The staple of everything water-related in the landscaping industry, the Irrigation Show and Education Week is once again making an appearance this winter, bringing back fan-favorite events, education and the latest technology.
After the success of the 2024 show in Long Beach, Calif., the Irrigation Association (IA) is keeping the party rolling, hosting the 2025 edition in New Orleans, La., from Dec. 8-11. The trade show floor will be open from Dec. 10-11.
“The show really is a super unique forum because — from the contractors, manufacturers, distributors, growers, end users — everyone in the irrigation industry shows up for this,” says Rachael Lindsay, marketing manager for the IA. “It’s just a way for the entire industry to come together and really share ideas — see what’s coming next in the industry.
A fresh experience
As the largest exhibition dedicated to the irrigation industry, the show will grow even more this year thanks to its co-location with the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) and its show, Groundwater Week.
“So, basically twice the exhibits and double the connections,” says Brittany Tyrrell, IA senior meetings and events manager. “Registration to their show gets access to our show. Our show flows to their show.”
Tyrrell says other changes that are coming to the show are the IA’s hands-on CAD Landscape Learning Labs, which are making a return for the first time since 2023, and the amount of Industry Insights sessions has doubled.
With these additions, plus the staple of IA University to provide technical and business classes for all levels, the IA is once again aiming to be the go-to event for networking and education opportunities.
“This year, we’ve actually doubled our (Industry Insights) sessions to bring attendees even more opportunities to learn, and it’s also baked into registration,” Tyrrell says. “The sessions are going to be on the floor in the Insights Theater, and then we will also have sessions in a classroom setting. So, two locations, all-inclusive in registration.
“(CAD Landscape Learning Labs are) returning this year, and they do offer CEUs, and they’re basically a hands-on design training for landscape professionals. So, super excited about having those return.”
Focus on the future
When the trade show floor opens on Dec. 10, that also provides a whole new level of opportunity for attendees. The opportunity to network, meet top manufacturers and suppliers and see the latest innovations can help pros stay ahead of the curve for the upcoming year.
Richard Restuccia, senior vice president, Husqvarna, says one of the most important parts of the show is being able to discuss the biggest hurdles facing the industry. Aligning contractors, manufacturers, distributors and public agencies together in one place can help everyone stay on the same page with the most pressing topics.
“It’s nice that the show happens at the end of the year because it really helps you focus on, ‘OK, how do we be better next year? How do we support our customers better? How do we solve the problems that the water agencies are facing with critical water shortages?’” Restuccia says.
This year, Restuccia says there are many discussion topics that will be a top priority at the show, including labor shortages, water conservation, installation efficiency and more. On the business side of things, Tyrrell says marketing, leveraging AI and smart controllers will also take center stage.
As for special events and other show staples, Lindsay recommends attendees check out the New Product Contest Plaza to see the latest and greatest innovations from manufacturers, the Insights Theater to find education sessions without leaving the trade show floor and the many networking opportunities.
“We kick off this year with the Bayou Bash Welcome event, and we’re super excited. This one’s happening at the House of Blues in the French Quarter, so that’ll be just a really fun New Orleans-approved way to kick off the week and get some excitement going,” Lindsay says. “We have the Newcomers Roundtable every year, so anyone who hasn’t attended the show can show up to this event; they’ll meet other peers who are also newcomers, and they’ll also be able to connect with veterans who have been to the show before, can give them tips, and then they even get a behind-the-scenes tour of the show floor before it opens.”
To close out the show, Lindsay suggests attending the Big Easy Brewfest — now in collaboration with Groundwater Week’s closing reception — to further celebrate the industry coming together. Plus, the IA is returning its Community Give Back event by partnering with the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans nonprofit.
“We’re putting together take-home garden kits. So, we’re partnering with Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, and they’re a nonprofit that integrates hands-on organic gardening into the school curriculum,” Lindsay says. “It’s just a really great way to get our attendees to give back to the host city and also elevate the industry through philanthropy and community.”
A helping hand
Restuccia, who has attended the show for almost 30 years now, says having those face-to-face interactions between manufacturer and customer is crucial, and the Irrigation Show is the perfect time to make those connections and learn from each other. He says knowing what projects and problems are happening on both fronts is huge for mutual understanding and growth.
Plus, it allows manufacturers and distributors to offer solutions to attendees’ most pressing issues and roadblocks. For Husqvarna and Restuccia, he says water scarcity, labor shortages, smart controller usage and new regulations are all topics he’s prepared to address and work through with attendees.
“Faster installs, push fit fittings are going to be important, cleaner wiring, 60-minute retrofit kits. This is all really important and is going to be big this year,” he says. “Water is tight, and labor is tight. Our job is to help professional landscapers deliver verified savings with simpler installs and then to back that up with training and service they can trust.”
