The CNLA Leadership Summit is where Canada’s green industry comes together to share ideas, spark innovation, and strengthen connections. Join members, peers, and industry leaders from across the country for a day, and evening of networking, collaboration, celebration, and forward-thinking sessions focused on the latest trends shaping horticulture and landscaping today.

OUR SPEAKERS

	Gerry Friesen Cultivating Resilience: Growing Through Stress and Change Gerry Friesen, AKA “The Recovering Farmer,” is an author, mental health advocate, and stress and conflict management specialist. Drawing on his farming experience and personal journey with anxiety and depression, he equips others with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges. Known for honesty, heart, and occasional humour, Gerry leads with compassion and a deep respect for rural resilience, sharing a message of hope because he’s lived it himself.
	Peter Guinane Session Topic Coming Soon Peter co-founded Oriole Landscaping in 1986, building a reputation for high-quality work and exceptional service. Oriole has earned dozens of awards, including three for Most Innovative Design and the prestigious Dunnington-Grubb Award. Peter serves as Chair of Landscape Canada, Chair of the Canadian Landscape Standard (CLS), Vice-Chair of the Green Cities Foundation, and a Director at Landscape Ontario and CNLA. A passionate industry mentor, he has spearheaded community projects, led seminars, and now offers consulting to support excellence in the landscape profession.
	Jason Maraschiello Integration of Mental Health and Emerging AI Technologies Jason is a TEDx speaker, author, mindfulness coach, counsellor, and hypnotherapist. After experiencing corporate burnout in his twenties, he traveled the world studying diverse traditions and philosophies focused on mental well-being and human potential. Today, Jason speaks at conferences, leads corporate workshops for organizations including Bell Canada, Roche, Amazon, and the City of Toronto, and coaches professionals one-on-one. His work blends psychology, communication, and personal growth with a deep interest in responsible integration of emerging technologies.

New for 2026, CNLA is proud to launch the Emerging Leaders Forum. A dynamic space for up-and-coming professionals to engage in round-table discussions, exchange ideas, and gain practical insights to help grow and shape their green careers. Whether you are leading change or just starting to build your path, the CNLA Leadership Summit is your opportunity to learn, connect, and lead the future of our industry.

KEYNOTE & ROUND TABLE SESSION

Breanna Beck, Parkland Communication and Conflict Management Born into a second-generation nursery family, Breanna grew up in the green industry, whether folding garden centre trays on Friday nights or detouring to move moose out of the nursery before school. Her early summers were spent mowing between tree rows, transplanting stock, and working her way up through the landscape division. After earning her Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary, Breanna joined her family business, Parkland Nursery and Landscape Services Ltd., full-time. Now Project Manager and Landscape Construction Supervisor, she recently completed her Landscape Horticulturist Journeyperson and Red Seal designation. A third-generation grower, Breanna serves as Chair of Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers, Vice Chair of CNLA’s Growers Group, and Vice Chair of CNLA’s Emerging Leaders Committee, while still finding time to work alongside crews in the field.

Round Table Session Small-group conversations designed to help emerging leaders explore career paths, share experiences, and learn from peers and mentors across the landscape and nursery sector. Topics include: Working across generations: bridging experience and fresh ideas Pursuing a green career: from student to professional Taking the next step in your professional journey

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‍PANEL DISCUSSION

Success Stories from Emerging Leaders in Horticulture Moderator: Kelsey White, Turf Systems Inc. Kelsey joined Turf Systems in early 2020 and is currently studying business management at the University of Guelph. Her goal is to enhance people and processes. She loves a new challenge and is always looking to learn. Kelsey also sits on the CNLA Emerging Leaders Committee.

	Alexander Godfrey, Nursery Lead Lakeland Plant World – Godfrey Group of Companies – Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Alexander Godfrey was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia and most recently joined his family business, The Godfrey Group of Companies, as the Nursery Lead at Lakeland Plant World in Dartmouth. A graduate of Dalhousie University (2018) and NSCC’s Business Administration program (2022), Alexander has worked across various areas of the family business, including several years of intensive training at Barton Grange Garden Centre in Lancashire, England.
	Andy Walker, Founder & Owner Andy’s Lawn & Landscape – Burlington, Ontario Andy Walker is the founder and owner of Andy’s Lawn & Landscape, a Burlington-based hardscape and property maintenance firm. What began as a single neighbourhood lawn contract has grown into a leading company serving residential and commercial clients across Hamilton and Halton. Andy is known for his high standards, innovative approach, and strong leadership in creating exceptional outdoor spaces.
	Nick Winkelmolen, Production Head Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd. – Lynden, Ontario Nick Winkelmolen is a second-generation grower and head of production at Winkelmolen Nursery Ltd., overseeing 825 acres of native and ornamental field-grown trees. He manages teams of 20 to 75 depending on the season and has served as chair of the Landscape Ontario Growers Group. Nick also sits on the CNLA Growers Committee and LO’s research subcommittee.
	Sean Christie, President Rugged Earth Landscaping & Wild Landscape Lighting – Muskoka, Ontario Sean Christie is the President of Rugged Earth Landscaping and Wild Landscape Lighting, leading teams that create award-winning outdoor spaces across Muskoka and beyond. Recipient of Landscape Ontario’s Young Entrepreneur Award (2023) and leader of a Horst Dickert Memorial Award–winning company (2025), Sean blends teaching experience with entrepreneurial insight to mentor others and advance leadership and design excellence in the landscape sector.

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SUMMIT SCHEDULE

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REGISTRATION

Package Options‍

‍Register before December 12th, 2025 and receive $50.00 off your registration! ***

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‍STUDENT RATES AVAILABLE: Please inquire with Lauryn Smith (lauryn@cnla-acpp.ca)
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** Registration will close on January 20th, 2026 at 11:59PM EST.
*** Provincial association members and endorsed supplier partners will receive member pricing on all registrations

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2026 National Awards of Business Excellence

The CNLA Awards of Business Excellence celebrate Canadian companies and members who raise the bar for professionalism in the horticulture and landscape industry. These awards spotlight real results. Strong leadership. Smart innovation. Sound business practices. Lasting community impact.

Winners will be honoured at the inaugural gala in February at Hockley Valley Resort in Orangeville, Ontario, alongside peers, partners, and sponsors.

Best Business Practices Award This award celebrates a company that demonstrates excellence in business management, with a focus on employee retention, employment, financial growth, and key business achievements.

Most Innovative Business Award Recognizes a business leading through innovation—technology, products, services, systems, or customer experience—with demonstrated industry impact.

Sustainable Solutions Award Recognizes leadership in sustainability through environmental practices, operational efficiencies, and contributions to a greener, more resilient horticulture industry.

Outstanding Volunteer Award Honours an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment through volunteer leadership, mentorship, committee involvement, event support, or contributions to CNLA and provincial partners.

Emerging Leader Award Recognizes an outstanding young professional (aged 40 and under) demonstrating leadership, innovation, community impact, and commitment to industry advancement.

Green for Life Industry Award Recognizes a corporation or supplier’s significant contribution to the industry and honours individuals whose lifetime achievements have created a lasting legacy.

Landscaper of Distinction Celebrates a landscape construction, maintenance, or design company demonstrating exceptional growth, innovation, leadership, and professionalism in the past year.

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Applications and Nomination Forms are closed.

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If you are interested in sponsoring the upcoming event, please contact Event Specialist, Lauryn Smith

Download the sponsorship package!

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Premium Award Sponsor | $15,000 each (non-exclusive)

Award of Excellence for Best Business Practices	Award of Excellence for Most Innovative Business	Award of Excellence for Sustainable Solutions
CNLA Outstanding Volunteer Award	CNLA Emerging Leader Award	Green for Life Industry Award
2025 Garden Centre of Distinction	2025 Grower of Distinction	2025 Landscaper of Distinction

Dinner Sponsor | $10,000 (Awards Gala)

Media Sponsor | $7,500 + additional cost for logo exclusivity on select print material (download sponsorship package)

Conference Session Sponsor | $3,000 (keynote adress); $1,500 (break-out session; non -exclusive)

Emerging Leaders Keynote	Leadership Keynote
Break Out Session – Emerging Leaders Break Out Session – Emerging Leaders	Break Out Session – Leadership Break Out Session – Leadership

Wine Sponsor | $2,500

Breakfast of Champions | $2,500

Lunch Sponsor | $2,500

Reception Sponsor | $1,000 (Welcome Reception; Awards Reception)

Welcome Reception

Awards Reception

Refreshment Sponsors (Breaks) | $1,000 each (non-exclusive)

Participant Bag Sponsor | $750 or In-Kind

Brand Partner | $250 each (non-exclusive)

Plant Sponsor | In-kind Donation

Favour Sponsor | In-kind Donation

Add-Ons

• Promotional item in participant bag - $100.⁰⁰
• Event venue display (dependent on venue approval and display content) -$250^.00-$750^.00

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Download the sponsorship package!

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Need help?

Lauryn Smith CNLA Events Specialist lauryn@cnla-acpp.ca (647) 724-8620