Another successful Pondemonium is in the books, and planning for 2020 is already underway! This year’s event was held Aug. 21 — 25, 2019 at the Q Center and at Aquascape headquarters in St. Charles, Illinois. The theme was “I Love My Job!”
Conference Highlights
Pondemonium 2019 started with an all-day leadership and team-building workshop featuring popular keynote speaker Marcus Sheridan, whose expertise is in sales, marketing and communications. Greg Wittstock, founder and CEO of Aquascape Inc., and Clark O’Neill, owner of Celtic Outdoor LLC, were also featured presenters at this well attended and highly popular pre-event workshop.
Hands-on training and construction builds officially started the three-day training and networking event on Thursday, with foremen and rookies attending a morning classroom session. Class was followed by the ever-popular waterfall-building contest in the afternoon. Certified Aquascape Contractors were able to get their hands dirty at the same time during an advanced build that incorporated fountain features with a pondless waterfall. Caterpillar was on hand to demonstrate their line of mini excavators, and attendees were able to test their skills driving the new equipment.
The next two days began with informal “Cup of Coffee” roundtable discussions featuring numerous topics about the industry. Water feature professionals from around the world led the conversations, providing their expertise on select subjects. Water feature business and construction seminars were held throughout the remainder of the day by leaders in the industry. In addition, attendees enjoyed a preview of innovative 2020 Aquascape products that incorporate the latest technology and advancements in the industry. The always-popular pond tour rounded out the schedule of activities.
Aquascape Accolades
Aquascape recognized several attendees with top honors during the event for their achievements as water feature professionals.
• Artist of the Year: Patrick Handley of Waterscapes Australia in Yandina, Queensland, Australia.
• Certified Aquascape Contractor of the Year: Derek Johnson of JVI Secret Gardens in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Businessman of the Year: Jason Turpin of Turpin Landscape Design/Build in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.
• Conservationist of the Year: Paul and Barbi Holdeman of The Pond Gnome in Phoenix, Arizona.
As always, Pondemonium wrapped up with its “Blow-Out Bash” on Saturday evening with beverages, hors d’oeuvres, music, games and plenty of networking with peers and Aquascape staff. Pondemonium 2020 is slated for Aug. 26 — 29. We hope to see you there!
