The fourth edition of Elevate, the annual conference and trade show put on by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), played to rave reviews from attendees and exhibitors alike in Phoenix in early November.
It was the first time the event called a Western city home, but even before the event began, NALP CEO Britt Wood said the ability to move Elevate around the country each year was paying dividends.
“(By going to Phoenix) we’re reaching an audience we haven’t reached as much when we were all centered in one location,” Wood told Landscape Management for its November issue. “So, we’re really pleased with it.”
On the education front, Elevate offered more than 30 concurrent sessions focused on topics covering a wide array of topics, including finance and accounting, leadership and staff management and sustainability. A pair of regular LM columnists — Marty Grunder and Justin White — both led educational sessions in Phoenix.
Elevate kicked off and wrapped up with keynote addresses during Opening and Closing sessions. Kevin Brown, the best-selling author of “The Hero Effect,” talked about the keys to organizational excellence and customer loyalty during the Opening Session, while New York Times best-selling author Ben Nemtin unveiled the secrets to what he calls “the buried life” at the Closing Session.
There was plenty of fun to be had in Phoenix, as well. The week started with a welcoming reception at The Duce, which has been featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and the annual Elevate Bash at Corona Ranch, which featured a western rodeo, live music and plenty of cowboy games.
