January 15, 2012
By Kristen McIntyre CHT
Conference and event coordinator

Landscape Ontario’s IPM Symposium on Mon., Jan. 9 at the Toronto Congress Centre, Cohen Ballroom, is more relevant than ever.

The committee that puts the program together is comprised of lawn care operators and government officials who help regulate policy and suppliers to the lawn care/tree care industries. They ensure that the information delivered will help those working in IPM in the coming year, and will deliver ‘Managing Turf, Trees and Expectations’ for 2012.

This full-day event will lead off with ‘Turfgrass Culture,’ presented by Dr. Parwinder Grewal, Ohio State University. Attendees will hear about the science behind cultural practices for turf, and how IPM saves money, biological pest controls work and sound cultural practices to reduce chemical inputs.

An important and timely update from the Ministry of the Environment on the cosmetic pesticide ban, including a summary of compliance and enforcement activities, will be delivered by Crystal Lafrance.

Jim Chatfield, of Ohio State University, will present a better understanding of diagnostics, good horticulture and best practices. Chatfield’s has extensive experience as a horticulture educator, plant pathologist, horticulturist, plant pest survey coordinator and plant disease clinic diagnostician.

After lunch attendees will be treated to a presentation on ‘Living Dirt’ from noted New York author Bill Logan, who wrote Dirt: the Ecstatic Skin of the Earth, which was also made into a movie.

Before the day ends, Pam Charbonneau from OMAFRA will report on research results that were obtained in the 2011 field season with the product Fiesta. The trials looked at the effectiveness of Fiesta as a post-emergence control for crabgrass, prostrate knotweed, chickweed and creeping charlie.

The keynote presentation is by Jeff Mowatt, noted author, service authority, and award-winning speaker. His presentation ‘The Art of Customer Service: Influence with Ease’ applies to everyone. He will reveal easy-to-apply tips, tools and phrases that generate significant results, including stronger customer loyalty, increased customer spending and recharged team spirit.

The event wraps up with a networking reception. Door prizes will be drawn and the winner of the 2012 IPM Person of the Year Award revealed. This award recognizes leadership in providing hope, looking to the future and contributing to the healthy growth of the industries represented in the IPM symposium.

Operators are required to obtain IPM Council of Canada CECs. The 47th edition of the IPM Symposium earns attendees eight CECs.

Registration fees are $115 for both members and non-members. Admission to Congress 2012 trade show exhibits, which starts the following day, is included in registration prices. Online registration is available at www.locongress.com. Net proceeds are donated to lawn care research or a suitable alternative.

 

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