New and Underused Plants for California PRojects

Nicholas Staddon, Staddon Consulting

Join Nicholas Staddon, plantsman and West Coast resource for terrific California plants, as he navigates us through a host of new and proven plants for our regional landscapes with a special section on trees. Handouts will be provided as well as information on plant trends, cultural shifts, and a listing of relevant books and magazines.

November 4th at 11:15 a.m.

Selecting and Placing Trees and Shrubs to Prevent Failure

Ashkan Nochian, Ph.D. Landoos LLC

Learn from educator and former Landscape Architect Ashkan Nochian, Ph.D. how to implement key design principles when landscaping with trees and shrubs, strategically and simultaneously. Gain insights into typical mistakes and failures when designing with trees and shrubs, and discover effective strategies to avoid them. You will acquire practical solutions for establishing a mature landscape efficiently without sacrificing professional design principles.

November 4th at 8:00 a.m.

Fire-Resistant Native Plants

Greg Rubin, CA's Own Native Landscaping

Having had 20 landscapes involved in major fire events, without the loss of a single home, a well designed and maintained native landscape may actually be one of the MOST fire resistant choices available. The results of our 4 year research project for the U.S. Navy, examining the phenomenon of native landscape fire resistance, will be discussed, as well as actual case histories with photos.

November 5th at 1:00 p.m.

From Ash to Action: An Industry Roundtable on Rebuilding After the L.A. Fires

Including Jeff Montejano, BIA So Cal; Alyssa Moffit, ASLA Southern California Chapter / Terra Brava Landscape Architecture;
Stephanie Landregan, Founder of Altadena Green / ASLA California Council Southern California Director

This panel brings together the Building Industry Association (BIA), the ASLA, and Altadena Green for a frank, birds-eye assessment of the recovery effort and potential in the fire affected areas of Altadena and the Palasades. Attendees will walk away with real-world insight and actionable guidance for navigating the rebuild and for building greater fire resilience into everything they do going forward.

November 4th at 1:00 p.m.

Designing For Maintenance Success

Including Scott Rice, PLA, ASLA, RHA Community Works; Haven Kiers, PhD, UC Davis;
Brenna Castro Carlson, PLA, Atlas Lab

Combining research through a LAF grant with hands-on experience, panelists will explore real-world successes and cautionary tales with a focus on designing within realistic maintenance budgets, identifying chronic pain points in the field, and building the cross-disciplinary communications habits that lead to spaces to that truly last. Attendees will leave with practical tools for bridging the design-to-maintenance gap on their next project.

November 5th at 9:30 a.m.

Pre-Construction Management

Todd Kaberline, zzTakeoff

Join Estimating Software Developer Todd Kaberline as he discusses the evolution of estimating over the last 40 years, from computers and digital plans to today's advanced takeoffs and estimating methods. He will also discuss estimating software companies, current and future takeoff practices, estimating costs and markups, and how AI is revolutionizing landscape estimating.

November 5th at 11:15 a.m.

Designing for Bees and Native Pollinators

Kim Chacon, Cal Poly SLO

This session provides landscape professionals with practical, evidence-based strategies for integrating pollinator habitats into residential, commercial, and municipal projects. Attendees will leave with plant selection strategies to immediately enhance biodiversity, increase landscape value, and meet sustainability goals.

November 4th at 2:30 p.m.

Coordinating Outdoor Lighting Around Pools
and Entertainment Centers

Steve Allen, Hayward

Sign up today to learn how to transform the backyard into a place where your client can enjoy and create lasting memories. Give your customers the ability to change everything on their smart phones, changing the scenery with the touch of a few buttons, and celebrating your favorite holidays or events.

November 4th at 1:00 p.m.

Fire Protection in the 21st Century

by Doug Kent, Author and Educator

Join this dynamic presentation on Firescaping and learn not just the foundational principles of fire protection, but also overcoming some of the barriers to active stewardship and care. Doug Kent, author of Firescaping: Protecting your home with a fire-resistant landscape (2nd Ed.), will discuss best practices in regenerative Firescaping, focusing on reducing hazards and creating healthy environments.

November 4th at 9:30 a.m.

Creating Award-Winning Landscapes

Mike Garcia, Enviroscape LA

From the local level, regional, state and international levels, award winning, licensed Landscape Contractor, Mike Garcia will reveal to all to show the difference between "just another landscape" and Landscapes that shine and stand out. Register now!

November 4th at 2:30 p.m.

Creating Sustainable Permaculture Landscapes

Dane Shota, Arborist

Certified Arborist and Water Auditor Dane Shota will walk attendees through the design process that cultivates environments that prioritize ecological health and sustainability. Learn about the difference between organic fertilizers and living soil, as well as methods that utilize little irrigation and pruning.

November 4th at 9:30 a.m.

Landscape Inspection

by Adam Carr, Irvine Company

Are you looking to develop quality landscapes? Learn how to ensure consistency, quality, and loyal customers by providing consistent communication and value to property owners as well as clear direction to your crews to ensure beautiful landscapes as a result with Irvine Company's Senior Manager of Landscape Operations, Adam Carr.

November 4th at 11:15 a.m.

Turning AB1572 into New Business Opportunities

by Brandon Burgess, Metropolitan Water District

This session provides a practical breakdown of what AB 1572 means for landscape professionals, including where the law applies, how nonfunctional turf is defined, key exemptions such as tree-support irrigation zones, and real-world compliance pathways. Beyond compliance, this presentation focuses on how AB 1572 creates new business opportunities in turf renovation, irrigation retrofits, California native and waterwise-style planting design, and long-term water management consulting services.

November 4th at 8:00 a.m.