Women in Hort - Start the Year Strong! Join Johnette Taylor for a Women in Hort Q&A on:

• Goal setting
• Reflecting honestly
• Navigating change
• Bold moves in male-dominated spaces
• Taking care of YOU first

For years, many employers operated under the assumption that the likelihood of ICE enforcement was minimal. The environment has shifted. Danny Ramirez with Monty & Ramirez LLP will recap recent ICE workforce investigations and raids, forecast what employers should expect in 2026 as immigration enforcement against employers accelerates, and explain how it's reshaping employer exposure. With the Trump Administration signaling an even more aggressive enforcement posture, employers should be prepared for targeted arrests of employees, search warrants, record seizures, and expanded ICE investigations. The session will also examine how ICE leverages SSA mismatch data and IRS-related anomalies to identify enforcement targets.

Key Takeaways:

• What ICE enforcement actions are employers likely to face in 2026
• What triggers scrutiny of employer records and workforces
• How SSA mismatches and IRS anomalies factor into investigations
• How HR teams should prepare for heightened enforcement
• Practical steps to take to reduce I-9 and enforcement exposure

Don't miss this opportunity to ensure your business is prepared for ICE’s heightened 2026 activity.

H-2B Program Updates Featuring Jacob Monty, Monty & Ramirez LLP Live Podcast | Sponsored by Forward.US

Homestead Room, 9:15 am - 9:40 am, January 5, 2026, DFW Hilton Lakes, Grapevine, TX

The H-2B program continues to evolve—and staying informed is critical for employers who rely on seasonal labor. In this live podcast episode, immigration attorney Jacob Monty of Monty & Ramirez LLP breaks down the latest H-2B updates, including recent policy changes, regulatory developments, and what employers should be preparing for now and in the year ahead.

Jacob shares practical insights, real-world implications for green industry businesses, and answers key questions facing employers navigating compliance, workforce planning, and advocacy efforts related to the H-2B program. Whether you’re a seasoned H-2B employer or exploring the program for the first time, this conversation delivers timely guidance you can put to use immediately.

Sponsored by Forward.US, supporting smart immigration policy and a stronger workforce.

Questions:

1. What H-2B updates should Texas landscape employers be paying closest attention to right now, and how could they impact seasonal hiring?
2. What are the most common compliance mistakes you see from Texas landscape companies using H-2B, and how can they avoid them?
3. How is federal advocacy shaping the future of the H-2B program, and how can Texas landscape businesses get involved?
4. For landscape companies new to H-2B, what should they realistically expect in terms of cost, timing, and value?

Economic Forecast and Industry Supply Demands Featuring Dr. Charlie Hall, Texas A&M University | Live Podcast conducted at the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum Sponsored by Landmark Nurseries, Inc.

In this live podcast, Dr. Charlie Hall shares an economic outlook for the green industry, examining market trends, consumer demand, and supply chain pressures. Learn what lies ahead for growers, landscapers, and retailers—and how businesses can plan for shifting costs, labor challenges, and changing demand in the months ahead.

Questions:

1. What does the current economic outlook mean for the green industry this year?
2. How are supply chain and input costs expected to impact growers and landscapers?
3. What demand trends should green industry businesses be watching most closely?
4. What steps can companies take now to stay resilient in an uncertain economy?

Top Tips for Talent Acquisition Featuring Justin Dorsey, SPHR, GPHR | Live Podcast held at the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum Sponsored by John Deere

Hiring and keeping great employees remains a top challenge. In this live podcast, Justin Dorsey of Texas HR Team shares practical tips for attracting, hiring, and retaining talent in today’s competitive labor market. Learn proven strategies to strengthen recruiting, improve hiring practices, and build a workforce that supports long-term business success.

Questions

1. What’s the biggest mistake companies make when trying to attract talent today?
2. Which recruiting strategies are working best right now for skilled labor roles?
3. How can employers better use technology and employer branding to promote open positions?
4. What’s one immediate change businesses can make to improve hiring results?

D.E.E.D. to Success Featuring Dee Maddox, DMX Consulting | Live Podcast recorded at the Lone Star Hort Forum Sponsored by Leaf Landscape Supply

In this live podcast, Dee Maddox shares the D.E.E.D. framework for building stronger, more effective teams. Learn practical strategies for developing employees, strengthening leadership, and creating a workplace culture that drives accountability, engagement, and long-term success in today’s workforce.

Questions

1. What does D.E.E.D. stand for, and why is it so effective for team success?
2. How can leaders use the D.E.E.D. framework to improve accountability and performance?
3. What common leadership behaviors hold teams back, and how does D.E.E.D. address them?
4. What’s one practical step leaders can take today to start applying D.E.E.D.?

Featuring Ryan Watkins, Hort Mentor | Live Podcast held at the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum

Change and uncertainty are constant in today’s green industry. In this live podcast, Ryan Watkins of Hort Mentor shares insights on adapting to shifting markets, labor challenges, and evolving customer expectations. Learn how leaders can stay flexible, plan ahead, and turn uncertainty into opportunity for long-term success.

Questions

1. What are the biggest unknowns facing the green industry right now?
2. How can businesses prepare for uncertainty?
3. What leadership skills matter most when navigating change?
4. How can companies turn uncertainty into an opportunity for growth?

Employers’ Biggest Legal Mistakes Featuring Dustin Paschal, Simon Paschal PLLC | Live Podcast held at the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum

Employment law missteps can be costly. In this live podcast, attorney Dustin Paschal breaks down the most common legal mistakes employers make and how to avoid them. From hiring and termination to policies and compliance, gain practical guidance to reduce risk and protect your business in today’s complex legal environment.

Questions

1. What are the most common legal mistakes employers are making right now?
2. Where do businesses most often get into trouble with hiring or termination?
3. How important are written policies in protecting employers from liability?
4. What’s one legal step employers can take today to reduce risk?
5. Can employers legally terminate an employee based on posts made on their personal social media accounts, and what factors should they consider before taking action?