3 Key Takeaways
- RELS University connects landscape and hardscape professionals with manufacturers and industry experts for hands-on training.
- Upcoming sessions cover pavers, drainage, outdoor lighting, tools, lawn care, installation techniques and business development.
- New training opportunities will continue to be added, giving local professionals more ways to learn and prepare for upcoming projects.
The landscape and hardscape industry is always changing. New products reach the market, installation methods improve, and contractors have more options than ever when choosing materials, tools, drainage systems, lighting, and other products for their projects. RELS University gives local professionals an opportunity to keep learning by connecting directly with manufacturers and industry experts.
Held at RELS Landscape Supply, RELS University brings together contractors, landscape professionals, manufacturers, and product experts for training throughout the fall and winter. Sessions cover different areas of the industry, with product demonstrations, installation guidance, business education, and opportunities to ask questions directly to the people who work with these products every day.
The current schedule begins in late October and continues through February, but these are not the only RELS University events planned for the season. Additional classes and manufacturers will be added as they are scheduled, giving local professionals even more opportunities to learn, connect, and prepare for upcoming projects.
October 27: Aquascape Training
RELS University kicks off its fall and winter training schedule on October 27, 2026 with Aquascape. This session will focus on freestanding and pondless water features, giving landscape professionals an opportunity to learn more about incorporating water into residential and commercial outdoor spaces.
Water features can add movement, sound, and another design element to a landscape without requiring a traditional pond. Learning directly from Aquascape gives contractors a closer look at available products, installation methods, and planning considerations while introducing another option they may be able to offer customers looking to add something different to their outdoor living space.
November 4: Alliance Nitro Training
On November 4, RELS University continues with hands-on Alliance Nitro training featuring Alliance Gator. The session will focus on the installation and use of Alliance Nitro, giving contractors an opportunity to see the product in action and learn proper techniques directly from the manufacturer.
Hands-on training can be especially valuable with hardscape products because installation details can have a major impact on the finished project. Contractors can learn more about preparation and application, ask questions about real-world situations, and leave with a better understanding of how the product can be used on future hardscape projects.
November 18: Nicolock, Alliance Gator & NPS
The November 18 session brings together Nicolock, Alliance Gator, and NDS for training focused on pavers, retaining walls, natural stone, installation techniques, and product selection. Contractors can learn more about materials they may already use while also getting a closer look at additional options for upcoming projects.
A successful hardscape project involves more than choosing an attractive paver or wall system. Understanding installation requirements, compatible materials, and manufacturer recommendations can help crews work more efficiently and create finished projects that are designed to perform over time.
December 2: MSI, SEK, Warming Trends, IQ & Stonebench
RELS University continues on December 2 with MSI, SEK, Warming Trends, IQ, and Stonebench. This session brings several areas of outdoor living together, including surfaces, adhesives, tools, outdoor heating, and natural stone.
Bringing several manufacturers together gives attendees a chance to explore different parts of an outdoor living project during one session. Contractors can learn about products and installation methods they already use while discovering new materials, tools, and features that could expand the types of projects they offer their customers.
December 16: Unilock, Alliance Gator, Alpha & in-lite
Hardscape installation and outdoor living take center stage again on December 16 with Unilock, Alliance Gator, Alpha, and in-lite. The session will cover pavers, installation products and techniques, tools, and outdoor lighting.
This combination gives contractors an opportunity to look at a hardscape project as a complete system rather than focusing only on the finished surface. Pavers may be the most visible part of a patio or walkway, but installation materials, the right tools, and landscape lighting can all play an important role in how the finished outdoor space looks and performs.
January 13: ADS & NDS
To start the new year, RELS University moves into drainage and stormwater management on January 13 with ADS and NDS. This session will cover drainage products, pipe and fittings, catch basins and drains, water runoff solutions, and installation best practices.
Drainage may not always be the most visible part of a landscape, but it can be one of the most important. Contractors regularly deal with runoff, standing water, erosion, and other drainage challenges, so understanding available products and proper installation methods can help address problems before they lead to more expensive repairs.
January 27: Business & Culture Development with Rick Centra
Not every RELS University session is focused on landscape products. On January 27, Rick Centra, Senior Vice President and Business Unit Leader for Talent Management & Benefits at Pleasants, will lead a session focused on business and culture development.
Running a successful landscape or hardscape company involves much more than completing quality installations. Developing employees, building a strong company culture, retaining good people, and creating an organization where employees want to work become increasingly important as a business grows. This session adds a different perspective to RELS University by addressing the business behind the work.
February 10: SRW Products, Chesapeake Valley Seed, Leafgro & Ferti
As contractors begin looking ahead to spring, the February 10 session will feature SRW Products, Chesapeake Valley Seed, Leafgro, and Ferti. The training will cover grass seed and establishment, fertilizers and soil health, mulch and soil amendments, landscape fabrics and edging, and installation best practices.
The timing gives landscape professionals an opportunity to prepare for the busy spring season before projects and maintenance work begin picking up. Attendees can learn more about products that support healthy lawns and landscapes while getting information directly from manufacturers about selection, application, and proper use.
More RELS University Events Are Coming
These are just some of the RELS University sessions planned for the fall and winter. Additional training opportunities will be added as they are scheduled, so contractors and industry professionals are encouraged to check the RELS University page regularly for new dates, manufacturers, and topics.
RELS University is designed to provide more than product presentations. It gives landscape and hardscape professionals a place to learn from industry experts, see products and techniques in action, ask questions, and connect with other people working in the field.
Whether you want to improve your installation skills, learn about new products, better understand drainage and outdoor lighting, or strengthen the business behind your crews, RELS University provides an opportunity to keep learning during the slower fall and winter months. Visit the RELS University page to see the latest schedule and request information about upcoming sessions.