Summer Field Day 2019 — (continued from page 26) to landscape success and were introduced to plants useful to attracting beneficial insects. Planners did not forget the business side. The Arachas Group provided guidance on how to select the insurance agency that is right for you and your business. “It was a good idea to have the education sessions in the booths,” says Boyce, who admits that the networking also was a big draw for him. “There are certain people that I only see at this event.” The SFD 2019 committee decided to shake things up a little this year with three different food offerings: Italian, Mexican and BBQ. Instead of one, large, dining tent, as had been the norm in the past, there were three smaller ones around the show where attendees could not only eat, but duck in for a little networking, as well. “I get to see people I don’t get to see at other times of the year,” says Dean MacMorris, president of Night Light Landscape Illumination. “It’s more about networking for me.” It’s also about supporting ILCA and learning who and what is new in the industry. There were about 70 vendors at SFD 2019, talking with current customers and potential ones. The SFD 2019 committee also did more than nod to sustainability with
30
bright blue refillable water bottles and water stations at which to refill them. The bottles, which featured the Summer Field Day logo, were included in a green “swag bag” given to all attendees. Vermeer Midwest served as the Summer Field Day Premier sponsor. If attendees wanted another special souvenir to take home, SmithAmundsen sponsored a fun photo booth, complete with props for everyone.
The Landscape Contractor September 2019
The Tree Connection hosted a beer garden, featuring locally brewed beer, as well as Miller Lite, and Ball Seed was responsible for the Ice Cream Social. Burris Equipment provided the lanyards on which attendees hung their name tags. Brightview sponsored the giant Beer Pong. Dayton Bag provided raffle prizes, which included Bose wireless headphones; a Yeti portable cooler; a Garmin GPS Smartwatch and a Toshiba 50-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV. In kind sponsors included Alta Equipment, Buck Brothers, Goodmark Nurseries, Gravely, Miller Road Farm, Russo Power Equipment and South Branch Nurseries. Attendees reveled in the good weather, which was sunny and in the 70s. And, whether most people noticed, the SFD 2019 committee changed shirts. “We no longer wanted the mustard yellow shirts,” says Jessica Riedell, committee member, who, like the others, was sporting a purple polo shirt with the Summer Field Day logo. The day ended with a live band, Breezy Rodio and the Coolers, providing music, and increased opportunities for networking. “This is like an industry reunion,” says Pollman.