do to better safeguard your organization in 2026.

Turf - Selecting High Performing Turf Seed Varieties for Reduced Fungicide Usage

Bruce Jump

Smarter Turf Choices = Fewer Fungicides. Want healthier turf and lower chemical inputs? This talk breaks down how selecting disease-resistant turf varieties can significantly reduce your reliance on fungicides—without sacrificing performance. Reduce fungicide costs and improve turf quality by selecting genetics that work with you, not against you.

Credit: 1 requested in 3B Turf and RT

2:30 - 3:30 PM

General Session - Labels 101 + Asking for a Friend

Office of the Indiana State Chemist

Aaron Kreider

Sarah Caffery

This session will give you a comprehensive review of how labels are organized, and how to assess whether statements are mandatory, advisory, informational, or promotional. We are also going to feature an "Asking for a Friend" exercise where you will be able to ask questions directly of OISC staff without having to be the one raising your hand.

Credit: 1 requested in Categories 2, 3A, 3B, 5, 6, 7A, 7B, 8

Transportation - Rules of the Road

Indiana State Police-CDL/DOT Transportation

Tyler Utterback

Do you inspect your trucks and trailers every year to keep them DOT compliant? Which of your vehicles require the driver to hold a CDL? What safety equipment are you required to carry in your vehicles at all times? This session will answer these questions and many more to help you keep your fleet legal and on the road.