IA University
IA University is the core curriculum for irrigation professionals. These classes are offered every year to ensure you have the fundamental and practical skills necessary to design, install or maintain an irrigation system, as well as the business skills to manage a small irrigation company.
IA University classes include
- real-world applications and irrigation case studies.
- current techniques, field-tested results and best practices.
- instructors with industry expertise and proven teaching experience.
Choose the class that’s right for you:
- Beginner — for individuals with no or very limited irrigation experience.
- Intermediate — for individuals with basic knowledge of irrigation concepts and techniques and some experience in the field.
- Advanced — for individuals with an in-depth understanding of irrigation concepts and techniques and extensive experience in the field.
IA University classes are priced separately and are not included in the full registration fee. Each class registration includes a free exhibits-only pass, which includes exhibits, Live From the Show Floor! presentations, the new product contest, general session and keynote address.
Register by Nov. 1 and take advantage of our early bird rates. Register for three or more classes by Nov. 1 and save 5% on your total registration fee. When prompted, enter coupon code “3classes” in your shopping cart to receive the discount. Early registration is encouraged to receive discounted pricing and a guaranteed seat. Class pricing is based on registration by Nov. 1. Classes are taught in Imperial units.
Class Options
Browse education classes by focus:
- pumps and soils
- agriculture
- landscape and golf
- landscape business basics
Pumps & Soils
Understanding Pumps
(formerly Pumps & Pumping Systems)
Beginner | Agriculture, Landscape & Golf | 4 CEUs
Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Instructors: Rick Arena, SiteOne Landscape Supply & John Maxwell, Maxwell Irrigation
Learn about the types of pumps used in irrigation, pump performance, reading pump curves, making pump selections and an intro to basic pump controls.
Member $125 | Nonmember $165 (includes manual)
Pump Controls & Package Systems
(formerly Advanced Pumps)
Advanced | Agriculture, Landscape & Golf | 4 CEUs
Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Instructors: Rick Arena, SiteOne Landscape Supply & Bob Jansen, Cornell Pump Company.
Learn about pump controls with a focus on variable frequency drives as well as “packaged” pump stations.
Member $125 | Nonmember $165 (includes handouts)
Irrigated Soils
Intermediate | Agriculture, Landscape & Golf | 2 CEUs
Thursday, Dec. 5 | 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Instructors: Andy Veatch, Retired & Don Franklin, Hunter Industries Inc.
Learn the essentials of the soil-water relationship. This course covers soil components, formation, physical properties and textural classes; water movement in the soil; and water uptake by plants.
Member $80 | Nonmember $105 (includes handouts)
Soil-Plant-Air-Continuum
Advanced | Agriculture, Landscape & Golf | 2 CEUs
Thursday, Dec. 5 | 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Instructors: John Raffiani, Raffiani’s Automatic Sprinkler Service & Larry King, USDA-NRCS West National Technology Support Center
Master advanced concepts related to the soil-plant-air-continuum. This course covers how plants use water for transpiration and photosynthesis, store energy from the sun for use by other living things, and use and emit carbon and oxygen in a continuous cycle that is essential to life.
Member $80 | Nonmember $105 (includes handouts)
Agriculture
Agricultural Drip/Micro Design
Advanced | Agriculture | 16 CEUs
Monday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 1)
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 2)
Instructors: John Maxwell, Maxwell Irrigation & Kyle Feist, Irrigation Training & Research Center, Cal Poly State University
Design efficient, economic irrigation systems for orchards and row crops. Two full days cover crop requirements, filtration, pumping, pressure regulation and emitter/sprayer selection. Recommended review for the certified irrigation designer drip/micro specialty exam.
Member $295 | Nonmember $395 (includes manual)
Center Pivot Design
Advanced | Agriculture | 16 CEUs
Monday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 1)
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 2)
Instructors: Steve McCoon, Nelson Irrigation Corp. & Blake Reid, Reid Brothers Irrigation & Equipment Co. LLC
Understand center pivot design and system management. Two full days cover theory and practical applications, including nozzle selection, application rates and scheduling. Recommended class preparation includes Principles of Irrigation.
Member $250 | Nonmember $330 (includes manual)
Principles of Irrigation: Agriculture
Intermediate | Agriculture | 16 CEUs
Monday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 1)
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 2)
Instructors: Larry King, Retired & Clarence Prestwich, USDA-NRCS West National Technology Support Center
Master theory and application principles for agriculture in this intensive session. Two full days cover soil-water-plant relationships, advanced hydraulics, electricity, pumps, valves and irrigation equipment. Recommended review for the certified irrigation designer general agriculture exam.
Member $250 | Nonmember $330 (includes manual)
Agricultural Irrigation Specialist
Advanced | Agriculture | 13 CEUs
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 1)
Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Day 2)
Instructors: Kyle Feist, Irrigation Training & Research Center, Cal Poly State University & Larry King, Retired
Master irrigation management for surface (furrow and border strip) and pressurized (micro and sprinkler) systems. This one-and-a-half-day session includes irrigation volume and frequency, evapotranspiration and crop coefficients, scheduling, and salinity effects. This class is recommended as a review for the certified agricultural irrigation specialist exam.
Member $250 | Nonmember $330 (includes manual)
Landscape & Golf
Electrical Troubleshooting: Diagnosing Field Wiring Problems (English & Spanish Versions)
Beginner | Landscape & Golf | 4 CEUs
ENGLISH | Monday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Instructors: Craig Borland, The Toro Company & John Eggleston, Service First Irrigation
Save time and money with this practical course in electrical troubleshooting. This half-day class covers diagnosing field wiring problems and proper use of volt-ohm meters. Learn to systematically assess and resolve confusing electrical problems.
SPANISH | Friday, Dec. 6 | 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Jaime Bayona, Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply
Learn about evaluating local weather, soil moisture, flow control, water volume and valve operation with electricity, using irrigation controllers, solenoids, sensors and electric wires. Discover how these components operate and how to repair or replace them.
Member $125 | Nonmember $165 (includes handouts)
Irrigation Components for Residential/Small Commercial Systems
Beginner | Landscape | 4 CEUs
Monday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Instructors: John Raffiani, Raffiani’s Automatic Sprinkler Service & Don Franklin, Hunter Industries Inc.
Increase your understanding of components for residential and small commercial irrigation systems. This half-day course covers system components from the point of connection to the point of water application, including how control systems, valves, sprays and rotors work.
Member $125 | Nonmember $165 (includes handouts)
Landscape Irrigation Auditor
Intermediate | Landscape | 16 CEUs
Monday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 1)
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 2)
Instructors: Eric Olson, City of Fort Collins – Parks & Andy Slack, Slack Landscape & Irrigation
Learn how to assess irrigation system performance. This two-day session covers field tests and calculating accurate watering schedules based on plant water use, soils and local weather data. Recommended review for the certified landscape irrigation auditor exam.
Member $250 | Nonmember $330 (includes manual)
Landscape Irrigation Contractor
Advanced
| Landscape
| 16 CEUs
Monday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 1)
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 2)
Instructors: Kurt Thompson, K. Thompson and Associates LLC; Kevin McCaleb, City of Lake Oswego; & Andrew Chase, BrightView Landscape Services
This two-day class is a comprehensive refresher for experienced contractors. Topics include soil-water-plant relationships, hydraulics, basic electricity, grounding, pumps, building codes, scheduling and system uniformity. Recommended review for the certified irrigation contractor exam.
Member $250 | Nonmember $330 (includes manual)
Landscape Irrigation Design
Beginner | Landscape | 16 CEUs
Monday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 1)
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 2)
Instructors: Don Davis, SiteOne Landscape Supply & Nick Millward, City Rain Inc.
Take your landscape designs to the next level. This fast-paced course covers basic hydraulics, sprinkler head layout, zoning, pipe sizing, routing and matched precipitation rate principles. Students will complete two designs during the two-day class.
Member $250 | Nonmember $330 (includes manual)
Principles of Irrigation: Landscape
Intermediate | Landscape & Golf | 16 CEUs
Monday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 1)
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Day 2)
Instructors: Keith Schweiger, SiteOne Landscape Supply & Brian Vinchesi, Irrigation Consulting Inc.
Master theory and application principles for turf-landscape in this intensive session. Two full days cover soil-water-plant relationships, advanced hydraulics, electricity, pumps, valves and irrigation equipment. Recommended review for the certified irrigation designer general landscape/turf exam.
Member $250 | Nonmember $330 (includes manual/handouts)
Advanced Irrigation Wiring Methods & Troubleshooting
Intermediate | Landscape & Golf | 4 CEUs
Monday, Dec. 2 | 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Instructors: Craig Borland, The Toro Company; John Eggleston, Service First Irrigation; & John Raffiani, Raffiani’s Automatic Sprinkler Service
Master wiring for today’s sophisticated control systems. Learn about different types of transformers, proper phasing (primary and secondary), diagnosing problems using different meters, wire sizing for communication cables and two-wire systems, DC controllers, special solenoids, and proper splicing techniques.
Member $125 | Nonmember $165 (includes manual)
Two-Wire Technology Systems for Landscapes
Advanced | Landscape & Golf | 4 CEUs
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Instructors: Craig Borland, The Toro Company & Christine Hawkins, Hunter Industries Inc.
Advance your troubleshooting skills for two-wire systems. This class will address typical problems and diagnoses, procedures to avoid typical two-wire problems, and hands-on practice in solving problems in a classroom setting. You will also learn how to design and install flow sensors, decoders and grounding systems to protect expensive equipment.
Member $125 | Nonmember $165 (includes handouts)
Advanced Landscape Irrigation Design & Management
Advanced | Landscape & Golf | 8 CEUs
Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Marvin Pascual, Reinke Manufacturing Company Inc. & Christine Hawkins, Hunter Industries Inc.
Improve landscape water efficiency with better design, including uniformity, equipment selection and technology. This full-day session will address advanced irrigation concepts.
Member $190 | Nonmember $250 (includes manual)
Alternative Water for Landscape Irrigation
Advanced | Landscape & Golf | 8 CEUs
Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Instructors: Kevin McCaleb, City of Lake Oswego & John Raffiani, Raffiani’s Automatic Sprinkler Service
Targeted at experienced designers, this full-day course covers the basics of sustainable irrigation systems. Topics include using reclaimed water and rainwater harvesting and how they apply to LEED and other sustainability programs.
Member $190 | Nonmember $250 (includes manual)
Landscape Drip Irrigation Design & Management
Intermediate | Landscape | 8 CEUs
Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Instructors: Nick Millard, City Rain Inc & John Eggleston, Service First Irrigation
Incorporate drip irrigation in landscape applications with this comprehensive review of key design elements, including emitter selection, system layout, applications and scheduling. This full-day session covers line and point source products.
Member $190 | Nonmember $250 (includes manual)
Landscape Irrigation Technician (English & Spanish Versions)
Beginner | Landscape & Golf | 8 CEUs
Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
English Instructor: Keith Schweiger, SiteOne Landscape Supply & Scott Knowles, Wolf Creek Company Inc.
Spanish Instructor: Jaime Bayona, Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply
Learn the basics of hydraulics and irrigation system installation and maintenance, including an overview of irrigation system components and how they operate. Learn about gluing and repairing PVC pipe, installing nozzles and adjusting heads, setting and repairing electric valves, and field and controller wiring techniques. Recommended review for the certified irrigation technician exam.
Member $190 | Nonmember $250 (includes manual – English only)
Landscape Water Management & Planning
Intermediate | Landscape | 8 CEUs
Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Instructors: Kurt Thompson, K. Thompson and Associates LLC & Mark Crookston, Irrigation Innovation Consortium
Learn how to create water budgets, develop irrigation schedules, document water usage, and plan for periods of drought. This full-day class will help attendees maximize the benefits of smart technology and work effectively with water providers.
Member $190 | Nonmember $250 (includes handouts)
Valve Troubleshooting (Spanish Version)
Beginner | Landscape | 2 CEUs
Thursday, Dec. 5 | 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Jaime Bayona, Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply
Review the essentials of valves for properly working landscape irrigation systems. Learn about valve operation, identifying the parts, and maintenance and repairs.
Member $80 | Nonmember $105 (includes handouts)
Hydraulic Troubleshooting
Intermediate | Landscape | 4 CEUs
Friday, Dec. 6 | 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Instructors: Craig Borland, The Toro Company & Andy Veatch
Review the essentials of hydraulics for properly working landscape irrigation systems. This half-day class covers troubleshooting, design, system upgrades and more.
Member $125 | Nonmember $165 (includes handouts)
Landscape Business Basics
The Business of Landscape Irrigation Contracting
Intermediate | Business | 8 CEUs
Monday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Instructors: Chris Pine, C. Pine Associates Inc. & John Newlin, Quality Sprinkling Systems Inc.
Be exposed to current business practices in strategic planning, business finances and marketing through presentations, group discussions and exercises on best practices. This is designed to be an engaging day focused on business management that irrigation contractors can use to successfully grow their companies.
Member $190 | Nonmember $250 (includes handouts)
Managing a Landscape Irrigation Service Company: Technicians, Pricing & Marketing
Intermediate | Business | 4 CEUs
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Instructors: Chris Pine, C. Pine Associates Inc. & John Eggleston, Service First Irrigation
Explore the difficulties contractors encounter and discover strategies for finding, hiring, training and keeping service technicians. The course will also present hands-on models for pricing and discuss marketing topics
Member $125 | Nonmember $165 (includes handouts)
Managing a Landscape Irrigation Service Company: Water Management & Technology
Intermediate | Business | 4 CEUs
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Instructors: Chris Pine, C. Pine Associates Inc. & John Eggleston, Service First Irrigation
Develop an understanding of the differences between an installation and a service business and how today’s service business has changed into a “landscape water management business.” Explore the tools and technologies impacting this type of business.
Member $125 | Nonmember $165 (includes handouts)
Bidding & Estimating Landscape Irrigation Systems
Intermediate | Business | 8 CEUs
Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Instructors: John Newlin, Quality Sprinkling Systems Inc.; Andy Veatch; & Jim Huston, J.R. Huston Consulting Inc.
Develop bids that win jobs based on accurate estimates that keep your company in the black. This full-day course includes hands-on practice on the best contractor bidding systems. This class requires a laptop with Microsoft Office Excel 1997 or later (no MacBook or other Apple product).
Member $250 | Nonmember $330 (includes manual/software)
Math Tutorial– FREE
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Instructors: Chris Pine, C. Pine Associates Inc.; Andy Veatch, Retired; Christine Hawkins, Hunter Industries Inc.; & Andrew Chase, BrightView Landscape Services
Don’t let anything stand in the way of exceptional performance in the field, in IA University classes and on certification exams. This two-hour tutorial is an intensive review of the most common calculations and formulas used in irrigation system design, installation, audits and maintenance.
