EDUCATION
Check out all the classroom options to choose from. Select the class you would like to attend during each Education Session at the day of the event. Simply scan your badge at the classroom door during the Education Session time. Pre-registration is only required for the Plant Tour on Day 3.
Schedule subject to change
MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY WITH LARGE FORMAT HARDSCAPE SYSTEMS
Presented by:
Dustin Flaska, Flaska Landscaping
Day 2: Tuesday Education Session 1 (10am - 10:50am)
Classroom A (Castle Farms)
CEU:
n/a
Gain real-world insights into large format flatwork and Precast Modular Block (PMB) retaining wall systems. With over 15 years of experience, Dustin Flaska shares how the integration of modern hardscape technologies and techniques can dramatically improve installation efficiency and project success.
DESIGNING WITH PRODUCT REPRESENTATIVES: ENHANCING DESIGN THROUGH COLLABORATION
Presented by:
Jack McDonough PLA, EDGE
Day 2: Tuesday Education Session 1 (10am - 10:50am)
Classroom B (Castle Farms)
CEU:
LA/CES 1.0 Credits
Discover how strategic collaboration with product representatives can enhance your design process. Jack McDonough explores the value of leveraging product knowledge, technical support, and material selection guidance to bring your landscape visions to life—more accurately and efficiently.
NATURAL STONE: FROM THE QUARRY TO YOUR DESIGNS
Presented by:
Christian Kirkby & Bill Rowden, HIGH FORMAT®
Day 2: Tuesday Education Session 1 (10am - 10:50am)
Outdoor Classroom (Castle Farms)
CEU:
n/a
Take a journey into the world of natural stone. Discover how materials like granite, marble, travertine, sandstone, and limestone are quarried, fabricated, and finished for use in today’s designs. Learn to identify textures, edge profiles, and applications that bring out the best in each stone. Gain a deeper appreciation for the natural products available through your local dealer.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LANDSCAPING: A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION
Presented by:
Noah Reynolds, HIGH FORMAT® & Dan Rose, Rose Landscape
Day 2: Tuesday Education Session 2 (11am - 11:50am)
Classroom A (Castle Farms)
CEU:
n/a
This introductory session explores the foundational aspects of artificial intelligence and its potential applications in landscape design and operations. Discover how AI tools, including image recognition, notetaking and proposal writing, and project planning apps, can optimize workflows, enhance creativity, and improve business efficiency.
THE VITAL ROLE OF SOIL TYPES IN RETAINING WALL DESIGN & INSTALLATION
Presented by:
Michael Partenio PE, Soils & Structures
Day 2: Tuesday Education Session 2 (11am - 11:50am)
Classrooom B (Castle Farms)
CEU:
LA/CES 1.0 Credits
In this session, Michael will explain how comprehending various soil types is crucial for successful retaining wall installations. Learn how proper soil analysis contributes to structural integrity, longevity, and effective design implementation.
HANDS ON RETAINING WALL INSTALLATION: TIPS & TRICKS FROM THE EXPERTS
Presented by:
Christian Kirkby & Bill Rowden, HIGH FORMAT®
Day 2: Tuesday Education Session 2 (11am - 11:50am)
Outdoor Classroom (Castle Farms)
CEU:
n/a
From leveling base to cap blocks, this field-based session offers practical, experience-driven tips for building better retaining walls. Learn time-saving tricks, tools of the trade, and troubleshooting methods straight from seasoned pros.
CONCRETE FUNDAMENTALS: WETCAST VERSUS DRYCAST
Presented by:
Dean Jurik, ACM Chemistries
Day 2: Tuesday Education Session 3 (1pm - 1:50pm)
Classroom A (Castle Farms)
CEU:
LA/CES 1.0 Credits
Explore the core differences between wetcast and drycast concrete, including how each is produced, installed, and used in the field. Learn the pros and cons of both systems and how they impact performance, appearance, and design flexibility.
EFFECTIVELY INTEGRATING SOFTSCAPES & HARDSCAPES
Presented by:
Dr. Robert Schutzki, Professor Emeritus (MSU)
Day 2: Tuesday Education Session 3 (1pm - 1:50pm)
Classroom B (Castle Farms)
CEU:
n/a
Learn how to design landscapes that seamlessly combine plant material and hardscapes. This session helps contractors and designers create cohesive, functional outdoor spaces through smart integration of softscape and hardscape elements.
EXPERT PANEL: HARDSCAPE INSIGHTS FROM THE HIGH FORMAT® TEAM
Presented by:
Bob Conklin (Research & Development), Bill Rowden (Sales and Business Development), Lucas Meadows (Plant Manager), and Josh Manthei (Owner/President)
Day 2: Tuesday Panel Session (2pm - 2:50pm)
Classroom B (Castle Farms)
CEU:
LA/CES 1.0 Credits
A candid, interactive panel discussion featuring industry veterans who share lessons learned, innovations adopted, and the state of the industry. Bring your questions—this is your chance to gain perspective from High Format’s seasoned leaders across hardscape design, construction, and product development.
THE WETCAST PROCESS: PRODUCTION TOUR & INSIGHTS
Presented by:
HIGH FORMAT®
Day 3: Wednesday Plant Tour (9am, 10am or 11am)
HIGH FORMAT® Headquarters
CEU:
LA/CES 1.0 Credits
Explore the wetcast precast process on a guided plant tour, highlighting key stages from mold preparation to product palletization. Gain insight into how production methods impact design, specification and installation of wetcast hardscape materials.
Note: The tours have limited capacity. You must sign up for your designated time at registration and select 9 am , 10 am or 11 am tour times.