Thought Leaders Retreat 2024: Insight. Impact.

The 2024 Thought Leaders Retreat is an intimate conference that will foster relationships, collaboration, and big-picture thinking. It's an event crafted to not only bring industry leaders together, but also to deliver a more personalized and relevant conference experience – one that elevates all attendees’ professional, and personal lives.

The conference will focus on three main objectives:

• Foster relationships and meaningful connections in an intimate setting
• Deliver a more inspiring and forward-thinking professional education and networking event
• Provide a higher ROI than any other conference in the green industry

The Venue:

The Four Seasons Hotel Denver epitomizes luxury and elegance, offering a uniquely elevated experience in the heart of the Mile High City. Nestled amidst the vibrant downtown district, this five-star sanctuary seamlessly blends contemporary sophistication with warm Rocky Mountain hospitality.

From the moment guests step into the grand lobby, they are enveloped in a world of refined comfort and impeccable service. Each meticulously designed room and suite showcases modern amenities and breathtaking views of the city skyline or the majestic Rockies, providing a serene retreat after a day of exploration.

With its unparalleled blend of luxury, location, and an unwavering commitment to personalized service, the Four Seasons Hotel Denver stands as a timeless destination for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable escape in the heart of the Rockies.

12:00-5:00 PM | Registration

2:30-3:30 PM | Newcomer’s Reception

4:00-7:00 PM | Welcome and Plenary Sessions

7:00-10:00 PM | Welcome Party (Cocktails and Dinner)

10:00 PM-onwards | Raise the Bar Afterhours Networking

Day 1 Highlights

Commercial Real Estate Forecast

Richard Barkham, PhD

CBRE

Global Chief Economist, Global Head of Research, Head of Americas Research

Hear from CBRE’s Global Chief Economist on the Commercial Real Estate industry's economic forecast, the state of the commercial real estate industry, and how changes at the institutional and property level in green/LEED, redevelopment, investment, and technology, will strategically impact how landscape contractors serve, sell and deliver.

Weeders to Leaders

Jeff McManus

University of Mississippi

Director of Landscape, Airport and Golf Services

Hear from CBRE’s Global Chief Economist on the Commercial Real Estate industry's economic forecast, the state of the commercial real estate industry, and how changes at the institutional and property level in green/LEED, redevelopment, investment, and technology, will strategically impact how landscape contractors serve, sell and deliver.

7:30-8:30 AM | Networking and Breakfast

8:45-9:45 AM | Concurrent Educational Sessions

9:45-10:00 AM | Networking Break

10:00-11:00 AM | Concurrent Educational Sessions

11:00-11:15 AM | Networking Break

11:15-12:15 PM | Plenary Session

12:15-5:00 PM | Raise the Roof Networking Event

5:00-7:00 PM | Sponsor Showcase and Happy Hour

7:00-9:00 PM | All attendee Dinner Reception

9:00 PM-Onwards | Afterhours Networking

Day 2 Highlights

Regulation & The Political Landscape

Andrew Bray, Sr.

Vice President, Government Relations

National Association of Landscape Professional

The green industry’s chief advocate keeps his eye on the statutory, regulatory, and political landscape and how it is impacting your business at the federal, state, and local levels. Learn the latest on key issues impacting our industry from H2B to increasing regulations, and how you can support and get involved to protect your business.

7:30-8:30 AM | Networking and Breakfast

8:45-9:40 AM | Concurrent Educational Sessions

9:40-9:55 AM | Networking Break

9:55-10:50 AM | Concurrent Educational Sessions

10:50-11:05 AM | Networking Break

11:05-12:15 PM | Plenary Session and Closing

*Subject to change*

• All cancellation requests must be made in writing and emailed to [email protected] voicemails will not be accepted.
• A full refund minus a 10% administrative fee will be provided if received by May 24, 2024. A 50% refund will be provided if the request is received by July 1, 2024. No refunds will be issued after that day or for no-shows.
• Attendees can notify [email protected] at any time that another individual will attend the event in their place.
• Hotel rooms must be canceled directly with Four Seasons Hotel Denver in accordance with their terms.

SVP, Government Relations, and Membership, NALP

Andrew Bray is a driven Government Relations professional and a tireless advocate with over 15 years of legislative, regulatory, campaign and legal experience. Andrew is currently the Vice President of Government Relations at the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). In this role Andrew leads all legislative and regulatory initiatives at the federal and state level. Andrew routinely engages Congressional offices on Capitol Hill, Regulatory Agencies and industry coalitions to craft policy initiatives that protected the interests and needs of the landscape industry. Prior to joining NALP Andrew also worked in a government relations capacity for the National Pest Management Association, North American Meat Institute and the Grocer Manufacturers Association.

In addition to working in trade associations Andrew honed his policy, advocacy and political skills while working on Capitol Hill in a Congressional Office and while working on multiple Federal, State and local campaigns. Andrew earned his law degree in 2013 and maintains an active license to practice law in Virginia.

Serving commercial building owners & managers for exterior site services to attract & retain tenants & visitors

As the founder and leader of a dynamic team, Bruce Moore, Sr., takes pride in the long-term relationships his company has built and maintained in Fairfield and Westchester counties for over 37 years. These relationships span a diverse array of sectors including commercial real estate owners and managers, colleges and universities, private schools, hospitality providers, and medical facilities. The company is celebrated for the flexibility of its services, designed to meet clients' needs and budgets, while understanding the importance of the appearance of their facilities on the perceptions of tenants, employees, and stakeholders. Through its efforts, Bruce Moore, Sr.'s team assists clients in uniquely positioning their properties to meet and exceed goals, ensuring they stand out in their communities.

ELM has achieved preferred status with clients due to its responsive approach to specific needs, deep knowledge of local markets and competition, and highly personalized service. The company's years of expertise enable it to solve a wide range of problems effectively. Hiring Bruce Moore, Sr., means gaining access to an entire team of experts in horticulture, design, installation, maintenance, water management, snow services, and more. The team is nationally certified and licensed in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, showcasing a commitment to excellence and professional integrity in every project undertaken.

President, Landscape Services, Inc.

Doug Stacy is a distinguished figure in the landscape industry, currently serving as the President of LSI. With a foundational academic background, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Middle Tennessee State University, underscoring his deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of construction and landscape management. As a certified horticulturalist and a Certified Landscape Professional (CLP), Doug brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. His credentials are further enhanced by his certification as a Licensed & Certified Applicator of Agricultural Pesticides, which ensures the responsible and effective use of treatments in various landscapes.
Boasting twenty-eight years of experience in the landscape industry, Doug Stacy has dedicated nearly three decades to honing his skills and expanding his knowledge in the field. Throughout his illustrious career, he has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability in landscape design, maintenance, and management. His leadership at LSI reflects a blend of strategic vision and practical application, ensuring that projects not only meet but exceed the expectations of clients. Under his guidance, LSI has grown into a reputable and trusted name in the industry, known for its quality service, environmental stewardship, and the expert application of cutting-edge landscape solutions.

Founder and Lead Cultivation Officer of The Jeff McManus Group

At the age of 37, the University of Mississippi hired Jeff McManus as the Director of the newly formed Landscape Services Department. As one of the most junior directors on campus, the immediate challenges that faced him were staggering – exceptionally low morale with an unacceptable lack of productivity. In many ways, the Ole Miss landscape services was actually an extreme example of the same problems facing many organizations then and today.

Jeff believed the challenges could be overcome with focused team effort. So, he established a four-step process he calls “The GROW System.” Jeff works from the position that everybody wants to be successful and they can be – by recognizing their personal potential. Great teams, Raising results, Offense scores and Winning Attitudes, these four things, formed Jeff’s GROW System.

Jeff has been praised by Forbes and the Huffington Post for his book, Growing Weeders into Leaders, where he shares how his team went from last place to being on the national stage. It wasn’t long before PGMS, Newsweek, Princeton Review, and USA Today all recognized Jeff’s teamwork and awarded their efforts with the nation’s most beautiful campus designation.

Dan Cathy, chairman of board of Chick fil A, had this to say about Jeff’s book, “…[it] serves as a guide for all current and future leaders. As a member of the leadership team at Chick-fil-A, part of my job is to help define the future of our business. One thing we have learned throughout my tenure at Chick-fil-A is that there’s a big difference between locating leaders and cultivating them. Jeff reminds us that all leaders can be cultivated with the right pruning and nurturing.”

Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in Landscape and Ornamental Horticulture from Auburn University and is a Certified Arborist and Grounds Manager.

Chief Executive Officer at HighGrove and President at Copianan

Jim is a passionate and innovative leader. His primary focus for over 30 years has been to help his team, clients, and company achieve their respective goals. He has experience in all facets of building and operating a high-performance landscape company.

Jim received his Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia and began his career with Post Properties as a Landscape Designer. In 2001, Jim bought the company from Post and created HighGrove Partners, one of the largest landscape companies in the southeast with over 200 employees.

Jim has been an active member of the landscape industry. He has served on the Board of Directors for NALP, where he also served as president from 2014 to 2015. In addition, he is a past president of the NALP Foundation. Jim loves to help people grow in this industry and is a frequent speaker at various events throughout the country.

Owner, McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Kevin McHale, along with his brother Steve, founded McHale Landscape Design in 1981 upon graduation from West Virginia University. Kevin is President of McHale Landscape Design and has served on the University of Maryland Landscape Advisory Board, The Penn St Landscape Advisory Board and as LCA President in 1996 and again in 2006. Kevin was recognized by the LCA last year with the Landscape Leadership Award which is presented to landscape professionals who have shown exceptional leadership and have positively impacted the landscape industry.

McHale Landscape Design is a “Residential Design Build/Estate Gardening Firm” serving the Washington DC market including Northern Virginia, Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The company operates 6 locations throughout the region and also maintains a 50 Acre Nursery which caters only to the McHale client base. The firm has won over 400 local and national Landscape Awards. The McHale business model focuses on the “Single Source” philosophy and the company employs “In House” carpentry and masonry crews to assure the clients experience is exceptionally seamless.

CEO & Owner of Lifescape Colorado

Michael Hupf is a seasoned professional with a comprehensive background in both entrepreneurial management and strategic, financial, and operational management consulting. His career has spanned several high-profile organizations, including Lifescape Colorado, McKinsey & Company, Deloitte, Advance Publications, Inc. (Conde Nast), and Signature Wine Cellars, Inc., where he has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth and improve operational efficiencies. Michael's educational foundation is as impressive as his career trajectory, holding degrees from Stanford Business School and Creighton University. This educational background has provided him with a solid foundation in business principles and practices, which he has adeptly applied throughout his career.

Michael's specialties lie in navigating companies through complex business landscapes, where he utilizes his expertise in entrepreneurial management to foster innovation and strategic growth. His work at consulting giants like McKinsey & Company and Deloitte has honed his skills in offering actionable, strategic advice to a range of clients, from startups to established enterprises. Furthermore, his experience with Advance Publications, Inc. (Conde Nast) and Signature Wine Cellars, Inc. showcases his versatility and ability to adapt to the unique needs and challenges of diverse industries. Michael's leadership and strategic vision have not only propelled the companies he has worked with forward but have also made a lasting impact on the broader business landscape.

Global Chief Economist, Global Head of Research, Head of Americas Research

Specialist in macro and real estate economics. CBRE Global Chief Economist and Global Head of Research. Senior Fellow and Lecturer in Real Estate, Graduate School of Design - Harvard University. Professor of the Practice, Keenan Flagler Business School – University of North Carolina. Honorary Professor, Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction - University College London. Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – MRICS. Counselor of Real Estate – CRE.

Author of: Real Estate and Globalization, 2012, (Wiley Blackwell, Oxford), explains the impact on Western real estate markets of the rise of emerging markets such as China and Brazil.

The Determinants of Small Firm Growth, 1995, (Jessica Kingsley for the Regional Studies Association, London), examines the role of small and medium-sized firms play in regenerating regional economies.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

1111 14th St, 1111 14th Street, Denver, United States