The Impact Conference

7:15 – 8:15 AM
Registration & Badge Pick-Up
Location: Lobby

8:00 – 8:10 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks & Premier Sponsor Recognition
Location: Auditorium

8:10 – 9:10 AM Opening Keynote
The Value You Build: What Sustainable Landscapes Do for People
Bill Sullivan, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Location: Auditorium

Landscape contractors are often asked to deliver beauty, performance, and sustainability. The best landscapes do all three—and something more: they help people live better. This keynote explores how trees, planting, shade, views, everyday access to nature, and thoughtful maintenance shape how people feel and function in schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, housing, and commercial sites. Drawing on decades of research and real-world examples, Sullivan presents a compelling perspective on how sustainable landscapes enhance human well-being and everyday life.

9:10 – 9:25 AM
Networking Break

9:25 – 10:25 AM

Building the Wild Mile: Transforming a Stretch of the Very Urban Chicago River into a Wildlife Sanctuary
Phil Nicodemus, Urban Rivers
Location: Room 101ABC
Sponsored by: Stantec

The Wild Mile is a mile-long floating eco-park, built to fit within the constraints of the built environment along the Chicago River. Like many urbanized river systems, the Chicago River was channelized, dredged, and polluted in favor of heavy industry, which has largely fled cities and left deteriorating hard infrastructure and barriers to wildlife and human access alike. Artificial floating wetlands, walkways, and access points can help revitalize urbanized waterways while still accommodating recreational and commercial traffic.

9:25 – 10:25 AM

The Future of Plastic Pots in Horticulture
Dr. Paul C. Bartley III, Auburn University and Dr. Nathan Jahnke, Ball Horticulture
Location: Auditorium
Sponsored by: Ball Seed

Plastic changed the horticulture industry, making plants easy to transport, the ability to customize large and small shapes, and a chance to differentiate and enhance the marketing of plants. However, plastic is under severe scrutiny with legislation pushing for taxes and fees on single use plastics, requirements for recycling and plastic alternatives, and reports about the health and environmental concerns. Join Drs. Paul Bartley and Nathan Jahnke where we will discuss the opportunity the landscape industry has to tackle the challenges surrounding plastics and hear about trials conducted at Ball Horticultural Company as they continue to learn about plastic alternatives.

Read their paper here.

10:25 – 10:45 AM
Refreshment Break

10:45 – 11:45 AM

From Ordinance to Outcome: Why Native Plant Projects Fail and How to Ensure Success
Marya Morris, Kendig Keast Collaborative and Krystal Lee, Pizzo Habitat Restoration
Location: Room 101ABC

Native plant projects often struggle not because of the plants themselves, but because of gaps in planning, installation, management, and policy. Through real-world examples, presenters will discuss common project failures and practical strategies for improving outcomes through stronger specifications, team coordination, and long-term stewardship.

10:45 – 11:45 AM

The Future Landscapes Initiative: Efforts to Increase Native Plant and Seed Availability
Kayri Havens, Ph.D., Chicago Botanic Garden
Location: Auditorium
Sponsored by: Taylor Creek Restoration Nurseries

As demand for native plants continues to increase, supply limitations remain a major challenge. This presentation highlights the Chicago Botanic Garden's efforts in native seed farming, regional seed networks, and science-based plant selection to support resilient landscapes and biodiversity.

11:45 AM – 12:35 PM
Lunch and Networking
Location: Room 101ABC

12:35 – 1:35 PM

Birds in the Garden: Creating & Enjoying a Bird Oasis
Pam Karlson, professional artist, certified gardener, garden designer, educator, and wildlife advocate
Location: Room 101ABC

Through photographs and practical examples, Pam Karlson demonstrates how gardens can support over 100 bird species while enhancing beauty and biodiversity. Attendees will learn about habitat creation, native plants, migration patterns, nesting, and conservation opportunities within urban and suburban landscapes.

12:35 – 1:35 PM

Solving Landscape Problems Through Environmental Design: Water Mitigation Strategies
William Moss ("The Garden Boss"), Get Out & Grow!
Location: Auditorium
Sponsored by: Midwest Groundcovers and Midwest Trading

This session explores practical approaches to solving drainage, erosion, runoff, and moisture-management challenges using environmental design principles. Participants will learn how to improve site performance while balancing client expectations and long-term maintenance considerations.

1:35 – 2:35 PM

Designing Spaces Using Permaculture Principles
Annamaria Varona, Homan Grown, LLC
Location: Room 101ABC

Learn how permaculture principles and forest garden design can be applied to residential, corporate, public, and private landscapes. This session focuses on creating ecologically functional, visually engaging spaces through layered planting systems and biodiversity-focused design.

1:35 – 2:35 PM

Keystone Species and Biggest Ecological Bang for Your Buck
Matt Evans, Lincoln Park Conservancy
Location: Auditorium

Discover native plant species that provide exceptional ecological benefits across a range of growing conditions. Through photographs and design examples, attendees will learn how keystone plants support pollinators, biodiversity, and resilient landscapes while enhancing aesthetic value.

2:35 – 2:50 PM
Break & Vendor Release

2:50 – 3:50 PM Closing Keynote

Rooted for Generations: A Practical Framework for Creating Landscapes that Last
William Moss ("The Garden Boss"), Get Out & Grow!
Location: Auditorium

In this inspiring closing keynote, William Moss explores how landscapes can leave a lasting impact on communities, ecosystems, and future generations. Through practical examples and personal experiences, he demonstrates how thoughtful design and stewardship create meaningful, enduring landscapes.