We d n e s d a y, 9 : 3 0 – 1 0 : 3 0 a m

Believe Nothing That You See and Only Half of What You ReadExplore how the internet and present advertising in-

fluences and impacts landscape architects, contrac-

tors, growers, and home owners. See examples of the

vast amount of misinformation on the internet and

the deceptive advertising within our industry, and

learn how to guard against being wrongly influenced

by inaccurate propaganda.

Led by David Listerman, Listerman and Associates

It's Okay to Show Off! The Power of Professional PhotographyDo you want your marketing efforts to target high-

er-end clientele? Professional photography abso-

lutely takes your marketing to another level. Hidden

Creek Landscaping took the jump from taking their

own in-house photos to hiring a professional pho-

tographer in 2013 and saw a dramatic increase in

client calls and project budgets. See the difference

between in-house pictures versus professional and

the impact of drone videos, and learn how to prepare

and set yourself apart, what to budget, and how to

grow your business.

Led by Jason Cromley and Gail Reinhart, Hidden Creek Landscaping

The Green Potential of the Urban CoreOn the surface, the urban core would appear to be

a bleak place for good horticulture, but the poten-

tial is substantial and the need is great. Look into the

challenges and possibilities of urban spaces, explore

techniques and plants that will thrive there, and learn

to see the urban core in new and exciting ways.

Led by Scott Beuerlein, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Weeds Away: Control in Ornamental BedsSuccessful weed control in landscape beds starts with

proper identification of the target weed and knowl-

edge of its life cycle. We can then determine the best

strategy for control, including the use of pre- and/or

post-emergence herbicides applied at the most ideal

time. Tips to optimize herbicide efficacy will also be

discussed.

Led by David Gardner, Ohio State University

We d n e s d a y, 1 0 : 4 5 – 1 1 : 4 5 a m

Extremely Low-Maintenance, High-Impact Perennials by SeasonLandscape professionals are always on the lookout

for striking perennials that are star performers in the

landscape. These colorful perennials—many of which

are native—enjoy lean soil, little or no fertilizer, less

water, little or no deadheading, and many are deer re-

sistant. The selected workhorse plants will save you

time and money, increase your bottom line, and thrill

your clients. Presentation includes design tips.

Led by Kerry Ann Mendez, Perennially Yours

What Your Accountant Isn’t Telling YouWith the changes to the 2018 tax code, there will

surely be more conversations between the business

owner and the accountant. Attending this session will

show you several areas where you can increase your

profits because you have shared your insight and

experience with your accountant. Paying the right

amount of taxes and increasing your profits requires

a partnership. Learn how the two of you should work

together.

Led by Tom Shay

MMember SummitMIDWEST GREEN INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

December 12–13, 2018 Hilton Easton Columbus

The education sessions listed below are subject to change. Please refer to onsite program to make your final selections.

Plant Trends & Best Selections Business & Marketing Landscape Design & Maintenance Pests & Diseases

Creation of a Children’s GardenFranklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden

largest garden/horticulture master plan project: See

what it takes from the creation of themes and con-

cept for programing, to the design process, plant

sourcing, material delivery and installation logistics.

Understand how good collaboration creates a world

class garden installation that everyone can enjoy.

Led by Barbara Arnold, Franklin Park Conservatory andBotanical Gardens

Practical Pesticide Labels: What You Need to Know and UnderstandThis presentation focuses on how pesticide labels

provide clear instructions that maximize efficacy

while protecting people and the environment. Case

studies will be used to illustrate the proper labeled

use of pesticides commonly used by the Green In-

dustry. Examples include how to minimize impact

on non-target plants with herbicides and on benefi-

cial insects such as pollinators with insecticides (e.g.

“Bee Friendly”).

Led by Joe Boggs, Ohio State University

We d n e s d a y, 1 : 3 0 – 2 : 3 0 p m

The Right-Size Flower Garden: Excep-tional Plants and Design Solutions for Busy GardenersJob demands, kids, hectic schedules, aging bodies,

and changing interests have led to gardens that are

not in balance with client lifestyles. This inspiring lec-

ture provides easy-to-follow right-sizing strategies,

recommended no-fuss plant material, and design tips

for stunning year-round gardens that will thrill clients

and generate referrals.

Led by Kerry Ann Mendez, Perennially Yours

Requirements to Participate in the H2A and H2B ProgramsLearn about the obligations to participating in the

H2A and H2B programs.

Led by Steven Paciorek, Ohio Department of Labor: Wage and Hour Division

Good, Better, Best: LED System De-sign Of Landscape LightingReview the different options of LED lighting currently

available. Discuss what the benefits are for each and

how they can work for contractors.

Led by Chuck Watterson, Wolf Creek Company

What’s Bugging the Perennial and Annuals: Pests of Herbaceous PlantsWhatever pest problem is bugging your herbaceous

plants is likely bugging you, too! Learn about the

most common pest problems and management tac-

tics.

Led by Pamela Bennett, Ohio State University

We d n e s d a y, 4 : 1 5 – 5 : 1 5 p m

Best Plants for PollinatorsFrom trees and shrubs, to annuals and perennials,

learn about the plants that have proven to be the best

at attracting pollinators. Butterflies, bees, moths, and

many other insects have an important job to do for

our plants. Some are more exciting than others, but

all are important. Find which plants you need to have

on hand to incorporate into your designs and why

you need them.

Led by Steve Foltz, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Be an Undercover BossIf you were to become an employee for a while in

your business, what do you think you might find that

could be changed or improved? What could you do

with that information to create happier employees

and an improved culture? Taking a strategic look at

your business through the eyes of your employees as

well as your customers can provide you with the tools

to fix the “cracks” in your landscape business.

Led by Anne Obarski, Merchandise Concepts

Gardening on the Verge (of Success!)Verge. As a noun it means an edge or border. As a verb

it means to approach something closely. Is gardening

close to a break-through of major proportions or are

we just hovering on the edge? Everyone should be

gardening: on the verge of plant sanity! If everyone

is Gardening (capital G) then it’s an extremely good

thing for the industry. How can we bring people to

that edge of gardening and push them over into the

dirt-under-the-nails experience that we all recognize

as the gift we leave for our descendants? This ses-

sion explores all of the verges yet to be planted and

how to bring people into their retail equation.

Led by Kirk Brown, Garden Writers Association

Practical Scouting in the Field: When and How to Look for PestsHow are you scouting? Do you scout or just use cov-

er sprays? Integrated Pest Management is about

controlling pests when they reach a threshold that

has an economic impact. This requires scouting. This

presentation will give practical ways to incorporate

scouting into your Standard Operating Procedures.

Led by Tom DeHass and Tim Malinich, Ohio State University

We d n e s d a y, 5 : 3 0 – 6 : 3 0 p m

The Role of Public Gardens in Evalu-ating and Documenting the Spread of Invasive Ornamental PlantsOver time, the role of public gardens has evolved from

a primary focus on ornamental displays to including

plant conservation and preservation of natural habi-

tats. Now, there is an emerging collaboration among

public gardens to identify non-native plant species,

especially ornamentals, that may spread from cul-

tivation. Gain an understanding of how non-native

plant species can become invasive over time. Help

maximize potential for public gardens, nurseries and

the landscape industry to proactively reduce the im-

pact of invasive species in natural areas.

Led by Shana Byrd, The Dawes Arboretum and Theresa Culley, Ohio Invasive Plants Council

Panel Discussion: Growing Your Em-ployees through a Successful Intern-ship ProgramA thriving internship program could be the missing

link in your recruitment strategy. In this panel discus-

sion, industry professionals share their experiences

with hiring college and technical school students,

while college educators discuss the unique needs of

student interns. Learn how to navigate challenges

such as schedule conflicts, and take away best prac-

tices for creating an engaging learning experience

for your interns, developing an intern’s employment

skills, and fostering employer/employee loyalty to re-

tain your interns as quality employees.

Led by Jim Funai & Lori Zatroch, Cuyahoga Community College, Chris Ahlum, Ahlum & Arbor, and Devon Stan-ley, Benchmark Landscape Construction, Inc.

Integrating Universal Design and Green Building Practices Into a Thriving LandscapeUsing a wheelchair for 20 years, Rossetti knows first-

hand how to design a landscape that people of all

abilities can access. With her Universal Design Living

Laboratory national demonstration home and gar-

den as a case study, Rossetti will reveal the universal

design and green building practices that work best.

Led by Rosemarie Rossetti, Rossetti Enterprises Inc. and Bill Gerhardt, Greenscapes Landscape Co.

The Browning of Evergreens: Conifer DiseasesIn the past few years, you have probably received an

increase in the number of conifer calls. Evergreens

that are supposed to be green are turning brown.

This session will discuss the causes that contribute

to the demise of conifers across the state.

Led by Curtis Young, Ohio State University

T h u r s d a y, 8 : 3 0 – 9 : 3 0 a m

John Bartram Talks Native American TreesAmerica’s first and foremost Arborist and plant col-

lector is on the speaking circuit! Close friends with

Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and George

Washington, as well as many of the other founding

fathers, John Bartram is credited with reforesting

most of the English countryside with new “American”

trees and shrubs. He brought a Northeastern decid-

uous forest fall color to the world of ornamental hor-

ticulture. His 200+ plant introductions to the trade

present a Gold-ribboned list that guarantees au-

thenticity for the American Native Plant movement.

He was especially conscious of how easily man can

destroy the balance in nature. Join John Bartram, as

performed by Kirk Brown, and let his humor, passion,

and achievements entertain, inspire and awe. He will

share his hope for the future of the earth and the

men and women who garden it!

Led by Kirk Brown, Garden Writers Association

Horticulture & Trucking: How 2018 Will Help Us Plan for 2019Coordinating truck load shipments can be costly and

challenging. Gain a better understanding of logistics

in the horticulture industry, from the perspective of

the trucking company, and learn how vendors and

customers can achieve solutions in routing freight.

Discuss the effects 2018 Electronic Logging Device

mandate, a governmental regulation that has put rig-

id limitations on a truck driver’s hours of service, and

how to be prepared for truck load shipping in 2019.

Led by Andy Bruney, T. Load Specialties, Inc.

This One’s For The Birds: Landscaping to Attract WildlifeResidential and commercial customers desire land-

scapes that are functional, appealing, and environ-

mentally friendly. Landscapes that attract desirable

wildlife (birds, pollinators, etc.) add significant aes-

thetic and environmental value to the outdoor spaces

we create. Discover the design principles and plants

that create dynamic landscapes to attract and sup-

port a variety of beneficial animals and insects.

Led by Bryce Lane, North Carolina State University

Diseases on Trees and Shrubs: A Plant Path UpdateBeech leaf disease. Oak wilt. Aster yellows vs. erio-

phyid mites on coneflower. Rose rosette disease. We

shall discuss these infectious disease problems and

more as well as diagnostic case studies from the 2018

season.

Led by Jim Chatfield and Carrie Jagger, Ohio State University

T h u r s d a y, 9 : 4 5 – 1 0 : 4 5 a m

Unlocking the 2019 Garden TrendsWhy should you care about trends? It’s simple.

Trends drive consumers and consumers drive sales.

This year, MGIX is the place to learn about emerg-

ing trends. Since 2001, Garden Media Group has been

“trend watching”. Join global trendspotter, Katie Du-

bow, and learn how to apply new research and inside

information to help you grow your business and stay

relevant. When you’re ahead of the curve, your com-

pany becomes a trendsetter and you become the go-

to place for what’s new, whether you are a breeder,

grower, retailer, or landscaper.

Led by Katie Dubow, Garden Media Group

The Four P’s to Corporate SuccessClassic business management: Product, Price, Place

and Promotion. Explore the theory of how the four

P’s are connected and how they affect sales and

profits, with targeted information for green industry

businesses. Principles and examples will be shared to

show that all aspects are variable, all are controllable,

and all impact every business transaction and every

facet of growth in every corporation.

Led by Jeffrey Ling, Arborwise

Environmental Requirements: What You Need to KnowDiscuss proper waste management, composting re-

quirements, and storm water requirements. Learn

about the resources available to you from the EPA.

Led by Daniel Sowry, Ohio EPA

Insects and Mites on Trees and Shrubs: An Insect UpdateEvery year, the insects and mites that attack Ohio

trees and shrubs seem to change, while some remain

the same year after year. In this session, the BugDoc

will cover the defoliators, borers, scales and mites

that were especially troublesome in 2018 and provide

management recommendations.

Led by David Shetlar, Ohio State University

T h u r s d a y, 1 1 : 0 0 a m – 1 2 : 0 0 p m

New Plant Round-upA look at the latest new plant introductions including

brand new, like new, or underutilized selections. The

discussion will also include a look at defining what is

“new”, how new plants are promoted to both trade

and consumers, and an understanding of what it

takes to bring a new plant to market.

Led by Maria Zampini, UpShoot LLC

In Pursuit of Leadership: Cultivating Leaders in Your CompanyWhat is the value of high quality leadership? Building

the right leadership skills in owners, managers, and

all of your employees is well worth the investment.

Identify the leadership skill set that will most bene-

fit your business, and discuss how to create an envi-

ronment that promotes leadership in all members of

your company.

Led by Bryce Lane, North Carolina State University

Path Toward SustainabilityDiscuss applicable steps for becoming more sustain-

able. Learn about the Ohio EPA’s free and confiden-

tial assistance and how to use the Ohio Materials Mar-

ketplace platform.

Led by Daniel Sowry, Ohio EPA

Conservation of Pollinators in Urban Landscapes: What You Need to Know to Protect PollinatorsMost people think of the honey bee when the term

“pollinator” is used. In this session, we will cover other

bee species and other insects that are important pol-

linators in our landscapes. Selecting the least dam-

aging pesticides is important, but providing nesting

habitat and year-long nectar and pollen sources are

also important in protecting pollinators.

Led by David Shetlar, Ohio State University

T h u r s d a y, 2 : 0 0 – 3 : 0 0 p m

An Ounce of Prevention: Avoiding Pest and Disease Issues in the Green-housePlant pests and disease are just part of growing, but

most of the major headaches can be avoided with a

little planning and effort. This session hopes to cover

a number of ideas and techniques to aid in clean up

after a pest or disease outbreak so you can break the

cycle of infection/infestation and reclaim your green-

house.

Led by Bart Hayes, Henry F. Michell Co.

5 Ways (or Maybe 8) to Improve Your Social Media MarketingAre you overwhelmed at the prospect of joining the

digital world of social media? Don’t understand how

social media can play a part in your business market-

ing and improve your bottom line? Are you on social

media but want to “kick it up a notch”? Yeah, then

this session is for you! #PlantSomething #PlantsDo-

That

Led by Maria Zampini, UpShoot LLC

Safety Pays - Accidents CostThe cost of accidents is more than financial. Under-

standing your company’s safety rights and respon-

sibilities is vital to improved profitability and market

share growth. OSHA requirements are just a starting

point. Learn the direct and indirect costs of acci-

dents, and take home strategies for implementing or

improving your company’s commitment to safety.

Led by Dean Bortz, Columbus State Community College

Deer Management: Managing the Four-Legged Eating MachinesWhite-tailed deer are one of the top critters that

cause damage in gardens and landscapes. They are

also the largest herbivores in Ohio and in some case,

can cause considerable amounts of damage. Arm

yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to

prevent and manage deer damage by attending this

session.

Led by Marne Titchenell, Ohio State University

T h u r s d a y, 3 : 1 5 – 4 : 1 5 p m

New Annuals for 2019 and BeyondCompiling information from breeder and field trials

from all around the world, we take a look at what are

the hot, new annuals for this spring and a sneak peak

beyond.

Led by Bart Hayes, Henry F. Michell Co.

The Only Four Ways to Grow a BusinessWithin every successful company, no matter the in-

dustry, there are four avenues—and only four—to

present a portfolio of products/services for the cus-

tomer to buy. Each of the four avenues can provide

additional customers and can elevate the profit mar-

gins of jobs. Learn how these principles apply to your

business, and how to identify and use this universal

business knowledge. Take home a worksheet to be-

gin the process to improve your business operations.

Led by Jeffrey Ling, Arborwise

Sustainable Irrigation in Residential and Commercial ProjectsDiscuss the basics of sustainable irrigation design and

management starting with what background and site

information is needed before a design can be start-

ed, continuing with proper equipment selection for

varied site conditions, and ending with industry stan-

dard installation practices used to create the most

cost effective and efficient irrigation system possible.

Learn about water reuse, system management/mon-

itoring, and water-saving, industry-approved best

practices with a focus on conserving Earth’s most

precious resource.

Led by Jeff Muhlbach, Wolf Creek Company

Invasive Species Update: Insects, Dis-eases, and Plants, Oh My!What is looming out on the blooming horizon to cre-

ate an impact, both good or bad, on the landscape

industry? Come discover for yourself and become

aware of the latest findings of exotic insects and dis-

eases, invasive plants and potential concerns for the

industry.

Led by Erik Draper, Kathy Smith, and Amy Stone, Ohio State University