COURSES

Professional Development Workshops

Day and Date: Monday, November 17, 2025

Location: Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre, 36035 N Parallel Rd, Abbotsford, BC, V3G 2C6

Room: Pinnacle 1 Room
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:25 PM
CEUs: 0.5 per session (4.0 total for full-day attendance)
Lunch: 12:00 – 1:00 PM (included with registration)

Registration Fees

• IIABC Members: $199 (full-day access, lunch, and CEUs included)
• Non-Members: $299 (full-day access and lunch included; CEUs not recognized by IIABC but may be accepted by other organizations)

One pass per attendee. Passes are non-transferable and cannot be shared between individuals.

What to Expect

This full-day workshop series brings together experts in irrigation, business, health, branding, finance, and sustainability. Designed to benefit both field technicians and business owners, the sessions offer diverse perspectives and actionable strategies that apply across industries. Whether you're in irrigation, trades, management, or looking to grow your professional skillset, you'll walk away with valuable insights and CEUs to support your ongoing development.

Meet Our Speakers

Our speakers represent a dynamic mix of professionals, each bringing deep expertise from a range of sectors including irrigation, business, wellness, finance, education, and sustainability. Whether through advanced academic training, industry certifications, or decades of hands-on experience, each speaker offers unique insight designed to engage, educate, and inspire. This well-rounded lineup ensures that attendees gain practical takeaways, fresh perspectives, and valuable strategies—regardless of their background or area of work.

Click on the speaker’s name or photo in the accompanying document to learn more about their professional background and areas of specialization.

Workshop Schedule and Topics

8:30 – 9:15 AM
Maximizing Irrigation System Performance: Pumps, Pressure, and Practical Fixes
Speaker: Peter Torenvliet
Certified Irrigation Designer (IIABC) & Branch Manager, Southern Irrigation
Learn how to identify and fix common inefficiencies in irrigation systems by understanding pump dynamics and pressure management. This session is ideal for field staff, contractors, and designers who want to increase efficiency, save costs, and improve overall system performance. Includes real-world examples and simple diagnostics.

9:25 – 10:10 AM
Respect & Results: Working Better Together in Trades and Seasonal Teams
Speaker: Marz Hussain
Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) & Founder, The Mindful Workplace
Explore how to build more productive, respectful, and inclusive work environments—especially in fast-paced or seasonal operations. This workshop shares practical tools for improving communication, reducing conflict, and creating better team culture across industries. Great for supervisors, team leads, and anyone managing people.

10:20 – 11:05 AM
Making Irrigation Businesses More Profitable: Simple Strategies That Work
Speaker: Dr. Chris Bodnar
Assistant Professor, Agriculture, University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)
Business success doesn’t require overhauling everything—sometimes small shifts make the biggest difference. Learn practical ways to improve pricing, operations, and decision-making that can apply to any trade-based business. A must-attend for owners, managers, and anyone involved in business planning.

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Fit for the Field: Boosting Energy & Wellness in Physically Demanding Work
Speakers: Arsh Bains

Fitness & Wellness Coach

Staying physically healthy directly impacts productivity and morale. This session focuses on fitness and nutrition strategies for individuals working long hours in the field or on job sites. Whether you're managing a crew or working hands-on, this talk offers realistic ways to stay energized.

12:00 – 1:00 PM – Lunch Break (included) (Room: Pinnacle 2)

1:10 – 1:55 PM
Water, Soil & Carbon: What Irrigation Professionals Need to Know About Sustainability
Speaker: Dr. Mark Johnson
Professor & Canada Research Chair, University of British Columbia (UBC)
Gain a science-backed understanding of how water use, soil health, and carbon management intersect in today's sustainability landscape. This session is especially valuable as agriculture, landscaping, and construction sectors evolve to meet new environmental demands. Ideal for anyone interested in future-proofing their work.

2:00 – 2:45 PM
Branding & Online Presence for Trades & Irrigation Services
Speaker: Susan Friesen
Founder, eVision Media
Your online image can make or break business opportunities. Learn how to strengthen your brand, attract better clients, and stand out in a crowded market through digital marketing and online visibility. This session is helpful for small business owners, independent contractors, and anyone wanting to grow their business presence.

2:50 – 3:35 PM
Keep More of What You Earn: Smart Money Moves for Contractors and Trades Professionals
Speaker: Vishal Gill
Financial Planner & Founder, Portfolio Planning
Financial literacy is key to long-term success. This session covers practical strategies for budgeting, saving, investing, and tax planning—all tailored to the realities of contracting and trade-based work. Whether you're self-employed or employed, walk away with tips to build wealth more effectively.

3:40 – 4:25 PM
The Future of Food & Water in BC: What It Means for Your Business, Work & Community
Speaker: Dr. Lenore Newman
Director, Food & Agriculture Institute; Research Chair, UFV
Explore the trends shaping BC’s food and water systems—from climate to regulation—and what they mean for your work, business, and community. This session helps attendees understand where the industry is heading and how to adapt. Great for both frontline workers and decision-makers.

How to Register

1. Review the full agenda in the 2025 Annual Conference Program – Pages 9–10. Download
2. Questions? Contact us:
   Phone/Text: 604-556-1791
   Email: iiabc@irrigationbc.com