Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to managing pests that relies on cultural practices such as mowing, watering and fertilization to create an environment that is unfavorable to pests while promoting healthy growth of grasses. Landscape Ontario’s IPM Symposium, which has been held since 1965, is a widely respected event that brings together turf managers, researchers and industry experts to share knowledge and best practices for effective pest management.The symposium covers a broad range of topics, including pest identification, monitoring and control, as well as soil health, irrigation and plant nutrition. Through this event, turf managers are equipped with the tools and knowledge to promote turf health and sustainability while minimizing the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Register now for the added opportunity to win door prizes (valued at $150 each).
January 28, 2027, 8:00 AM (ET)
January 28, 2027, 4:00 PM (ET)
Online
Conferences, Education & Training, Sponsorship Opportunities
January 28, 2027 1:00 pm
Robert Heggie is a turf and facilities professional with over 18 years of experience managing elite sports surfaces. As Director of Grounds at BMO Field, he has led field operations for MLS, CFL, international rugby and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, delivering high-performance playing conditions through innovation, leadership and strategic planning.
Robert is also the founder of Grass Roots Consulting, where he helps sports organizations and municipalities connect agronomy, technology and operations.
TOPIC: Lessons the Grass Taught Me – 18+ Years of Agronomy, Pressure, People & Performance at BMO Field
PRESENTATION DETAILS
What can 20+ years of managing elite sports turf teach you about agronomy, leadership and problem-solving?
In this engaging keynote, Robert Heggie, Director of Grounds at BMO Field/Owner Grass Roots Consulting, shares the lessons learned throughout a career spanning greenhouse and sod production, professional sports, MLS Cups, Grey Cups, international events and FIFA World Cups.
Robert takes audiences behind the scenes of BMO Field, sharing real stories about player complaints, high-pressure events, field failures, innovation and the constant challenge of producing a world-class playing surface in a demanding Canadian climate.
From greenhouse sod to hybrid grass, grow lighting, undersoil heating and the pressures of the FIFA World Cup, Robert explores how experience, science, technology and—most importantly—people come together to create successful outcomes.
This isn’t just a talk about growing grass. It’s about learning to adapt, preparing for the unexpected, listening to your customers, challenging the way things have always been done and building teams that can perform under pressure.
Scott joined the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks as the Pesticides Specialist for the Eastern Region in 2015. He is currently a Divisional Program Specialist in the Ministry’s Program Services Unit. Scott has been a licensed exterminator for over 30 years and holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Degree from the University of Guelph. Prior to joining the Ministry, Scott spent many years working in grounds maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal.
TOPIC: Update from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
PRESENTATION DETAILS
This presentation will provide an overview of MECP’s pesticide program along with inspection and compliance updates. This session will discuss the do’s and don’ts of pesticide use in Ontario along with any upcoming program changes. In addition, Scott will outline a typical MECP inspection and provide answers to common questions received over the past year.
Cassie Russell is the provincial Nursery and Landscape Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA). Cassie has a BSc. and MSc. from the University of Guelph and has been studying and working in integrated pest management of horticultural crops for the last 10 years. As the nursery specialist, she provides the ornamental nursery sector with technical information on invasive species, integrated pest management, emerging production techniques, horticultural research, and funding opportunities. She serves on various national and provincial technical advisory committees on critical pests such as Box tree moth, Beech leaf disease, Spotted lanternfly, and more. She also runs the ON nursery crops blog where she posts timely updates and articles throughout the growing season.
TOPIC: Updates on Spotted Lanternfly: Where it is and what’s happening
PRESENTATION DETAILS
In September 2026, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the first detection of Spotted Lanternfly in Canada, specifically in Windsor, Ontario. Most of these detections have been on residential, commercial, or municipal lands. So, what now? This session will provide an update on the status of Spotted Lanternfly detections and observations in Ontario and what landscapers and green industry professionals need to know. Cassie will cover the current known distribution, how this pest can spread in Ontario, what to do if you see one, why it’s so tricky to manage, and more.
Jason studied biology & psychology at Mount Allison University, plant cell physiology at York University and plant cell electrophysiology at the University of Guelph. Based in Ontario’s Simcoe Resource Centre since 2008, he researches and develops practical methods to optimize productivity, effectiveness, and safety in all agricultural spraying systems. Founder and co-author of “Airblast101 – Your Guide to Effective and Efficient Spraying”, he also founded and has co-administered www.sprayers101.com, the world’s number one resource for agricultural spraying, since 2015.
TOPIC: Sprayer Calibration and Safety
PRESENTATION DETAILS
This is a foundations of spraying session that describes safe and effective means of sprayer calibration and methods for optimizing settings to match agronomic and environmental circumstances.
Paul Stevens is Vice President and Partner at Graham Turf Seeds Ltd. Graduate of Holmesglen TAFE in Turfgrass Management, Melbourne, Australia and OHIO State International Intern Program Turfgrass, United States. He has over 30 years of experience in the turfgrass and agricultural seed industry, specializing in agronomy, sales, and business development.
Other related experience includes; 20-years DLF, 6-years in golf course management and construction, President and board member Western Canadian Turfgrass Association (TWCA) and member other related associations.
TOPIC: Drought Tolerant and Sustainable Turfgrass Species
PRESENTATION DETAILS
Review of commercially available seed species and varieties with improved heat and drought tolerance, lower water usage and overall, more sustainable.
Will include the research, development and production process of commercially available seed varieties. A review of current Research Data from National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP), Turfgrass Water Conservation (TWCA), The Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST) and other industry research.
Discussion will include the species, varieties and seed mixtures selections for turf applications for Home Lawn, Landscape and Pro Turfgrass applications.
Sponsorship Coordinator
Email: jwilson@landscapeontario.com
Phone Number: 1-800-265-5656 or 905-875-1805
Extension: 2334
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