The Edge September/October 2025

number of times people

ELEVATE can provide additional perspectives and provides pro

do you get better as an organization? You push yourself to listen to people who may be better than you, learn from them, and hopefully continue your growth so that one day you’re sitting up on the stage advising somebody the next time around. I think it is a combination of really tackling the real-time issues that are critical, but also really pushing the boundaries.” Approach ELEVATE with a readiness to learn and invest time in by participating. McDuff says last year his goal was to learn more about building branch structures and how to set up their first satellite loca tion. He connected with several business owners and managers who had experi ence in building out branches, and he says every one of them was willing to help. “I also built my schedule to attend sessions that were relevant,”McDuff says. “This spring, we successfully opened our first branch thanks to the knowledge and understanding I gained from the educa tion and networking at ELEVATE.” You can plan ahead and select what sessions you want to attend based on your specialty, revenue, job role, and experience level. DON’T FLY SOLO With 50+ education sessions, there is no way for you to take everything in by yourself. “ELEVATE offers such a wide variety of learning opportunities that it’s impossible for one person to experience it all,”McCros sen says. “Bringing your team allows you to divide and conquer, maximizing the value by absorbing more insights and immedi ately applying them to your business.” Having additional team members at

come up to me and said, ‘I was talking to somebody at happy hour,’or ‘I was talking to somebody at the Bash,’or ‘I rode a roller coaster next to this person, and I came up with a new idea.’Again, everything about ELEVATE is designed to create connections and to create opportunities for conversa tions. In order to make that opportunity completely available to yourself, you need to participate in everything.” Wood notes that your‘aha’moment can happen at any time, which is why it’s important not to skip anything ELEVATE has to offer. “We want attendees to leave ELEVATE 2025 feeling inspired, energized, and ready to implement some new ideas into their 2026 plans,” McDuff says. “November is a great time of year for this high-level learning, because most companies are working through their plans for next year and can put their new knowledge right to action.” TE  KEY TAKEAWAYS ■ Held in Phoenix, Arizona, ELEVATE offers attendees

fessional growth for your up-and-coming leaders. Not only does bringing your team allow you to collect more takeaways, but it can also boost your retention rate as you invest in them. “By bringing those people with you, you’re saying to them, ‘I believe in you. I’m willing to invest in you. I want you to help me grow my business,’”Wood says. “I think that’s a really powerful message, and owners need to be cognizant of that. I think the ability to share with your team the knowledge that’s available from the industry is pretty remarkable.” NALP offers a discounted registration fee for contractors who bring 10 people or more. BE PRESENT It can be tempting to check your email frequently while away from your business, but being present and engaged is the only way to ensure you get the most out of attending ELEVATE. “I understand you can’t leave the office completely, but as much as you can put the office off to the side, give yourself an opportunity to think, to reflect, to enjoy, and you’ll come back a better leader because of that,”Wood says. Truly immerse yourself in the educa tion sessions by asking questions and discussing with others what they learned afterwards. “ELEVATE is about creating forums where you can have fun, but you can also have conversations,”Wood says. “You can make a new friend. You can learn something new. You’d be surprised at the

development, mental wellness, and more. ■ To get the most out of

fresh perspectives and access to new peers.

ELEVATE, be present, bring your team, and fully engage, as the conversations and con nections here are just as impactful as the sessions themselves.

■ This year’s ELEVATE offers expanded education and networking opportuni ties tailored to every role in a landscape company, with 50+ sessions cover ing AI, M&A, workforce

National Association of Landscape Professionals 29