Irrigation innovations will be featured at the 2007 International Irrigation Show in San Diego from the technical conference and solution center to the new product contest and industry awards.
The show runs Dec. 9-11 with classes and certification exams offered Dec. 6-11 at the San Diego Convention Center.
“Innovations in Irrigation” is the new name for the IA technical conference, which now includes a business track along with sessions specifically for landscape and agricultural irrigation. Nearly 90 conference sessions over three days will include topics like “lean management” for the irrigation industry, selling smart irrigation, urban rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation, and technologies for longer pump life.
Urban rainwater harvesting will be featured in the IA Solution Center on the exposition floor. The center will include working irrigation and rainwater collection systems with a live demonstration of how to connect the irrigation to a cistern.
“A common theme of the show and technical conference is how the irrigation industry can thrive when competition for water is fierce,” said Irrigation Association Executive Director Deborah Hamlin. “Irrigation efficiency has become our mantra. The show will demonstrate innovations in efficiency and provide opportunities to continue to share our efficiency message with policy makers and customers.”
A new IA certification that focuses on improving efficiency for the end user is being offered for the first time in San Diego. The Certified Water Conservation Manager-Landscape will appeal to consultants, system operators and contractors. Applicants must be a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor or Golf Course Irrigation Auditor in good standing and have three years industry experience. Registration for exams offered at the show is required by Nov. 8.
The show is the only time the full slate of Irrigation Association courses is offered at one time in one location. More than 40 classes are scheduled Dec. 6-11.
“Education and certification are vital to the future of the industry,” Hamlin said. “Technology is only as good as the design, installation and management, which can’t be done without a well-trained workforce.”
Ed Begley Jr. is the keynote speaker at the IA general session on Monday, Dec. 10. Begley, who was nominated for six Emmy Awards for his role in “St. Elsewhere,” has an entertaining but important environmental message. The IA Partner of the Year Award, two Industry Achievement Awards and other honors will be presented during the session.
Additional entertainment and networking opportunities will be found aboard the USS Midway, the venue for two receptions, a general reception, which follows a special contractor reception presented by the IA Contractor Common Interest Group. The Midway is a retired aircraft carrier that’s been converted to a museum.
The new Government Affairs Roundtable will address state and national issues that affect the entire industry. The roundtable is a forum to bring the industry together on issues and to spread the word that irrigation is part of the solution. Water conservation measures should include efficient irrigation not no irrigation.
A special Growers Forum, co-hosted with the California Agricultural Irrigation Association, will include a panel discussion of food safety. California Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura has accepted an invitation to sit on the panel.