Irrigation Association announces Andy Papathanassiou as 2026 Irrigation Show keynote speaker

The Irrigation Association has secured Andy Papathanassiou, NASCAR’s first pit crew coach and a nationally recognized expert in leadership, teamwork and high-performance organizations, as the keynote speaker.

The Irrigation Association has secured Andy Papathanassiou, NASCAR’s first pit crew coach and a nationally recognized expert in leadership, teamwork and high-performance organizations, as the keynote speaker for the General Session and Breakfast at the 2026 Irrigation Show and Education Week, Dec. 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Papathanassiou transformed NASCAR pit crews by applying athletic training principles, data-driven decision-making and a relentless focus on teamwork, helping teams achieve record-setting performance. At the Irrigation Show, he will share lessons on building winning teams, embracing innovation and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

The Irrigation Show brings together irrigation professionals from across the industry for four days of education, networking, product discovery and business development. Attendees can explore the latest products and technologies, connect with industry leaders and gain practical insights to help their businesses and organizations succeed.

“We’re excited to bring Andy’s perspective to our members at the upcoming Irrigation Show,” says Natasha Rankin, Irrigation Association CEO. “His story is about much more than racing. It’s about challenging the way things have always been done, building strong teams and finding new ways to perform at a higher level. Those are challenges our industry faces every day. We’re confident that Andy will give attendees ideas and inspiration they can take back to their own businesses and teams.”

Other new and expanded experiences at the 2026 Irrigation Show include:

• Exchange Sessions: New peer-led discussions to share ideas, discuss challenges and learn through interactive conversation rather than traditional presentations
• Expanded IA University: Seven new Field-Contributed Series courses featuring practical, real-world expertise from irrigation professionals
• Expanded Industry Insights: More than 20 sessions organized into two new tracks: Business & Economics and Emerging Technology & Research.

Returning highlights include the New Product Contest, Startup Showcase, CAD Landscape Learning Labs, certification exams and networking events that bring together professionals from across the irrigation community. Together with the keynote by Andy Papathanassiou, these experiences will offer attendees new ideas, practical insights and valuable connections to help them and their businesses thrive in a changing industry.

The 2026 Irrigation Show and Education Week will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center and is co-locating with the National Ground Water Association’s Groundwater Week. Register now at irrigationshow.org. 

About the Irrigation Association

The Irrigation Association is the leading organization of irrigation professionals, serving as the recognized authority in efficient irrigation: promoting innovation, supporting industry growth and sustainability, engaging decision-makers and serving as the leading, credible and unifying voice and advocate for the industry. We seek to transform humanity’s stewardship and use of water, enabling the long-term sustainability of the planet’s water and natural resources and improving the quality of life through a reliable global food supply and vital green spaces. For more information, visit irrigation.org.