About FNGLA

GENERAL SESSION

TPIE Opening Session
WHAT’S NEXT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS:
GETTING THE EDGY PERSPECTIVE
Presented by Dan Waldschmidt, blog author of Edgy Conversations

Start your day by attending the TPIE Opening Session. This is a complimentary program open to everyone attending TPIE.

SALES/DESIGN TRACK

10:30 a.m. - Noon

PRESENTATION OYYGEN FOR INTERIORSCAPERS: TOP PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES TO BREATH LIFE INTO YOUR COMMUNICATIONS
Suzanne F. Stevens, Ontario, Canada

You can have the most exotic plants, the most colourful foliage with the most amazing colours and design. But your plantscan't talk. You are their voice. Only you can inspire, motivate and educate clients on these beauties. There is delivering a presentation and than there is living a presentation – the difference – oxygen. Suzanne F Stevens will challenge the audience's perceptions of how they present, particularly when they need to persuade people to an action. She will provide the 10 components to a persuasive presentation AND focus on 10 techniques that will breath life into your presentation with the goal to set you and your organization apart. You will increase your confidence, credibility, and control while engaging your clients while moving them to a desired action.

OWNER/MANAGER TRACK

10:30 a.m. - Noon

MAKING SENSE OF HR MADNESS
Jean Seawright, Seawright and Associates, Orlando, FL

If there is a way to make sense of the HR madness, Jean Seawright can. She is head of a professional HR consultation practice dedicated to providing select clients with high-quality services, expert advice, and creative, yet practical, human resource solutions. This session will discuss changes in regulations for the next generation, management skill changes and risk factors in hiring.

SALES/DESIGN TRACK

1:30 - 2:45 p.m.

THE RIGHT PLANT, THE RIGHT PLACE
Liz Felter, University of Florida/Orange County Extension, Orlando, FL; Lael George, Engledow Group, Carmel, IN; Mike Lewis, Foliage Design Systems, Orlando, FL

You may have the most enthusiastic and energetic sales team but does your team knows basic horticultural principles? This session will provide sales teams with key strategies for determining the right plant for the right place before they recommend interiorscape designs to your customers. In addition, an expert panel of interiorscapers will provide insights from their experiences and share how they create environments which work well even under the most difficult circumstances.

OWNER/MANAGER TRACK

1:30. - 2:45 p.m.

LEADERSHIP THROUGH DEVELOPING, EMPOWERING, & DELEGATING
Andy Masters, M.A., Plantation, FL

This eye-opening, must-see program for all levels of leadership is based on the 2012 book "Things LEADERS Say", from award-winning author and international speaker Andy Masters. Leaders now face new pressures to produce more with less, which unfortunately leads many to fall into the "do-it-all-myself" trap. However, a "Control Freak" management style can certainly bring about stress, burnout, and turnover--while damaging employee development and morale. Join Andy as he shares powerful tools to engage, motivate, and empower your employees, so you can focus maximum time and effort on your most important responsibilities--while instilling confidence and pride throughout your team.

(Unfortunately due to unforeseeable circumstances, our originally scheduled speaker, Scott Ginsberg, is not going to be able to join us at TPIE but Andy Masters comes highly recommended by Scott and guarantees you won't be disappointed.)

SALES/DESIGN TRACK

3:00 - 4:15 p.m.

WHY PLANTS APPEAL TO PEOPLE
Dr. David G. Clark and Dr. Thomas A. Colquhoun, University of Florida — Plant Innovation Program, Gainesville, FL

Studying consumer purchasing behavior can help predict the plants people will want to purchase in the future, making inventory selection more profitable and provide insight for your sales team. This session will discuss the similarities and differences between people, what triggers them to buy and how all this information helps be a prepared seller. If you want to add green to your pocket, this will be critical information to hear.

OWNER/MANAGER TRACK

3:00 - 4:15 p.m.

CASE STUDY: WHAT ARE PROPERTY MANAGERS LOOKING FOR
Julia Johnson, LEED AP, Sustainable Options, Fort Lauderdale, FL

This session will provide you with an inside look at what a property manager is looking for in an interiorscape firm. From the sale presentations to how technicians interact with a property's employees and customers, you'll gain insight on how you can position your company to achieve success in the commercial property market. You may be surprised on what really matters and what simple ideas can help seal the deal!

TECHNICIAN WORKSHOP

9:00 a.m. - Noon

HEALTH OF THE PLANT
Vicky Cate, Evergreen Interiors, Inc., San Diego, CA

This is an in-depth look at the health of a plant for the roots to the tips; from watering to proper pruning. Spend the morning with Vicki as she trains technicians on the steps that need to be taken to maximize the health of a plant and minimize replacement cost for your company.

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

KEEPING THE BUGS OUT
Suzanne Wainwright- Evans, Buglady Consulting, Slatington, PA

It’s all about bugs. From identification to the proper solutions for minimizing your pest problems on the job site. This session will not only look at what common creatures lurk in your job sites but will discuss the use of bio-controls, chemicals and home remedies... which ones should be used and which ones that should not. A list of insecticides currently registered for interior use will also be provided to attendees.

2:45 - 4:30 p.m.

DISEASE PREVENTION
Lynn Griffith, A&L Southern Laboratories, Pompano Beach, FL and Dr. Chris Hayes, BioWorks Inc., Land O’Lakes, FL

Proper identification and treatment of diseases on your accounts can mean life or death of the plants and ultimately increase your replacement costs. This segment will cover disease identification and the proper use of both biological and chemical solutions. You will also learn how best to use both and how they can work together too holistically and sustainably control pathogens.

4:30 - 5:00 p.m.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Robbin Ward, Greenery Productions, Orlando, FL

Do you have the proper tools in your technician’s toolbox? This session will take a basic look at the tools that every technician should have, how to properly use them and proper sanitation techniques that will make you successful as a horticulturist.