LIVE STAGE

A popular attraction on the show floor, the LIVE Stage has experienced industry professionals who will share the stage and educate the audience on a multitude of topics. 

tailagte live stage 1080x1080

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2027

11:00 A.M. CONTRACTORS

Simple Math to Ensure Profitability

2027 conference speakers (4)
Peter Co-founded Oriole Landscaping in 1986, building a reputation of high-quality and superior service. Oriole has dozens of awards including three times for most innovative design, and once the Dunnington-Grubb for best overall landscape.

Peter enjoys giving back, currently Chair of Landscape Canada, Chair of the CLS (Canadian Landscape Standard), Chair of the Green Cities Foundation and a Director at Landscape Ontario.

Peter’s mission is to bring excellence to the landscape industry in any way possible. Peter has spearheaded many community projects and led seminars at industry events to share what he has learned. Peter has also added consulting to his services so he can mentor other professionals directly.

Peter currently lives in Toronto with his wife Alana. He has had a lifelong interest in running, skiing, canoeing, hockey, and mountain biking.
 

1:00 P.M. DESIGNERS

Why Aren't You Charging Enough?

18

Beth is entering her fourth decade in the world of Horticulture. She began her career as a landscape designer at Weall and Cullen Garden Centre. She studied Landscape Architecture at Ryerson and opened her design firm, Designs By The Yard in 1994.

Beth discovered her love of teaching when she taught workshops at Landscape Ontario for the certification program. This led to her teaching part time at numerous colleges throughout Ontario.

Beth is currently teaching online courses for Dynascape CAD Software program. She is the Artistic Director of The Winter Village at The Toronto Distillery District and enjoys being selective about the Landscape Design Projects she now pursues. 

She is currently serving on the Provincial Board as the Representative for the Landscape Designer Sector Group and is actively involved in the Certification of Landscape Designers in Ontario.

27

Chaos with colour—designed, not accidental. Chaos with intention.
Lexi is an award-winning Certified Landscape Designer and the driving force behind Dearborn Designs in Barrie, Ontario. She specializes in creating outdoor spaces shaped by how people actually live in them, combining design creativity with a strong understanding of what it takes to win and deliver real projects.
Known for her ability to connect design thinking with client decision-making, Lexi consistently moves projects from concept to commitment—translating ideas into spaces clients confidently move forward with and ultimately build.

Lexi Dearborn, CLD, Dipl.B., ODHLD

28
With more than 15 years of experience in landscape design, John Bright brings a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living. A Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) through the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), John’s work has earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Neil Vanderkruk (NVK) Award for Excellence in Design—the highest recognition for overall landscape design in Ontario.
 
John is also a dedicated educator, having taught landscape design at Fanshawe College and mentored the next generation of designers. His award-winning expertise, knowledge of emerging design trends, and personalized, hands-on approach ensure every project receives the care and attention of a space he would create for himself.

2:00 P.M. MAINTENANCE

The Better Version of Plants

2027 conference speakers (3)
Rodger Tschanz has worked as a technician at the University of Guelph since 1989. In 2001, he was asked by the Department of Plant Agriculture to create and manage the University’s Ornamental Trial Garden program. The trial garden locations have expanded over the years to currently include ground bed trials in Guelph, Milton (at the Landscape Ontario office) and the Royal Botanical Gardens as well as container trials in Guelph and Milton. At the Guelph site, Rodger is a judge for the annual and perennial entries of the All-America Selections organization. The perennial trial currently has over 350 trial entries. In addition to the Trial Garden duties, Rodger is a technician for the ornamental plant breeding program in Guelph, teaches ornamental plant uses and identification, assists with the management of Plant Agriculture’s growth facilities and is part of the student liaison and undergraduate recruitment team for the Department of Plant Agriculture.
 

3:00 P.M. LIGHTING

Pricing for Profits!

img 2192

Carl Hastings is the Owner of Moonstruck Lighting Ltd. and a respected leader in Canada’s horticultural and outdoor design industries. With a career spanning over four decades, Carl built his expertise from the ground up—starting in grounds maintenance, advancing through landscape construction, and specializing in landscape lighting design and installation for the past 30+ years. His work spans premier properties across the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario’s cottage country, Vancouver, and recently Halifax.

A firm believer in professional growth, Carl maintains a deep, long-term commitment to Landscape Ontario and its Lighting Sector Group. He strongly advocates for continuous education, keeping trade professionals updated on advancing technology, design standards, the critical role of long-term system maintenance and responsible pricing strategies.

As a speaker, Carl delivers practical, real-world knowledge that empowers contractors and designers to elevate their craft, adopt new industry standards, and protect their clients’ outdoor investments.

john higo

John Higo has more than 27 years of experience in the landscape lighting industry, in both distribution and manufacturing, whilst providing specification and design consultation to nighttime illumination
projects of all scopes and sizes. With a background in both theatrical lighting and landscapeconstruction, John brings a rare combination of creative vision and technical expertise to every project.

Passionate about quality lighting and education, John has been deeply involved with the Landscape Ontario Lighting Sector Group for many years, previously serving as Chairperson and Provincial Board Representative. He is also a long-time instructor in Landscape Ontario’s Professional Development lighting courses. In addition, John is a contributing author and an active member of the Landscape Lighting Committee of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA).

Outside of his professional work, John is an avid amateur photographer who enjoys capturing landscape lighting projects for friends and clients. His enthusiasm for lighting has even extended to his family—his wife and three children have become enthusiastic critics of lighting scenes wherever they go.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2027

11:00 A.M. LIGHTING

Pricing for Profits!

img 2192

Carl Hastings is the Owner of Moonstruck Lighting Ltd. and a respected leader in Canada’s horticultural and outdoor design industries. With a career spanning over four decades, Carl built his expertise from the ground up—starting in grounds maintenance, advancing through landscape construction, and specializing in landscape lighting design and installation for the past 30+ years. His work spans premier properties across the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario’s cottage country, Vancouver, and recently Halifax.

A firm believer in professional growth, Carl maintains a deep, long-term commitment to Landscape Ontario and its Lighting Sector Group. He strongly advocates for continuous education, keeping trade professionals updated on advancing technology, design standards, the critical role of long-term system maintenance and responsible pricing strategies.

As a speaker, Carl delivers practical, real-world knowledge that empowers contractors and designers to elevate their craft, adopt new industry standards, and protect their clients’ outdoor investments.

john higo

John Higo has more than 27 years of experience in the landscape lighting industry, in both distribution and manufacturing, whilst providing specification and design consultation to nighttime illumination
projects of all scopes and sizes. With a background in both theatrical lighting and landscapeconstruction, John brings a rare combination of creative vision and technical expertise to every project.

Passionate about quality lighting and education, John has been deeply involved with the Landscape Ontario Lighting Sector Group for many years, previously serving as Chairperson and Provincial Board Representative. He is also a long-time instructor in Landscape Ontario’s Professional Development lighting courses. In addition, John is a contributing author and an active member of the Landscape Lighting Committee of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA).

Outside of his professional work, John is an avid amateur photographer who enjoys capturing landscape lighting projects for friends and clients. His enthusiasm for lighting has even extended to his family—his wife and three children have become enthusiastic critics of lighting scenes wherever they go.

1:00 P.M. MAINTENANCE

The Better Version of Plants

2027 conference speakers (3)
Rodger Tschanz has worked as a technician at the University of Guelph since 1989. In 2001, he was asked by the Department of Plant Agriculture to create and manage the University’s Ornamental Trial Garden program. The trial garden locations have expanded over the years to currently include ground bed trials in Guelph, Milton (at the Landscape Ontario office) and the Royal Botanical Gardens as well as container trials in Guelph and Milton. At the Guelph site, Rodger is a judge for the annual and perennial entries of the All-America Selections organization. The perennial trial currently has over 350 trial entries. In addition to the Trial Garden duties, Rodger is a technician for the ornamental plant breeding program in Guelph, teaches ornamental plant uses and identification, assists with the management of Plant Agriculture’s growth facilities and is part of the student liaison and undergraduate recruitment team for the Department of Plant Agriculture.
 

2:00 P.M. CONTRACTORS

Simple Math to Ensure Profitability

2027 conference speakers (4)
Peter Co-founded Oriole Landscaping in 1986, building a reputation of high-quality and superior service. Oriole has dozens of awards including three times for most innovative design, and once the Dunnington-Grubb for best overall landscape.

Peter enjoys giving back, currently Chair of Landscape Canada, Chair of the CLS (Canadian Landscape Standard), Chair of the Green Cities Foundation and a Director at Landscape Ontario.

Peter’s mission is to bring excellence to the landscape industry in any way possible. Peter has spearheaded many community projects and led seminars at industry events to share what he has learned. Peter has also added consulting to his services so he can mentor other professionals directly.

Peter currently lives in Toronto with his wife Alana. He has had a lifelong interest in running, skiing, canoeing, hockey, and mountain biking.
 

3:00 P.M. DESIGNERS

Why Aren't You Charging Enough?

18

Beth is entering her fourth decade in the world of Horticulture. She began her career as a landscape designer at Weall and Cullen Garden Centre. She studied Landscape Architecture at Ryerson and opened her design firm, Designs By The Yard in 1994.

Beth discovered her love of teaching when she taught workshops at Landscape Ontario for the certification program. This led to her teaching part time at numerous colleges throughout Ontario.

Beth is currently teaching online courses for Dynascape CAD Software program. She is the Artistic Director of The Winter Village at The Toronto Distillery District and enjoys being selective about the Landscape Design Projects she now pursues. 

She is currently serving on the Provincial Board as the Representative for the Landscape Designer Sector Group and is actively involved in the Certification of Landscape Designers in Ontario.

27

Chaos with colour—designed, not accidental. Chaos with intention.
Lexi is an award-winning Certified Landscape Designer and the driving force behind Dearborn Designs in Barrie, Ontario. She specializes in creating outdoor spaces shaped by how people actually live in them, combining design creativity with a strong understanding of what it takes to win and deliver real projects.
Known for her ability to connect design thinking with client decision-making, Lexi consistently moves projects from concept to commitment—translating ideas into spaces clients confidently move forward with and ultimately build.

Lexi Dearborn, CLD, Dipl.B., ODHLD

28
With more than 15 years of experience in landscape design, John Bright brings a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living. A Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) through the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), John’s work has earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Neil Vanderkruk (NVK) Award for Excellence in Design—the highest recognition for overall landscape design in Ontario.
 
John is also a dedicated educator, having taught landscape design at Fanshawe College and mentored the next generation of designers. His award-winning expertise, knowledge of emerging design trends, and personalized, hands-on approach ensure every project receives the care and attention of a space he would create for himself.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2027

11:00 A.M. DESIGNERS

Why Aren't You Charging Enough?

18

Beth is entering her fourth decade in the world of Horticulture. She began her career as a landscape designer at Weall and Cullen Garden Centre. She studied Landscape Architecture at Ryerson and opened her design firm, Designs By The Yard in 1994.

Beth discovered her love of teaching when she taught workshops at Landscape Ontario for the certification program. This led to her teaching part time at numerous colleges throughout Ontario.

Beth is currently teaching online courses for Dynascape CAD Software program. She is the Artistic Director of The Winter Village at The Toronto Distillery District and enjoys being selective about the Landscape Design Projects she now pursues. 

She is currently serving on the Provincial Board as the Representative for the Landscape Designer Sector Group and is actively involved in the Certification of Landscape Designers in Ontario.

27

Chaos with colour—designed, not accidental. Chaos with intention.
Lexi is an award-winning Certified Landscape Designer and the driving force behind Dearborn Designs in Barrie, Ontario. She specializes in creating outdoor spaces shaped by how people actually live in them, combining design creativity with a strong understanding of what it takes to win and deliver real projects.
Known for her ability to connect design thinking with client decision-making, Lexi consistently moves projects from concept to commitment—translating ideas into spaces clients confidently move forward with and ultimately build.

Lexi Dearborn, CLD, Dipl.B., ODHLD

28
With more than 15 years of experience in landscape design, John Bright brings a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living. A Certified Landscape Designer (CLD) through the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), John’s work has earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Neil Vanderkruk (NVK) Award for Excellence in Design—the highest recognition for overall landscape design in Ontario.
 
John is also a dedicated educator, having taught landscape design at Fanshawe College and mentored the next generation of designers. His award-winning expertise, knowledge of emerging design trends, and personalized, hands-on approach ensure every project receives the care and attention of a space he would create for himself.

12:00 P.M.

STUDENTS MEET THE PROFESSIONALS

1:00 P.M. CONTRACTORS

Simple Math to Ensure Profitability

2027 conference speakers (4)
Peter Co-founded Oriole Landscaping in 1986, building a reputation of high-quality and superior service. Oriole has dozens of awards including three times for most innovative design, and once the Dunnington-Grubb for best overall landscape.

Peter enjoys giving back, currently Chair of Landscape Canada, Chair of the CLS (Canadian Landscape Standard), Chair of the Green Cities Foundation and a Director at Landscape Ontario.

Peter’s mission is to bring excellence to the landscape industry in any way possible. Peter has spearheaded many community projects and led seminars at industry events to share what he has learned. Peter has also added consulting to his services so he can mentor other professionals directly.

Peter currently lives in Toronto with his wife Alana. He has had a lifelong interest in running, skiing, canoeing, hockey, and mountain biking.
 

2:00 P.M. LIGHTING

Pricing for Profits!

img 2192

Carl Hastings is the Owner of Moonstruck Lighting Ltd. and a respected leader in Canada’s horticultural and outdoor design industries. With a career spanning over four decades, Carl built his expertise from the ground up—starting in grounds maintenance, advancing through landscape construction, and specializing in landscape lighting design and installation for the past 30+ years. His work spans premier properties across the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario’s cottage country, Vancouver, and recently Halifax.

A firm believer in professional growth, Carl maintains a deep, long-term commitment to Landscape Ontario and its Lighting Sector Group. He strongly advocates for continuous education, keeping trade professionals updated on advancing technology, design standards, the critical role of long-term system maintenance and responsible pricing strategies.

As a speaker, Carl delivers practical, real-world knowledge that empowers contractors and designers to elevate their craft, adopt new industry standards, and protect their clients’ outdoor investments.

john higo

John Higo has more than 27 years of experience in the landscape lighting industry, in both distribution and manufacturing, whilst providing specification and design consultation to nighttime illumination
projects of all scopes and sizes. With a background in both theatrical lighting and landscapeconstruction, John brings a rare combination of creative vision and technical expertise to every project.

Passionate about quality lighting and education, John has been deeply involved with the Landscape Ontario Lighting Sector Group for many years, previously serving as Chairperson and Provincial Board Representative. He is also a long-time instructor in Landscape Ontario’s Professional Development lighting courses. In addition, John is a contributing author and an active member of the Landscape Lighting Committee of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA).

Outside of his professional work, John is an avid amateur photographer who enjoys capturing landscape lighting projects for friends and clients. His enthusiasm for lighting has even extended to his family—his wife and three children have become enthusiastic critics of lighting scenes wherever they go.

3:00 P.M. MAINTENANCE

The Better Version of Plants

2027 conference speakers (3)
Rodger Tschanz has worked as a technician at the University of Guelph since 1989. In 2001, he was asked by the Department of Plant Agriculture to create and manage the University’s Ornamental Trial Garden program. The trial garden locations have expanded over the years to currently include ground bed trials in Guelph, Milton (at the Landscape Ontario office) and the Royal Botanical Gardens as well as container trials in Guelph and Milton. At the Guelph site, Rodger is a judge for the annual and perennial entries of the All-America Selections organization. The perennial trial currently has over 350 trial entries. In addition to the Trial Garden duties, Rodger is a technician for the ornamental plant breeding program in Guelph, teaches ornamental plant uses and identification, assists with the management of Plant Agriculture’s growth facilities and is part of the student liaison and undergraduate recruitment team for the Department of Plant Agriculture.