Contractor Roundtable Discussions
Interactive roundtable discussions will offer valuable peer-to-peer learning and practical insights into real-world challenges and innovations. Topics* include:

• Base Compaction: Getting the Most from Your Base in Less Time

• What New Tech or Equipment Is Actually Worth It?

• Fire Features and Gas Lines

• Breaking into the Commercial Market: Is It Worth It?

• Budgeting Jobs: Winning the Bid Without Losing Your Shirt

• Labor Shortage: Fewer Hands and Smarter Equipment

A.I. -Powered Sales: Boost Your Process and Close More Deals with A.I.

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the way we approach sales, and the hardscape industry is no exception. In this session, we'll cover how AI tools can optimize your sales pipeline, from lead generation, qualification, scheduling to personalized client communications and post-sale follow-up. Learn how to implement AI-driven strategies to streamline operations, close more deals faster, increase client satisfaction, and make data-backed decisions that drive revenue growth.

Servicing pavers for a lifetime

Maintaining Hardscapes for a lifetime, do you service what you sell? 

Learn why maintenance is an essential component for every Hardscape business. How to get started, where to cultivate leads and referrals. Essentials such as , cleaning, repairs, sealing basics, stain removal. Reconnecting with existing clients. Maintenance is profitable as a stand alone business or division of your existing company. 

Integrating Utilities into Hardscapes

Outdoor living trends have embraced features.  Water, fire, heaters, entertainment systems, and kitchens have elevated the humble patio to truly becoming an extension of the home.  Luxurious and comfortable outdoor spaces with all the conveniences are now the norm.  Utilities are the spark that energize all these features.  Gas, water, sewer, electric, and communications are frequently part of a well planned patio or outdoor living room.  This session will introduce attendees to the process of planning utility service upgrades, integrating utilities into hardscapes, and managing the sub-contractors for installation.

Building Your Online Presence in the Hardscape Industry

Discover actionable strategies to enhance your hardscape business's online presence and attract more customers. This session dives into essential tools like website optimization, local SEO, social media engagement, and online reviews to help you stand out in a competitive market. Whether you're looking to grow your business, increase leads, or improve your digital branding, you'll leave with practical insights and tips tailored to the hardscape industry. Take control of your online reputation and build a strong foundation for lasting success!

Case Studies: Outdoor Living Spaces Using Natural Stone

With so many building materials on the market today, what makes natural stone a preferred material for exterior applications?  During this session, we will discuss outdoor living spaces including kitchens, water features, fireplaces, seating and more.  Examine attributes of natural stone that make it especially suited for creating outdoor living spaces that stand out.  Explore unique project case studies that detail the design, installation and inspiration behind outstanding applications.  Review available resources to ensure proper installation.  Leave with knowledge to expand the use of natural stone in future projects.

Design Solutions and Problem Solving using Custom Fabrication of Hardscape Materials

We would focus on typical custom design solutions that require custom cutting, drilling, profiling, and polishing of concrete products, natural stone, porcelain pavers and any other hardscape materials presented to us.   Also talk about common jobsite issues, that can be remedied by custom fabrication of the products they are currently using.  Contractors will learn the proper tools and techniques that would be used to achieve the results they are seeking and how to efficiently apply these products and techniques.  This will enable them to increase their quality, efficiency, and profits

Pricing Jobs Profitably - In YOUR Business

Overhead is the #1 profit killer. Learn to solve that problem in your estimating to ensure that every proposal is priced for profit. Weston will cover common pitfalls that sabotage your profits when quoting jobs. Wrap it up with learning how to job cost to ensure you are on track and achieving your goals for growth.   Objectives: Learn how to know your breakeven on every job; Learn how to bid with confidence and get over "head trash" that prevents you from charging what you're worth; Learn how to track jobs so you know when you hit or miss the mark.

Profit with Lighting: Expert Panel on Growing Your Business

A panel of industry experts discuss how top contractors are increasing revenue with outdoor lighting. Learn proven strategies, real success stories, and best practices to seamlessly integrate lighting into your business and maximize profits. Walk away with actionable insights to boost your sales, improve installations, and set yourself apart in the industry.

5 Easy Ways to Get Your Digital Marketing On Track Today

In this quick and practical education session, tailored specifically for the green industry, you will learn five straightforward strategies to jumpstart your digital marketing efforts and achieve immediate results. Perfect for landscapers, hardsapers, garden centers, lawn care professionals, and anyone in the green industry, this session covers essential tips and tools to boost your online presence.

Stop Competing on Price: Win More Jobs by Selling Value

Do clients ever compare your price to others and say, "Why so much?" What if you could show them why you're worth more and win the job anyway? Learn how to move the conversation beyond just products and pricing to showcase the value you bring. From the initial phone call to the signed contract, every step of your sales process should communicate value. Confidently charge more, deliver more, and win more jobs.

What's Trending in Natural Stone?  How to Increase Project Profitability

Have you wondered if selling or installing more natural stone could benefit your business?  We've assembled a panel of industry experts to share firsthand their experience with natural stone in the hardscape industry.  Our panelists will present project examples and tips to increase your bottom line.  Explore trends in natural stone that can elevate your hardscape projects.  Review opportunities to make working with stone more efficient and profitable, identify ways to streamline the stone purchasing process. Highlight the economic benefits and opportunities of working with natural stone.

Building Retention: Strategies to Engage and Retain Hardscape Talent

Retaining top talent is critical to success in the hardscape industry. In this engaging session, learn proven strategies to build a workplace culture where employees feel valued, connected, and motivated to stay. Explore practical approaches to hiring, onboarding, recognition, and leadership development tailored to contractors and dealers. Walk away with actionable ideas to reduce turnover, boost productivity, and create a thriving workforce that grows with your business.

Stewarding Faith in Business: Honoring God Without Offending Clients & Employees

In this (1) hour session industry expert Sam Gembel shares how God has consistently shown up in the business world, guiding us through both triumphs and challenges, yet most owners and leaders are afraid to talk about it. Explore how you can integrate your faith into your Hardscape organization in a way that honors God while respecting the diverse perspectives of your employees and clients. With practical takeaways, Sam will show you how to drive values into your leadership and daily operations that will create a workplace culture that reflects your guiding principles without alienating others. Tune in for insights on becoming a leader who positively influences both your business and those you serve!

CDL Driver Information Session

Join Karen Long, from the Kentucky Department of Transportation who will enlighten all attendees with a highly informative CDL driver information session, providing critical insights on licensing laws, application requirements, medical cards, DACH, HAZMAT, and license classes/endorsements. This is a session you won’t want to miss to ensure you and your crews are traveling safely and legally!

Paver Fundamentals, do you know them? Times have changed.

Have you been in the industry long, or are you new to it? How do you know what you know is correct? Blue-collar skills are typically learned on-site. But how do you know that you are being taught the right thing? Or the most efficient thing? Let's discuss the proper fundamentals.