As a business manager or owner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated in an industry filled with constant decisions and roadblocks. Through LO, however, competitors can become collaborators through a variety of ways.
Chapters and Sector Groups
LO is divided into 10 regional Chapters that organize a variety of local experiences for members. These events are a great way to meet other members who work in your area.
Each Chapter holds at least five meetings per year, which often feature a guest speaker at no cost to attending members. Some meetings even include a free meal. Chapters also host fun activities, holiday socials or sporting events, such as axe throwing or golf or baseball tournaments. Many of these events help raise money for local charities, student scholarships or Chapter greening initiatives while showcasing member businesses to community residents and other organizations.
There are currently 10 Sector Groups at LO. They hold at least two meetings per year and focus on advocacy work, education and implementing best practices.
For example, the Snow and Ice Sector Group continues to lobby the provincial government for a limited liability framework that better balances responsibility between snow and ice contractors and property owners when slip-and-fall incidents occur. The Landscape Designers Sector Group produces a quarterly newsletter, holds Coffee Morning events across several LO Chapters, organizes one-hour online Mentor Moments sessions and offers a full-day conference each January.
Sector Groups also mobilize to plant trees or revitalize community gardens, parks or public green spaces that help improve the quality of life for neighbours, families and potential clients.
Many member volunteers say serving on a Chapter or Sector Group board is a very rewarding experience. It can help you make new business connections and position your company as an authoritative, passionate industry leader in your community.
Get started by attending a local Chapter or Sector meeting and introducing yourself to someone on the Chapter Board. You can also get connected to a Chapter or Sector Group by reaching out to LO Chapter and Sector Administrator Cel Lorgata at clorgata@landscapeontario.com.
Trade shows and conferences
Various Chapters and Sector Groups hold signature events each year that allow members to learn and connect. These include:
- Irrigation Conference: Feb. 23, 2027
- Landscape Lighting Conference: Feb. 24, 2027
- Green Trade Expo: March 2–3, 2027 (Ottawa Chapter)
- Gear Up For Spring: March 2027 (Golden Horseshoe Chapter)
- Snowposium 2027: July 21, 2027
To find events hosted by your Chapter or Sector, use the filters available in the new online events calendar at landscapeontario.com/events.
Peer-to-Peer Network
LO’s Peer-to-Peer Network is a great example of how professionals can come together to discuss their current successes and find solutions to challenges that affect their business.
Designed for landscape business owners and senior managers, the network hosts two meetings each year — one in spring and one in fall — featuring educational sessions facilitated by experts along with plenty of networking opportunities. Here, LO members have real conversations about the realities of running a landscape business and find support, tips and advice from others with similar lived experiences.
There’s also a private, invite-only Facebook group for members to communicate with peers throughout the year. To get started, contact Carrie Underwood at cunderwood@landscapeontario.com.
Gail Pope
LO Membership Admin Assistant
gpope@landscapeontario.com
