Nearly 9,000 people from 57 countries attended the 2019 Irrigation Show and Groundwater Week in Las Vegas Dec. 2-6., according to the Irrigation Association. IA co-located with the National Ground Water Association and the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association, resulting in a show floor with over 600 exhibitors.

 
The association's education week featured new Industry Insights sessions, offering presentations and panel discussions on the latest trends, best practices and research updates on various agricultural and landscape irrigation and business topics. IA University courses teaching core irrigation curriculum drew many participants, and irrigation professionals became certified at the show by taking one of the IA's seven different certification exams.

Wednesday morning kicked off with a powerful message by keynote speaker Jim Abbott, a Major League Baseball pitcher who achieved success despite being born with only one hand. Abbott shared how he was able to overcome perceived limitations and reach his dreams.

Several networking events and socials held throughout the week allowed attendees and exhibitors to connect. The opening night party celebrated the lights and colors of Las Vegas, and those attending enjoyed food and drinks, as well as the opportunity to get a picture taken seated on the brand-new Harley-Davidson motorcycle being raffled during the show to benefit workforce development.

The 2019 New Product Contest winners were announced at Thursday's general session, hosted by IA CEO Deborah Hamlin, CAE, FASAE; 2019 IA president Ed Santalone Jr.; and incoming 2020 IA president Jon Topham, CAIS, CID. They recognized and honored the 2019 award winners and shared what the IA has accomplished over the past year. For information about the new product contest winners, go to www.irrigationshow.org/2019winners. For information about IA awards and the 2019 recipients, visit www.irrigation.org/awards.

The IA is now setting its sights on San Antonio, where the show will be held Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2020.