It’s finally time.  After more than a year, in-person networking and educational events are coming back.  I personally can’t wait to see old friends and new colleagues face-to-face, to dive into real education, and to enjoy after-hours networking over dinner or at a bar.  Here are the industry events I’m most excited about attending:

For Those Serious About Snow

Snowfighters Institute is returning with a new format, reduced cost, and exciting location with the Inner Circle.  Taking place May 19-20 at Ventrac’s facility outside Cleveland, OH, this event will be the premiere snow industry education and networking event of the season.  Topics covered will include employee recruiting and retention, supplier and subcontractor management, weather trends and contract structure, equipment strategies, marketing and sales management, and more!  Plus, there will be plenty of time to try out all of Ventrac’s equipment on their proving ground and test course.  All details and registration form can be found here.

For Those Who Want to Sell More

June has always been the time when the Spring rush ends and winter contract sales begin.  To kick off the sales season on the right foot, there is no better event than the Forum for Sales held at SnowEx in Detroit, MI on June 2-3.  This event is ideal for both new salespeople who need guidance, as well as veterans who are looking to get to the next level.  Between defining target markets, developing a scorecard, discussing weather trends and contract structures, scripting effective messages, and plenty of live role playing, each attendee will leave with all the tools they need to sell more work at a higher price than they ever have before.  All details and registration form can be found here.

For Those Who Manage People

It’s hard not to have an amazing time at an event when there are over 10,000 attendees, 500+ exhibitors, and 100+ education sessions.  That’s why Cultivate ’21 presented by AmericanHort, July 10-13 in Columbus, OH is going to be awesome.  With every sector of the green industry represented, it is no surprise that sessions will cover topics including general business, greenhouses, garden retail, landscaping, human resources, nursery, and plantscaping.  But any attendee who works with people will find the workshops offered to be extremely valuable.  The Building a Better Workforce day consists of a morning workshop, “The Art of Talent Management” where attendees will learn to hire and coach employees for performance and retention while the afternoon session, “Company Culture” will discuss how to leverage culture as a competitive advantage. Learn more and register here.

For Those Who Run Snow Ops

As the weather starts to cool, those who manage field operations for winter know that it’s time to get serious about planning.  Snowfighters Institute's Grounds and Institutional Snow Management event is timed perfectly on September 8-9 at Milton CAT outside Boston, MA.  Whether you’re concerned about hiring seasonal help, managing snow events, choosing the right equipment, creating the perfect site plan, or learning how to haul snow and clear rooftops, this is the ideal event for those who direct the operations.  Plus, there will be lots of time to try out any of Caterpillar’s latest equipment so you can find the perfectly sized skid steer or loader for any site.  All details and registration form can be found here.