ELEVATE 2026 brings the landscape industry together through leadership, advocacy and connection

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

From supporting women in landscaping to advocating for workforce solutions, ELEVATE 2026 showed what an industry can achieve when it comes together.

OutdoorCoffeeShop™ was proud to attend the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) convention and expo, ELEVATE 2026, where we connected with landscape professionals from across the country. Firsthand we felt the energy and commitment that make this industry special. We began at the Women’s Leadership Forum, where women in landscaping came together to grow professionally, build relationships and find support for their careers. It was a great start, because the conversations reflected something we believe strongly, when people have a place to connect and share experiences, the entire industry becomes stronger.

That spirit of connection carried into the opening main stage session. Britt Wood, chief executive officer of NALP, opened by describing the association’s advocacy work on behalf of its members and the industry. Topics ranged from association sponsored health care and immigration including the need for additional H-2B visas to the need for a strong voice on regulations affecting landscape businesses. The message was clear that advocacy matters. With workforce challenges, regulatory issues and changing business conditions, an association representing their interests helps ensure the industry's voice is heard.

Britt then introduced Roscoe Klausing, the new chair of NALP, who shared his history with the association and the difference it has made throughout his career. What resonated with me was his emphasis on connection and how landscape professionals help one another. These businesses compete in the same marketplace, yet they understand that sharing knowledge, supporting each other and getting involved create greater opportunities for everyone.

Safety was another key theme. NALP recognized the winners of its Safety Recognition Awards and reinforced the importance of a culture where employees work safely and return home safely every day. The association continues to offer safety resources and recognition to help companies make safety part of daily operations. Discussion also touched on a potential reboot of the safety program, so stay tuned as NALP builds on this initiative.

The program then turned to celebrating professionals who demonstrate leadership throughout landscaping. Keven Stratton Jr. of Stratton Landscape Group received the 2026 Advocate of the Year Award, a fitting honor after the morning's discussion of why getting involved in industry issues matters. His recognition showed the value of stepping forward to engage with policymakers and advocate for the businesses and people who make up the profession.

Josh Canfield, founder, president and CEO of Pinstripe Lawn Care & Landscaping, was named the 2026 Young Professional of the Year, representing a next generation bringing new ideas and entrepreneurial energy. Nada Duna, chief operating officer of the maintenance division for Gothic Landscape, received the 2026 Woman Leader of the Year Award for a career centered on developing people, mentoring future leaders and strengthening the industry.

One highlight for me was seeing Bob Grover, founder and chairman of Pacific Landscape Management, recognized as the 2026 Lifetime Leader of the Year. After 50 years in the industry, Bob did not simply look back on his accomplishments. He focused on people, advocacy, professionalism and our responsibility to give back to the industries that have given us our careers.

Bob spoke about the opportunities landscaping offers people to build careers, become leaders and strive for excellence. Most importantly, he urged everyone in the room to lean in, get involved and give back. I loved that message because I have seen it play out throughout my own career. Associations grow stronger when people participate, mentor, advocate and share what they have learned. That involvement raises the professionalism of our industries and creates opportunities for the next generation. Bob summed up his passion perfectly when he finished with an enthusiastic, “Go landscapers!”

That focus on the next generation continued when Andrew Bray, executive vice president of NALP and executive director of the NALP Foundation, took the stage. Andrew discussed the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) and the Foundation's role in supporting it. NCLC gives college students interested in landscape careers a chance to build skills, compete, meet employers and begin professional relationships that can last throughout their careers.

Andrew also highlighted the NCLC Student Travel Grant Program and encouraged professionals and companies to keep donating so students can attend. That support matters. It is one thing to say we want more young people to enter landscaping; the industry must also invest in them and show them the possibilities a career here can offer. Programs like NCLC turn workforce conversations into real opportunities.

As the opening session wrapped up, NALP thanked its Elite Partners, including Aspire, Hustler, DEWALT, STIHL and CAT, before welcoming keynote speaker Ryan Leak. Looking back, what struck me most was how every part of the program connected. The Women’s Leadership Forum built careers through support and relationships, advocacy created a stronger collective voice, safety protected our people and the awards celebrated leaders moving the profession forward. Meanwhile, the NALP Foundation is investing in the students who will become the industry's future workforce and leaders.

That is exactly why industry associations matter. We learn from each other, advocate together, celebrate excellence and give back. Bob's challenge to lean in is one we can all take from ELEVATE 2026, whether that means mentoring a young professional, supporting a student, advocating on an issue, strengthening safety in our businesses or simply helping another professional succeed.

OutdoorCoffeeShop is proud to be part of that conversation and to help share the stories of the people and organizations moving landscaping forward. ELEVATE 2026 reinforced that when we connect, advocate, support one another and give back, we create an industry with greater opportunity for everyone.