2026 NNLA Winter Conference Recap
On January 29th and 30th, NNLA hosted its annual Winter Conference at UNL’s Innovation Campus in Lincoln, NE. The vendor hall was full and energized with 39 vendors in attendance. Nearly 150 people enjoyed the day-and-a-half conference full of networking and educational opportunities.
Thursday began with a welcome by NNLA board president, Lee Olson. The keynote speaker was Scott Anderson of Doubledare, which focused on coaching entrepreneurs, with his presentation on how to avoid burnout and to find sustainable success in business. After a break to visit vendors, landscape designer and educator Benjamin Vogt with Prairie Up presented on how to use a sedge matrix and emphasized the benefits of landscaping with plug-sized plant material.
Lunch was held in the exhibit hall where members were able to catch up with vendors. The annual meeting took place just after lunch. NNLA was proud to honor the following industry leaders with awards during the annual meeting:
Distinguished Nebraska Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional: Tim Dungan, Great Plains Nursery
Distinguished Landscape Professional: Nate Jensen, Jensen Gardens
Hall of Fame: Marti Neely, Marti Neely Design & Associates
Gold Leaf Nursery Award: Mulhall’s Nursery
Also recognized at the meeting were the newly certified NCNLPs: Jamie Bastian, Katie Naumann, Megan Potts, Sara Gronewold, and Zoe Gildersleeve.
Congratulations again to all of those who were recognized at the annual meeting.
The afternoon session began with a roundtable discussion on company culture proctored by Joel Kayser of Well Rooted Gardens. The panel featured Ashly Paladino of Sun Valley Landscaping, Heather Beyers of Great Plains Nursery and Nate Jensen of Jensen Gardens. Vaughn Hammond of Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard entertained attendees with his extensive knowledge of orchard care and recommended cultivars. Attendees again had time to mingle with vendors and network. Ending the presentations for the day, Chuck Monico of Ryan Lawn & Tree shared his expertise on the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) business model.
That evening, a reception was held at the Scarlet Hotel. The 150 attendees enjoyed drinks and food and took the opportunity to socialize and relax after a day full of learning and networking.
Friday featured Laurie Stepanek of the Nebraska Forest Service educating members on spruce related diseases and pests. After another break to visit vendors, the raffle drawing was held. All proceeds raised in the raffle go to the NNLA scholarship fund. Winners of the NCNLP plant ID quiz and prize drawing were also announced at this time. Next, Mike Newcomer of Watkins gave a presentation on hardscaping and all it can bring to a landscape when well done. The last presenter of the day was Bob Henrickson of PlantNebraska with the newly announced GreatPlants selections. President Lee Olson concluded the conference with a quick thank you to vendors and to all attendees for making the conference a success.
NNLA would like to thank our event sponsors for helping to make the annual Winter Conference possible:
Gold Sponsors: Mulhall’s Nursery, Kaspar Nursery
Silver Sponsors: Goodmark Nurseries, Great Plains Nursery, Greenleaf Nursery, Papio Valley Nursery, Helena, L.G. Everist