Irrigation Show Looking to be Pitch Perfect

By John Kmitta

I have to admit that I got a little bit giddy about Irrigation Show 2013 (to be held Nov. 6 – 7 in Austin, Texas) when I heard that show management is bringing in an ace as its keynote speaker.

Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan will deliver the keynote address and host a question-and-answer session during the Irrigation Show General Session Nov. 7 from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

According to the Irrigation Association (IA), Ryan’s address will focus on taking care of the customer. As principal owner and CEO of the Texas Rangers, he knows a thing or two about taking care of the millions of customers that make up the franchise’s loyal fan base.

Doors open at 8 a.m., and a continental breakfast will be served. The General Session is included in the price of registration. If you are a baseball fan like me, you shouldn’t need much more enticement to attend the Irrigation Show.

But in addition to booking someone who knows how to throw a pitch, Irrigation Show also booked someone who knows how to be on pitch. The inaugural winner of NBC’s “The Voice,” Javier Colon, will headline the Irrigation Show Opening Night Party. Colon will perform during the Celebrate Texas! party from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 5. Since his victory in 2011, Colon has released a solo album, “Come Through For You,” and has collaborated with several Grammy Award-winning artists, including Maroon 5, Colbie Caillat and Joss Stone. He continues to tour and perform throughout the United States. Hors d’oeuvres will be served from 7:30 p.m. until Colon takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. The Celebrate Texas! event is open to all attendees with full registration.

Sports legends and celebrity entertainers aside, there are plenty of more reasons to attend Irrigation Show 2013:

Two co-locating show partners — the International Professional Pond Companies Association, and the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association — will bring additional educational opportunities and new exhibitors to the event.
Hundreds of industry vendors will showcase their latest innovations on the trade show floor.
All-new Education Conference irrigation seminars and technical sessions.
IA certification exams.
Point of Connection networking events.
Green Industry Career Fair.
TCEQ-approved education offerings for Texas professionals.
IA Resource Center — a one-stop shop for innovations, industry publications and other tools and ideas to improve your business.

For more information about Irrigation Show 2013, or to register, visit www.irrigationshow.org.