Ed Hansen

Keynote Speaker - Wednesday

Ed Hansen is a dynamic leader, business coach, and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in the landscape industry. As the co-founder of EXT-TECH, a software platform transforming landscape management, and the former owner/ and founder of a multi-million-dollar Landscape company, Ed brings unparalleled insight into building and scaling businesses.

Currently serving as a TEC Canada TSB Chair and the President of Landscape Ontario, Ed is passionate about fostering leadership, driving innovation, and helping others achieve their full potential. His engaging and practical approach inspires leaders to navigate challenges, find clarity, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Ed’s journey is fueled by a deep commitment to helping others and a competitive spirit honed over years of leading teams and building successful ventures. His ability to blend strategic thinking with hands-on experience makes him a sought-after voice in leadership and business excellence.

David McKinney

Keynote Speaker - Thursday

David McKinney is a horticulturist, garden ecologist, entomologist, and plant physiologist currently working as the curator at the Iowa Arboretum and Gardens where he manages 160 acres of gardens, prairie restoration, and native woodland. Originally from Colorado, he received three degrees in horticulture from Colorado State University while also coordinating extensive perennial trials and demonstration gardens. He is passionate about native plants, and the interactions between plants and wildlife. On top of his curatorial work David is an award-winning writer and speaker, recently receiving the Emerging Perennial Professional Award from the Perennial Plant Association and Kenneth Post Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science.

2025 Speakers