What’s new in irrigation? Find out in New Orleans!

By Dani Sheehan. 

Start planning your trip and see why you should be at the Irrigation Show this December. 

If you work in landscaping, turf management or any corner of the outdoor-services world, you already know this: water touches everything. It affects plant health, soil performance, hardscape longevity and even how customers experience their outdoor spaces. Even if irrigation isn’t your primary service line, you won’t want to miss the Irrigation Show & Education Week in New Orleans, Louisiana this December 8-11, 2025.  

A quick look at what the week offers 

1 – The trade show floor 

The expo runs December 10-11 and attracts the most reputable brands in smart irrigation, controls, sensors, water-efficiency technology and landscape system components. This is your chance to interact with what’s new and introduce yourself to established manufacturers and other industry professionals looking to solve the annoying real-world problems you come across each day. 

2 – Education opportunities for field work and design 

The early week educational sessions dive into topics like system design, water management, business operations and troubleshooting. This gives you a chance to sharpen your understanding of water flow, pressure and system integration, so your designs pair beautifully with the right irrigation solutions for your customers. Pursue continuing education and gain a certificate at the end or just stay ahead of efficiency standards and client expectations around conservation. 

3 – Certification exam opportunities 

The Irrigation Association’s (IA) certification exams are held during the show, and if you’re looking to build or expand your irrigation division, this can quickly elevate your brand! Even if you’re not sitting for an exam this year, it’s worth learning what certification tracks exist and where your team could grow. 

4 – A front-row seat to industry trends 

Water restrictions. Smarter controllers. Sustainability expectations. Workforce challenges. These issues shape the entire outdoor building environment. Sessions and exhibitors tend to tackle these topics head on, making it one of the easiest places to get a pulse for the year ahead. 

5 – Real and relaxed networking 

This show is large enough to attract national players but small enough that you can have meaningful conversations without shouting over thousands of people. Whether you’re looking for a new manufacturing partner, comparing notes with other contractors or just trying to understand what similar businesses are doing successfully, you’ll find the right mix of people here. 

Why you should attend 

This year’s show is co-located with Groundwater Week 2025, bringing together twice the exhibitors and doubling your network opportunities. And hosting the show in New Orleans feels fitting: the city has invested heavily in smart water management solutions, from stormwater parks to permeable infrastructure and advanced drainage technologies. It’s a living case study for innovative water-management strategies with a rich history of food and culture to complement your experience. 

Step into 2026 with sharper skills, better vendor relationships and a clear sense of where outdoor technology is heading. Learn about becoming an exhibitor, explore the education sessions or plan your schedule before it’s too late!