SYNKD Live Phoenix 2026: September 29–October 1

Most industry events are designed around exhibit halls. SYNKD Live is designed around conversations.

That’s why we call it the anti-trade show. Instead of walking a convention floor, you’ll participate in:

• Interactive roundtable discussions
• Educational sessions led by industry experts
• Curated meals that spark meaningful conversations
• Open discussions with business owners, speakers, and leaders from across the outdoor living industry

We intentionally created SYNKD Live to encourage collaboration because some of the best ideas don’t come from a presentation; they come from sitting across the table from someone who’s solved a challenge you’re facing today.

If you’re looking for practical insights, real conversations, and connections that continue long after the event ends, you’ll feel right at home at SYNKD Live.

Why exactly is SYNKD Live?

This is not a conference. SYNKD Live is an event where professionals from across the outdoor living industry come together to learn, build trust, and form meaningful relationships that last long after the event ends.

What makes it different?

Instead of focusing on just one part of the industry, SYNKD Live brings together professionals from design, build, maintenance, and related fields and technology, because the best ideas happen when you bring perspectives outside your own.

What’s included with my pass?

Your pass includes two-and-a-half days of SYNKD Live programming, including discussions, meals, networking opportunities, educational sessions, and evening events. Your pass gives you access to every scheduled activity except VIP dinners, which require a separate ticket.

I’m not a landscape designer. Can I still attend and benefit from attending?

Absolutely. You don’t need to be a landscape professional to benefit from SYNKD Live. If you work in the outdoor living industry or even adjacent to it, there’s a place for you. The conversations are intentionally designed to bring together people with different roles, backgrounds, specialties, and experience levels.

Can I earn continuing education credits from attending the conference?

Yes. You can earn up to 18.0 Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES) credits through SYNKD Live. Credits are available through educational sessions, site visits, roundtable discussions, and the hands-on Design + Build project.

We also encourage attendees to check with their specific professional organizations, since many associations accept SYNKD Live sessions toward continuing education requirements.

SYNKD Live Phoenix 2026
September 29–October 1

Presentations

Outrageous Designs & Flawless Construction

Jonny Nalepa is designing and constructing outdoor living spaces that have never been done before—he is pushing the boundaries on design and construction.

Design Your Culture: How Great Landscape Companies Attract & Keep Great People

A field-tested, eight-pillar framework for recruiting and retaining top talent. Because a thriving team isn’t an accident; it’s something you design.

From Guesswork to Growth: Using Real Cost Data to Build a More Profitable Landscape Business

This session explores how leading landscape companies are using real-time production data and AI-powered insights to improve estimating, increase efficiency, and make more profitable decisions.

Tree Stabilization Strategies for Ground-Level & Rooftop Landscapes

Explore the latest strategies for stabilizing trees in challenging environments, from ground-level installations to rooftop landscapes, using percussive earth anchors and other proven anchoring systems.

Why Most Living Walls Fail

A systems-level conversation about irrigation, drainage, root volume, plant health, specification decisions, and the gap between beautiful renderings and buildable reality.

Enhancing Outdoor Environments with Audio

Discover how thoughtfully designed outdoor audio systems can elevate landscapes, enhance outdoor experiences, and create deeper connections between people, nature, and the spaces they inhabit.

Stop Competing for Clicks. Start Creating Conversations.

Discover how unforgettable experiences, bold branding, and community engagement can make your business the one customers remember long before they need your services.

We Can’t Operate Like It’s 1990 Anymore

Real examples show why need to work differently in this industry—across the disciplines—from communication to soil improvements—you will hear about real actions you can take.

Adding Design to Your Landscape Business

This session explores how to add landscape design to your contracting business to elevate the type of projects you sell.

AI—What’s Hype, What’s Real & What’s Next: AI in Landscaping & Beyond

Learn how to cut through the AI hype and use today’s most practical tools to streamline operations, improve customer communication, boost profitability, and prepare your business for what’s next.

ROMEX Hardscapes: Permeable Systems Training Course

Learn how to design and install long-lasting hardscape surfaces that resist shifting, reduce runoff, and meet modern performance and sustainability standards.

Under the Hood: A Live Business Diagnostic

Every business has a growth constraint. Join Christene Marie for an interactive roundtable that will help you identify what’s holding your business back and uncover practical, actionable opportunities to accelerate growth.

Holistic Water Management & Conservation

Water conservation can be affected in a positive way through design + construction + horticulture. This expert panel gives the audience ideas on how to think differently when conserving water on any site.

Beyond Pretty Finished Photos: Using Images to Attract Better Leads & Close Faster

Beautiful project photos are just the start. In this seminar, Chris Major shows landscape designers how to use images strategically to attract ideal clients, communicate value, strengthen sales, support hiring, and build trust.

Speakers

• David Bishop — Founder, Elevation Living Walls
• Casey Clapp — Tree Systems Manager, Platipus
• Derek Clelan — Founder, Your Haven
• Bailey Estes — Operations Manager, Your Haven
• Kris Floor — Founder, Floor Associates
• Matthew Green — CEO, Blue Duck Lawn Care
• Chris Major — Founder, CM Images
• Kevin Rinton — National Sales Manager–Key Accounts, Coastal Source
• Jonathan Nalepa — Founder, Smart Aquatics
• Angelica Norton — Co-owner/Principal Designer, Open Envelope Studio, LLC
• Peter Quan — Co-Founder, EarthaPro
• Brittany Sastrawidjaya — CEO + Co-Founder, Blueprint Earth
• James Trahan — Principal, 180 Degrees Design + Build
• Janet Waibel — Landscape Architect, Waibel & Associates Landscape Architecture
• Jay Worth — Regional Business Development Manager, Construction, Down To Earth Landscape & Irrigation

Optional Tours

• SEPT. 29 — Desert Botanical Garden
• OCT. 1 — Tour of projects in the area

Hear From Past Attendees

Listen to the feedback from our re-designed SYNKD Live event held in New Orleans in January 2026.

“The takeaway that I feel like I really got that I wasn’t expecting was how much I learned about what I need to do for my business to grow it.”

—Elizabeth Przygoda, Principal of Boxhill Studios, CEO of Boxhill + Co

“What I like about this year [SYNKD Live] is it’s a lot more intimate. It allows everybody to let their guard down and really ask the questions that they really want the answers to and not feel like they’re less than anybody else.”

—Jeremy Talboy, Owner, North Georgia Landscape Management & Georgian Landscape Design

Final Checklist: Is SYNKD Live right for you?

If you answer “yes” to one of these, we'd love to see you in Phoenix.

☑ You’re a business owner, decision-maker, landscape designer, landscape architect, or industry leader looking for new ideas to grow your business.

☑ You know the outdoor living industry is evolving and want to stay ahead of new technologies, products, and business strategies.

☑ You enjoy learning from professionals across design, build, maintain, manufacturing, and technology—not just your own specialty.

☑ You’re willing to challenge the status quo if it leads to stronger results, greater efficiency, and better profitability.

☑ You believe collaboration is one of the best ways to grow your business.

If that sounds like you, SYNKD Live was built with you in mind.

Have questions about the event? Email angelique@synkd.io.