WALP Conference 2026: Control the Controllables
Northwest Landscape Industry Conference, Trade Show & Awards Banquet
January 30, 2026 at Rose Hill Community Center, Mukilteo, WA
The 2026 Northwest Landscape Industry Conference will be held from January 30, 2026 at the Rose Hill Community Center in Mukilteo, WA. It will be an invaluable learning and connecting experience your with fellow landscape professionals and industry leaders to exchange business resources, strategies, and solutions.
Title Sponsor
Conference Registation
Early-Bird WALP Member – $185 (till December 19, 2025)
WALP Members – $275 per person
Non-Members – $475 per person
Award Banquet
WALP Members – $100 per person
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Silver Cloud Mukilteo for the evenings of January 29th & 30th 2026 for those coming in from out of town.
CONFERENCE SESSIONS AND SPEAKERS
PROFESSIONAL TRACK
Building an Exceptional Business – Presented by Stacy Luckensmeyer, Certified EOS Implementer – EOS Worldwide
Learn how to bring focus, clarity, and accountability to your landscaping business using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). This seminar will guide you through practical tools for goal setting, team alignment, and operational efficiency, helping you scale your business while maintaining control and reducing stress.
Stacy Luckensmeyer knows the pain, the excitement, the drive, the terror, and the rewards of being an entrepreneur. She has loved it and cursed it through seven of her own businesses, and she has worked with well over a thousand other entrepreneurs to help them survive the charms and challenges of running and growing a company. Her work in Washington’s economic development arena has made her a prime mover in building strong, resilient entrepreneurial ecosystems across the state. Today, Stacy serves as a Certified EOS Implementer, partnering with owners and their leadership teams to build healthier companies with stronger people, clearer vision, and better traction. She brings a practical, real-world understanding of what it takes to lead teams, navigate change, and build cultures where people actually want to work. Her style is candid, energetic, and rooted in deep respect for the people who show up every day to run and grow businesses that move our communities forward.
PROFESSIONAL TRACK
Branching Out: Networking for Landscape Pros – Presented by Debbie Ruiz, Business Networking International
In the green industry, relationships are often as valuable as equipment and expertise. This session explores the power of effective networking within the landscape profession — from building supplier partnerships to connecting with peers, mentors, and potential clients. Attendees will learn practical strategies to strengthen their professional network, create mutually beneficial relationships, and open doors to new opportunities that support long-term business growth.
Debbie Ruiz is a true networking powerhouse. With a career spanning everything from fast food to direct sales, service businesses, and even running her own brick-and-mortar gift basket company, Debbie brings a wealth of real-world experience to the table. For the past 18 years, she has served as an Area Director with BNI, where she has guided countless entrepreneurs and business owners in building stronger, more profitable connections. Known as a “Networking Guru,” Debbie is passionate about helping professionals unlock the power of relationships to grow their businesses and transform their communities.
PROFESSIONAL TRACK
Protecting Your Landscape Business: Identifying and Preventing Fraud – Presented by Cassie Atkinson – Mecham Bookkeeping LLC
Fraud can impact landscape businesses of all sizes—from small operations to large, multi-crew companies. This session explores the most common areas where fraud occurs in the green industry and provides practical strategies to safeguard your business. Attendees will learn how to recognize warning signs, strengthen internal controls, and build a culture of accountability that reduces risk.
Cassie is a bookkeeper and small-business advisor with 13 years of experience across multiple industries, especially construction and landscaping. She specializes in helping business owners understand their financials and build healthy, successful companies. Based in Maple Valley, Washington, she helps manage a small bookkeeping firm that she has supported in growing from five clients to more than 130.
PROFESSIONAL TRACK
Labor and Industries & Safety: Staying Safe and Saving Cash – Presented by ERN West
Accidents happen—but they don’t have to break your budget. Learn how to get reimbursed for up to 100% of injured workers’ wages, how to navigate return-to-work programs, and how to set up safety practices that protect both your team and your bottom line. We’ll also cover how the right safety programs can earn your company rebates on L&I premiums, keeping more money in your pocket while keeping your crew safe.
Speaker to be determined
Technical Track – ENGLISH
Entry-Level Landscape Lighting: Basics Every Pro Should Know – Presented by Robert Hobart, Britescape LLC
This introductory level class breaks down the essentials in a simple, hands-on way. Learn how to design attractive, functional lighting layouts, choose the right fixtures, understand low-voltage systems, and make safe, reliable connections. We’ll cover basic troubleshooting, installation techniques, and time-saving best practices that set you up for success on any job site. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to build confidence in outdoor lighting.
SPEAKER: Robert Hobart is the owner and founder of Britescape, a Seattle-based company dedicated to enhancing outdoor experiences through fine gardening and landscape lighting. His entrepreneurial path began in 1987 with Student Mowers while attending the University of Washington, eventually expanding into full landscaping services. In 1997, inspired by Seattle’s dark winters, he launched Britescape’s Landscape Lighting division, earning his 06 Low Voltage license and leading hundreds of lighting projects across the region. Britescape grew again in 2016 with the addition of its Fine Gardening division, now supported by a skilled team of professionals. Throughout the company’s evolution, Robert has stayed focused on people, integrity, and creating meaningful connections between clients and their outdoor spaces.
Technical Track – ENGLISH
Smart Irrigation Basics – Smart Timers and Drip Conversion – Presented by TBD
Learn the fundamentals of modern irrigation in this beginner-friendly session designed for entry-level landscapers. We’ll walk through the essentials of smart irrigation timers—how they work, why they save water, and how to set them up correctly. You’ll also get a practical introduction to converting older spray zones into efficient drip systems, including the components, steps, and common pitfalls to avoid. Perfect for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in efficient, water-wise irrigation.
SPEAKER TBD
Technical Track – ENGLISH
Polymeric Sand for Dummies – Presented by Veronica Abraham – Alliance Gator
Get the fundamentals down right the first time. This entry-level session teaches irrigation and landscape crews the essential do’s and don’ts of polymeric joint sand installation—what it is, how it works, and the critical steps that prevent callbacks, washouts, and customer complaints. This class is listed in the Oregon Landscape Contractors Association website as a CE class credit. Attendees will learn proper prep, application, watering, and cleanup techniques, along with common mistakes to avoid and how irrigation system settings can make or break a successful install.
SPEAKER: Giovanna “Veronica” Abraham is a Territory Manager for Alliance Designer Products, supporting landscape supply dealers, contractors, and design professionals across the Pacific Northwest. A first-generation Latina from Lima, Peru, she is known for her persistence, strong relationship-building, and passion for helping industry professionals grow. Veronica brings an energetic, people-first approach to every training and presentation she leads.
Technical Track – ENGLISH
Winter Pruning: Shape, Structure, and Seasonal Success – Presented by Gonzalo Yeppes – Colombian Gardens
Join us for a quick and informative hour on mastering winter pruning in the Pacific Northwest. We’ll explore the best candidates for dormant pruning, common mistakes to avoid, and simple techniques that result in stronger, more beautiful plants year-round. Perfect for professionals looking for practical advice they can apply right away.
SPEAKER: Gonzalo owns Colombian Gardens, LLC, Landscape Design, Construction, and Maintenance. It is an Envirostar Company. Gonzalo is Certified nationally through the National Association of Landscape Professionals. He is a certified irrigation and hardscape technician. He has completed numerous irrigation trainings for water wise gardening and environmentally sound landscape practices. He has AA degree in Horticulture (1 year). He has an AA degree in Landscape Design and Construction (2 years). South Seattle Community College. He has a BA in Agricultural Business Management Universidad Catolica de Oriente Rionegro Anitioquia, Colombia. He teaches for and has taught for the following organizations; Plant Amnesty, Seattle Public Utilities, Cascade Water Alliance, King County Noxious Weeds, Snohomish Conservation District, Casa Latina.
Technical Track – SPANISH
Entry-Level Landscape Lighting: Basics Every Pro Should Know – Presented by Jackie Rodriguez – Ewing Outdoor Supply
Iluminación de jardines para principiantes: aspectos básicos que todo profesional debe conocer
Este curso introductorio explica los conceptos básicos de forma sencilla y práctica. Aprenda a diseñar instalaciones de iluminación atractivas y funcionales, a elegir las luminarias adecuadas, a comprender los sistemas de bajo voltaje y a realizar conexiones seguras y confiables. Cubriremos la resolución de problemas básicos, las técnicas de instalación y las mejores prácticas para ahorrar tiempo y asegurar el éxito en cualquier obra. Perfecto para principiantes o para quienes buscan adquirir confianza en la iluminación exterior.
SPEAKER: Jackie Rodríguez se compromete a ayudar a profesionales de todos los niveles a desarrollar y fortalecer sus habilidades. Con más de nueve años de experiencia en paisajismo, incluyendo los últimos cinco años en Ewing Outdoor Supply, Jackie se ha convertido rápidamente en una líder respetada entre sus colegas y clientes.
Su carrera comenzó en el negocio familiar de paisajismo, donde adquirió experiencia práctica y un profundo aprecio por la calidad del trabajo. Posteriormente, se trasladó al sector de la distribución, donde ahora apoya tanto a pequeñas como a grandes empresas en la expansión de sus servicios, el perfeccionamiento de sus habilidades técnicas y la obtención de resultados profesionales, tanto para proyectos pequeños como comerciales de gran envergadura.
La actitud positiva y proactiva de Jackie es contagiosa. Le apasiona compartir conocimientos, fomentar el crecimiento y empoderar a otros para que mejoren su oficio. Su entusiasmo por ayudar a las personas a mejorar la convierte en una verdadera compañera profesional en la que puede confiar.
Technical Track – SPANISH
Polymeric Sand for Dummies – Presented by Veronica Abraham – Alliance Gator
Arena polimérica para principiantes
Domine los fundamentos desde el principio. Esta sesión de nivel inicial enseña a los equipos de riego y paisajismo los consejos esenciales para la instalación de arena polimérica para juntas: qué es, cómo funciona y los pasos cruciales para evitar devoluciones, lavados y quejas de los clientes. Esta clase está disponible en el sitio web de la Asociación de Contratistas de Paisajismo de Oregón como crédito de educación continua. Los asistentes aprenderán las técnicas adecuadas de preparación, aplicación, riego y limpieza, además de los errores comunes que deben evitarse y cómo la configuración del sistema de riego puede determinar el éxito de una instalación.
ORADOR: Giovanna “Veronica” Abraham es Gerente de Territorio de Alliance Designer Products y brinda apoyo a distribuidores de suministros para paisajismo, contratistas y profesionales del diseño en toda la región noroeste del Pacífico. Latina de primera generación, originaria de Lima, Perú, es conocida por su perseverancia, su sólida capacidad para establecer relaciones y su pasión por ayudar a los profesionales del sector a crecer. Verónica aporta un enfoque dinámico y centrado en las personas a cada capacitación y presentación que imparte.
Winter Pruning: Shape, Structure, and Seasonal Success – Presented by Gonzalo Yeppes – Colombian Gardens
Poda de invierno: forma, estructura y éxito estacional
Acompáñenos en una hora rápida e informativa sobre cómo dominar la poda invernal en el noroeste del Pacífico. Exploraremos los mejores candidatos para la poda en temporada de latencia, errores comunes que se deben evitar y técnicas sencillas que dan como resultado plantas más fuertes y hermosas durante todo el año. Perfecto para profesionales que buscan consejos prácticos que puedan aplicar de inmediato.
PONENTE: Gonzalo es propietario de Colombian Gardens, LLC, Diseño, Construcción y Mantenimiento de Paisajes. Es una empresa Envirostar. Gonzalo está certificado a nivel nacional por la Asociación Nacional de Profesionales del Paisaje. Es técnico certificado en riego y paisajismo. Ha completado numerosas capacitaciones en riego para jardinería con uso eficiente del agua y prácticas de paisajismo respetuosas con el medio ambiente. Tiene un título de asociado en Horticultura (1 año). Tiene un título de asociado en Diseño y Construcción de Paisajes (2 años) del South Seattle Community College. Tiene una licenciatura en Administración de Empresas Agropecuarias de la Universidad Católica de Oriente, Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia. Enseña y ha enseñado para las siguientes organizaciones: Amnistía Vegetal, Servicios Públicos de Seattle, Cascade Water Alliance, Malezas Nocivas del Condado de King, Distrito de Conservación de Snohomish, Casa Latina.
Irrigation: 2 wire installation and troubleshooting – Presented by Brent Sanders – HD Fowler
Riego: Instalación de 2 cables y resolución de problemas
Obtenga una introducción clara y práctica a los sistemas de riego modernos de 2 cables. Esta sesión abarca los aspectos básicos de la instalación, el cableado, la conexión a tierra y la configuración del decodificador, además de problemas comunes en el campo y cómo diagnosticarlos rápidamente. Ideal para profesionales del paisajismo que buscan mejorar la fiabilidad, reducir las devoluciones y realizar el mantenimiento de la tecnología de riego inteligente actual con total confianza.
SPEAKER: Brent Sanders from H.D. Fowler Company
SPONSORS
