Events & Forums

Make connections, monitor industry trends and learn more about Irrigation Association® initiatives at the many networking events and forums at the 2009 Irrigation Show.

General Session & Keynote

Thursday, Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

A highlight of the Irrigation Show, the General Session & Keynote provide unique insight into trends impacting the industry, as well as the Irrigation Association’s ongoing efforts to promote efficient irrigation. Learn more.

Common Interest Groups

Wednesday, Dec. 2, and Thursday, Dec. 3

Irrigation Association Common Interest Groups provide a unique opportunity to network and discuss common challenges with irrigation professionals with similar interests. CIG meetings are open to all IA members. Learn more.

Affiliate Organization Forum

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Partnering with state and regional irrigation and landscape organizations is critical to the Irrigation Association’s® commitment to improve industry proficiency. Learn more.

Government Affairs Briefing

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Join the Irrigation Association’s Government Affairs Committee for an update on national, regional and local regulation and requirements impacting the irrigation industry, and IA efforts to promote efficient irrigation in public policy initiatives. Learn more.

EPA Public Meeting

Friday, Dec. 4, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Public meeting on the WaterSense draft specification for weather or sensor based irrigation control technology. Learn more.

USDA Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey Release

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Hear the newest data relating to on-farm irrigation activities, presented by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Conducted every five years, the Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey (FRIS) is a follow on survey of the census of agriculture. Learn more.

IrrigationPAC Reception

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Gather with your colleagues to support the ongoing efforts of the Irrigation Association’s Political Action Committee. Learn more.

Smart Business Sessions

Thursday, Dec. 3, and Friday, Dec. 4

Learn how you can put industry initiatives and programs to work for you and your company to differentiate yourself from the competition and grow business. Briefings at the 2009 Irrigation Show will cover Smart Irrigation Month, Smart Water Application Technologies®, IA certification and EPA’s WaterSense® program.

Certification Luncheon

Thursday, Dec. 3, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Join other certified individuals to celebrate your accomplishments at this invitation-only luncheon, hosted by the IA Certification Board of Directors. Exclusively for IA-certified professionals in good standing. Learn more.

Grower Forum

Thursday, Dec. 3, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The Grower Forum brings together a panel of agriculture experts to address hot topics and major trends affecting irrigated farmland. The session will include short presentations by the panelists and an extended Q&A period. Learn more.

SWAT: Do We Have a Problem Here or Just a Misunderstanding?

Thursday, Dec. 3, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

All attendees are encouraged to participate in this ongoing dialogue on how water providers and irrigation industry stakeholders can work together to most effectively advance landscape water efficiency. Learn more.

Contractor Reception

Thursday, Dec. 3, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Expand your network in a relaxed, casual environment while gathering ideas about how to make your business even better. Exclusively for contactor attendees and reception sponsors, the Contractor Reception is an excellent opportunity to maximize ROI at the show. Learn more.

Industry Tour: Water and Irrigation Tour of San Antonio

Saturday, Dec. 5, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

San Antonio is the largest city in the U.S. that depends almost exclusively on groundwater. The Edwards Aquifer supports irrigated agriculture, manufacturing, major water sporting and tourism, and is the source of two of Texas’ largest springs. Learn more.