Pondemonium 2024 was largely hailed as the best event yet by the hundreds of pond builders who attended. Themed “Build Your Business,” the event drew professionals to St. Charles, Illinois, where they networked, shared insights and learned strategies to elevate their water-feature businesses.
Pondemonium 2024 was a dynamic training and networking event designed for water-feature professionals, including contractors, retailers and distributors. Hosted by Aquascape, the event brings together participants from around the globe. Attendees learn about all aspects of water feature success, ranging from construction practices to marketing and financial management.
Event Highlights
The 2024 event kicked off with an all-day pond tour throughout Chicagoland, showcasing Aquascape water features in residential gardens. From expansive recreational ponds to artistic waterfalls and fountainscapes, the tour offered creative inspiration and new perspectives on pond building.
Day two highlighted artistic craftsmanship through presentations by Aquascape and 11 Artists of the Year from various regions. Each presenter shared how local topography and stone selection influence the design and installation of water features. The day concluded with a preview of Aquascape’s 2025 new products and a keynote speech by renowned wildlife biologist and TV personality Forrest Galante.
Hands-on training and construction projects kicked off day three, beginning with morning classroom sessions for both seasoned foremen and newcomers. Among the afternoon’s activities were a water feature-building contest and a weeping wall of indigenous stone construction project. Additional classroom sessions covered topics such as waterlilies, pond plants, koi and fish care, as well as business development.
The final day opened with “Cup of Coffee” roundtable discussions on various industry topics, followed by business-building seminars. The event concluded with a lively Blowout Bash that offered refreshments and ample opportunities to connect and network.
Aquascape Honorees
Aquascape honored several attendees with top honors during the event for their achievements as water feature professionals:
| Certified Aquascape Contractor (CAC) of the Year | Decker’s Pondscape of Pattersonville, New York |
| Businessperson of the Year | Aquatica of Wales, Wisconsin |
| Conservationist of the Year | DU Waterscapes of Taunton, United Kingdom |
| Digital Influencer of the Year | Streamworks Designs of West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Chris Baker Spirit Award | DU Waterscapes of Taunton, United Kingdom |
| Rookie of the Year | Zak’s Pond Service |
