Portland Regional Chapter Meeting - 10/14/2026

Description

Join us at Ewing Outdoor Supply’s Tigard location for happy hour from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., followed by the presentation beginning at 5:00 p.m.

This practical working session is designed specifically for small to mid-size landscape contractors. It will be an honest, real-world conversation, not a product pitch, focused on helping contractors make informed decisions about irrigation controllers, water use, remote management, automation, and emerging AI technology.

Mark Pyrah of Peak Landscape will share the field and technical perspective, including which controller technologies are worth installing today, what is being phased out, what retrofits actually involve, and how crews use remote and central control systems in daily operations. He will also discuss connectivity challenges, managing multiple sites, water-use best practices for Oregon, flow sensing, leak detection, weather-based adjustments, and remote diagnostics.

Nic Wendland, Regional Turf and Ornamental Sales Manager at Ewing Outdoor Supply, will provide the supply-side perspective. He will review the remote-control software landscape, platform differences, subscription costs, manufacturer compatibility and lock-in, upcoming AI-driven features, what clients and property managers are requesting, and available training, certification, rebate, and conservation resources.

Throughout the session, Mark and Nic will offer an honest assessment of what is delivering real value and what may still be more marketing than practical application. The presentation will be followed by an open Q&A, giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions and leave with information they can put to work right away.

NOTE LOCATION:
Ewing Outdoor Supply - Tigard
10600 SW Cascade Avenue
Tigard, 97223