LPU: Course descriptions and approved credits

Education Track #1: Agronomics

8:00:00 AM - 8:55:00 AM

Talking Turfgrass Weed Science - Setting the Scene: Join for an engaging session starting with an introduction to UGA’s new Turfgrass Weed Scientist. Follow along with his experiences and the key things he’s learned so far, and then some prompted questions from the audience to discuss weed science, control and turfgrass management from landscape professionals in Georgia.

Presenter: Ben Pritchard, UGA: Ben Pritchard, originally from East Tennessee, earned his Ph.D. in Turfgrass Weed Science under Dr. Jim Brosnan at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His dissertation research focused on the herbicide tetflupyrolimet and its applications in turfgrass systems. Outside of work, Ben enjoys visiting his family farm, picking bluegrass (not the weed) and in general, spending time outdoors! Ben joined the University of Georgia in Griffin, GA, on July 1st, 2025, as their new Turfgrass Weed Scientist.

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Agronomics

9:05:00 AM - 10:00:00 AM

Basics of Soil Science for Turfgrass Systems: This seminar will begin with the fundamentals of soil science and expand into considerations for proper agronomics, like fertility and water management, and pest management specific to soil borne organisms (e.g. diseases, insects, nematodes, and weeds).

Presenter: Clint Waltz, UGA:  Dr. Waltz joined the UGA Turfgrass Team in 2001 as a Turfgrass Extension Specialist.  He has state-wide responsibilities in all turfgrass management areas, including turfgrass water management.  Additionally, he serves as an ex officio board member for the Georgia Urban Ag. Council.  He also serves the golf course industry through the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association.  Clint is well published in scientific journals and makes regular contributions to the newsletters of the State’s trade associations.  Furthermore, he makes numerous presentations to turfgrass professionals form golf course superintendents to homeowner groups.  Clint is responsible for the turfgrass website www.GeorgiaTurf.com.  

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Agronomics

12:30:00 PM - 1:25:00 PM

Recent Outbreaks and Shifting Dynamics of Insect Pests in Turfgrass Systems: This session will explore the primary insect pest challenges in turfgrass systems for the 2024–2025 season, focusing on their identification, biology, and effective management strategies.

Presenter: Shimat Joseph, UGA: Dr. Shimat Joseph is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia. His research focuses on the management of existing, emerging, and invasive insect pests in turfgrass and ornamental systems, grounded in the principles of applied insect ecology.

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Agronomics

1:35:00 PM - 2:30:00 PM

The Role of Plant Growth Regulators on Turfgrass: Considering incorporating plant growth regulators (PGRs) into your turfgrass management program?  This seminar will discuss the various PGRs, how they work, their role in weed and disease mangement and control, and how they could be used in a landscape management program.

Presenter: Clint Waltz, UGA: Dr. Waltz joined the UGA Turfgrass Team in 2001 as a Turfgrass Extension Specialist.  He has state-wide responsibilities in all turfgrass management areas, including turfgrass water management.  Additionally, he serves as an ex officio board member for the Georgia Urban Ag. Council.  He also serves the golf course industry through the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association.  Clint is well published in scientific journals and makes regular contributions to the newsletters of the State’s trade associations.  Furthermore, he makes numerous presentations to turfgrass professionals from golf course superintendents to homeowner groups.  Clint has been responsible for the turfgrass website www.GeorgiaTurf.com.  

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Agronomics

2:40:00 PM - 3:35:00 PM

Breeding Seeded Turfgrasses at the University of Georgia: Progress Towards New Cultivars for Georgia Landscapes: This presentation will highlight ongoing efforts at the University of Georgia to develop improved seeded turfgrass cultivars tailored to the needs of Georgia’s landscape industry. The primary focus will be on tall fescue, including breeding strategies aimed at enhancing drought tolerance, disease and pest resistance, and overall turf quality. Additional updates will be provided on research involving seeded bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass, and seashore paspalum, with an emphasis on traits relevant to lawn performance and adaptability in the Southeast. Attendees will gain insight into the breeding process, cultivar evaluation, and the potential impact of new releases on landscape management practices.

Presenter: Philip Vines, UGA: Phillip Vines is a passionate and determined plant breeder, and his primary research objective is to develop superior seed-propagated turfgrass cultivars that can be used for home lawn, recreational, athletic field, and golf course turf throughout the world. Phillip’s experience includes breeding and evaluating turfgrasses for disease resistance, decreased input requirements, drought and salinity tolerance, and enhanced turf quality characteristics. His research interests include exploring and developing advanced breeding methods that can be integrated with traditional breeding strategies to increase efficiency of cultivar development. Advanced breeding methods include, but are not limited to, classical genetics and genomics-based techniques for marker-assisted selection breeding strategies and high-throughput phenotyping techniques. These methods will be important components for a successful, modern turfgrass breeding program

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Educational Track #2:  Hort/TreeCare/Design

8:00:00 AM - 8:55:00 AM

Pruning: Learn more about about the when and whys of proper pruning ornamental trees and shrubs for your customers and employees.  The more your employees know about pruning, the more your customers will have confidence in company, the healther your trees and landscapes will be.  Focus on pest/disease id, management, control.

Presenter: Rick Smith, The Pruning Guru: Owner of The Pruning Guru, certified Georgia Nurseryman and a Georgia Certified Landscape Professional, both through UGA.

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9:05:00 AM - 10:00:00 AM

Rethinking Urban Spaces -  Sustainable Landscapes to Reduce Pest Issues: Sustainable urban landscaping uses integrated pest management (IPM) principles to manage pests by creating resilient, biodiverse ecosystems rather than relying on chemical pesticides. By emphasizing prevention through cultural, biological, and mechanical controls, urban spaces can naturally deter pests while providing benefits like cleaner air, improved biodiversity, and enhanced quality of life. 

Presenter: Heather Kirk-Ballard, UGA: , Assistant  Professor - Sustainable Urban Landscapes, University of Georgia,   Department of Horticulture

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*Hort/TreeCare/Design – outside, limited to 35 participants

12:30:00 PM - 2:20:00 PM

A Walk Through the Landscape: Outside Hands-on Troubleshooting: This informal outdoor session is a walk and discussion on issues and troubleshooting as we find them in the landscape. Topics may include but not limited to, plant/weed ID, abiotic stresses and symptoms, nutritional disorders and symptoms, and best management practices.

Presenter: Dr. Bodie Pennisi and Rick Smith: Dr. Bodie Pennisi is a professor and statewide Extension landscape specialist in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia. She is the Vince Dooley Endowed Chair of Ornamental Horticulture. Dr. Pennisi is responsible for planning and coordinating a statewide Extension program to support the professional landscape industry and conducting applied research with emphasis on sustainable landscape practices.  Rick Smith is owner of The Pruning Guru. 

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Hort/TreeCare/Design 

12:30:00 PM – 1:25:00 PM

Weed Control in the Landscape - Update: Weeds covering you up? There are several methods to prevent and control weeds in nursery and landscape situations. These weed control methods can provide excellent weed control if performed correctly. To get the best weed control results, it is extremely important that you have a firm understanding of the weeds you are trying to control and the tools to control them. This presentation will cover information on general weed control in the nursery and landscape.

Presenter: Mark Czarnota, UGA: Dr. Mark Andrew Czarnota is an Associate Professor (60% Extension, 20% Research, 5.0% Teaching, 15.0% Service) in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia, Griffin Campus. His job responsibilities include supporting the nursery and landscape, Christmas tree, floriculture, small fruit, and orchard floor management industries with weed control problems they encounter. He has been involved in the Plant Science Field all his life. He has held positions in landscape maintenance, commercial nurseryman, nursery sales, and as a laboratory technician among his many years of schooling. He received a B.S. degree in Agriculture specializing in Plant Science from the University of Delaware, M.S. in Agriculture specializing in Weed Science from Virginia Tech, and a Ph.D. in Floriculture and Ornamentals Horticulture specializing in Weed Science from Cornell University. As an extension specialist, he works closely with the agricultural chemical industry, federal government, and local grower groups to try and solve weed problems. As well as fielding questions from the industry, Dr. Czarnota work includes publishing weed control information in University fact sheets and bulletins, popular articles, scholarly publications, as well as performing applied and laboratory weed control research. He has generated over 1.5 million in grant money and donations. Major research interests are anything related to weed control research. Other research interests include finding additional Christmas tree species for Southern Christmas tree growers, herbicide formulations, growth regulators, invasive weeds, and natural plant products. In his personal life, Dr. Czarnota has been married for 29 years, has 2 children (23 and 19), and 4 dogs. His major hobbies include maintaining a weedy garden, trying to stay in shape (biking, taekwondo, and weight training), wood and metal working, and enjoying time with the family!

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1:35:00 PM – 2:30:00 PM

Plant Disease Mysteries in the Ornamental Landscape: Diagnosis and Management: This session will highlight some of the most common and impactful plant diseases affecting commercial landscapes in Georgia. We’ll explore practical management strategies for professionals, including id, pesticide selection and application and more. 

Presenter: Bikash Ghimire, UGA: I am an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Ornamental Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia. My background includes PhD and postdoctoral training in disease epidemiology, fungicide resistance, fungal genetics and genomics, with a focus on integrating chemical, biological, and host-resistance strategies for sustainable disease management. At UGA, my research and extension program centers on the diagnosis and management of ornamental plant diseases, while providing research-based training and support to stakeholders and Extension personnel in the state.

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2:40:00 PM - 3:25:00 PM

New Woody Ornamentals For Outstanding Performance In the Landscape: My session will highlight cutting-edge research in the development of new woody ornamentals, and emphasize selection for disease and pest prevention. 

Presenter: Lav Yadav, UGA: Dr. Lav Kumar Yadav, Assistant Professor of Ornamental Horticulture and Bioinformatics at UGA’s

 

Educational Track #3:  Business and AI

8:00 AM - 8:55 AM

Demystifying AI for Landscape Leaders: This plain-English session explains what AI is (and isn’t), why it matters for landscape businesses, and how leaders can begin using it effectively. We’ll demonstrate practical examples—like streamlining proposals, improving scheduling, and estimation—to show where AI is already delivering real results. Attendees will leave with a confidence in the topic, a common language to discuss it with their teams, and simple first steps for getting started without being overwhelmed.

CEUs offered: NCLCLB - 1 hour Business; GCSAA - .50 education points

Presenter:  Kenneth Stibler, Reyvism Analytics: Kenneth Stibler is a technologist and economist with a deep passion for solving complex problems. A five-year Vistage member, he was part of the founding team at an AI startup...two years before ChatGPT.Today, Kenneth leads Reyvism Analytics, a consultancy that builds tools—from simple dashboards to satellite-image-powered systems—that make complex tech practical for leaders who need to adapt and stay competitive.

 

9:05 AM - 10:00 AM

Up Sales - Learn key fundamentals to selling landscape enhancements: Unlock the full potential of your business by mastering the art of the upsell. This session goes beyond simply selling more and focuses on building trust and long-term client relationships. Learn how to transform your role from a service provider to a trusted advisor by proactively identifying and presenting high-value landscape enhancements.

Presenters:  Ben Gandy and Ken Thomas:  

• Ben Gandy: Ben has developed operating systems and implemented key strategies that have propelled several businesses to profitability, market leadership, and successful transitions including Scapes Landscape, one of America’s top 100 companies. Ben’s lean production expertise is unparalleled, having spent several years working with the nation’s largest landscape provider deploying their lean initiatives on a national level. He has been to virtually every landscape market in the U.S. implementing lean on a cultural and practical level. A long-time industry leader, Ben exhibits a down to earth practical approach to consulting. He is committed to simple solutions that drive results. With a passion for operations; systems-based management strategies and lean thinking, Ben is positioned to guide others in pursuit of their vision.
• Ken Thomas:  Ken started his first business fresh out of college with 1,000 dollars and a pickup truck and went on to own and operate 3 of Atlanta’s most successful landscape companies including Scapes Landscape, which was one of the top 100 landscape companies in America. Scapes was acquired by ValleyCrest in 2008. Ken served for 3 years in leadership at ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance. Ken went on to start Envisor Consulting, a nationally recognized consulting group that is focused on developing landscape business leaders. During his 30+ year career, Ken Thomas and the Envisor team have developed the keys to success in the landscape industry. An astute businessman who is not afraid of digging in the dirt, Ken knows the secrets and systems of thriving landscape operations. More recently, Ken spent 2 years as the interim COO at the Greenery Inc a 60-million-dollar regional company serving the low country of SC, GA and North Eastern FL.  Ken is a true visionary with a down to earth approach. Today Ken is passionate about helping business owners overcome their obstacles to business success."

 

10:10 AM - 11:05 AM

Beyond the Basics: Tools and Tactics for Better AI Usage: Learn how to make AI a sharper, with practical demos of how to improve prompts, how to leverage "strategic" prompts to compound progress, and how to build custom GPTs for specific outputs. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable techniques for making AI more useful day to day, without needing any technical background.

Presenter: Kenneth Stibler, Reyvism Analytics: Kenneth Stibler is a technologist and economist with a deep passion for solving complex problems. A five-year Vistage member, he was part of the founding team at an AI startup...two years before ChatGPT.Today, Kenneth leads Reyvism Analytics, a consultancy that builds tools—from simple dashboards to satellite-image-powered systems—that make complex tech practical for leaders who need to adapt and stay competitive.

 

12:30 PM - 1:25 PM

Strategic Acquisitions: 10 Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Acquiring a company can be your fastest route to growth, but it's also a minefield of potential mistakes that can cost millions and set your strategy back years. The difference between a transformative deal and a cautionary tale lies in recognizing the warning signs. This presentation is your guide to navigating the process with confidence. We'll expose the 10 hidden traps that even experienced leaders fall into, including poor cultural fit, unrealistic synergy projections, and failed integration planning. You’ll walk away not just knowing what to avoid, but how to build a proactive framework for success.

Presenter:  Nick Bramblett, 3PG Advisors: Nick is an experienced M&A Advisor specializing in due diligence, tax and financial modeling, and deal structuring for private equity and corporate clients. With a finance degree from Auburn University and both a law degree and MBA from the University of South Carolina, he pairs a deep understanding of deal structures and regulatory nuance with the practical know-how to scale and operate complex organizations. Prior to joining 3PG Advisors, he worked at Ernst and Young, where he led cross-border transactions, M&A execution, and operational integration initiatives. Nick also held various roles in finance and strategy at Shaw Industries, a Berkshire Hathaway manufacturing company.

 

1:35:00 PM - 2:30:00 PM

Growth and Process: How to Build the Right Accounting, Administration, and Finance Team:  As a company grows and scales, the need for strength in the Accounting, Administration and Finance functions increases.  Merely adding headcount without clearly identifying the outcomes you are trying to achieve is an inefficient strategy.  This session will explore the different skill sets and responsibilities involved in these disciplines, how each area compliments the other, and discuss options to help you make wiser organizational decisions.

Presenter:  Gloria Parker, 3PG Advisors: Gloria brings over 20 years of in-depth experience, including financial consulting, auditing, Controller/CFO roles, public accounting, and banking. Her ability to navigate the complexities associated with strategic planning, business planning, and upholding M&A values is only rivaled by her fierce commitment to protect a client’s quality of earnings. A featured speaker for the Aspire software company, Gloria is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA).  She is a food and wine enthusiast, trained in martial arts, and loves to travel with her husband Nathan.

 

2:40:00 pm – 3:35 pm

The Closing Code: Cracking the Secret to Faster Sales:  Challenge your beliefs about Professional Selling. This interactive workshop if for sales professionals and service providers: we will delve into both traditional selling techniques and innovative strategies for today. Participants examine their current practices and identify untapped potential. We’ll explore a systematic approach to selling that empowers salespeople to improve performance, increase revenues, and maintain margins.

Presenter:  Amy Sulka, Sandler:  Amy Sulka partners with business owners and sales teams who want to grow revenue, scale effectively, and close more business. While Sandler is best known for world-class sales training and coaching, they also work at the leadership level to improve accountability, sales management, and overall performance. From tactical improvements to full sales transformation, Amy helps businesses build the structure, skills, and strategy to drive sustainable growth.