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Save the date for the Country Fair Summer Field Day!
Summer Field Day: The Landscape & Snow Exp Thursday, August 20, 2026 | Lake County Fairgrounds | Grayslake, IL Landscape Illinois’ oldest event is getting a nostalgic return to its roots as Summer Field Day comes back with the spirit of a day at the county fair. Join fellow members for an ...
Hardscape North America announces 2026 education lineup featuring powerful speakers and hands-on learning
Hardscape North America (HNA), taking place October 21-23, has released its 2026 education lineup, offering contractors and industry professionals two full days of game-changing education, complemented by hands-on demonstrations offered all three days, all designed to drive growth, efficiency and innovation. This year’s program features a powerful mix of ...
The importance of smart water management
By Emma Peterson. How modern water management technologies help contractors improve sustainability, save money and keep landscapes thriving. In a new episode of OutdoorTalk™, host Karol Weyman sits down with Luis Andrade of Heritage Landscape Supply Group to discuss the smart tools and strategies available to irrigations and landscape professionals. ...
Why contractors should attend industry shows
By Emma Peterson. A conversation with Heritage Pool Supply's Chris Hill highlights why in-person events remain essential for learning, relationship-building and business growth. In the outdoor contracting industry, there are countless tradeshows ranging from market specific (like the Irrigation Association’s Show) to more all encompassing (such as the Pool Spa ...
Top July articles: Legendary returns and unmatched conversations
By Emma Peterson. These standout stories explore the trends, people and products shaping the future of the outdoor contracting industry. As another month comes to a close, it’s time for our usual article recap! This month, the OutdoorCoffeeShop™ readers were especially interested in construction growth, sustainability, innovative products and ...
Smarter pool equipment pads deliver lasting savings
By Jesse Sanchez. AquaStar’s Steve Barnes explains how thoughtful equipment pad design can improve efficiency, water quality and the homeowner experience. A well-designed pool equipment pad does more than organize pumps, filters, valves and other components. According to Steve Barnes, director of science and compliance for AquaStar Pool Products, the ...
Prep work critical to project success
By Daich Coatings. Having patience and following preparation guidelines is key to every project. “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” That’s a quote from Abraham Lincoln. Old Abe knew what he was talking about. Preparation is key for any ...
Michelle Cooke - Dive Into Better Service
In this From the Ground Up™ episode, host Karol Weyman chats with Michelle Cooke, director of channel management for Heritage Pool Supply Group and shares how Heritage Pro Service is helping pool service professionals build stronger, more profitable businesses. From rewards and branch support to training opportunities and industry connections, ...
Irrigation Association highlights industry voices and practical tools for Smart Irrigation Month 2026
The campaign continues to focus on equipping professionals with tools they can adapt for their own audiences. The Irrigation Association will recognize July as Smart Irrigation Month, its annual initiative to promote efficient irrigation practices and help industry professionals share that message with customers and communities. The 2026 campaign pairs ready-to-use ...
Protecting outdoor concrete with the right product
By The Coffee Shops™. From freeze-thaw cycles and pool chemicals to vehicle traffic and UV exposure, outdoor concrete requires special care. Outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity, but the concrete surfaces that pave patios, pool decks, driveways and garages are exposed to constant environmental and performance challenges. In ...










