A showcase of innovation and industry connection: 2025 Irrigation Show and Education Week recap

Association news | Spring 2026
EDITED BY Anne Blankenbiller
From industry honors to hands-on IA University education, the 2025 Irrigation Show and Education Week brought together irrigation’s best and brightest. Photos courtesy of the Irrigation Association.

The 2025 Irrigation Show and Education Week, hosted by the Irrigation Association in New Orleans, brought together irrigation professionals from across agriculture, landscape and lighting to connect, learn and explore the innovations shaping the future of efficient water management. Widely recognized as the world’s largest exhibition dedicated solely to irrigation, the event once again served as a central gathering place for industry leaders, practitioners and solution providers committed to advancing irrigation technology and best practices.

Throughout the week, attendees engaged with a robust IA University education program, immersive Industry Insights sessions and hands‑on learning opportunities designed to address real‑world challenges and emerging trends. On the exhibit floor, more than 170 exhibitors showcased cutting‑edge products and technologies, offering attendees direct access to the tools and solutions driving efficiency, sustainability and performance across irrigation applications. From the latest hardware and software innovations to practical field‑ready solutions, the exhibit floor reflected the depth and momentum of innovation within the industry.

Recognizing innovation: 2025 New Product Contest winners

The General Session and Industry Insights sessions were among the many opportunities for attendees to learn from and interact with some of irrigation’s foremost thought leaders and experts.

A cornerstone of the Irrigation Show, the New Product Contest highlights the newest and most innovative products introduced to the irrigation and landscape lighting markets. In 2025, the contest featured 22 new products and technologies entered across three categories: agriculture irrigation, landscape irrigation and landscape lighting. Winners were selected through official judging conducted during the show and announced during the General Session.

The agriculture irrigation category winner was Orion PC™ by Netafim, a true thin‑wall pressure‑compensated dripline designed to deliver high uniformity and durability across diverse field conditions. Featuring an advanced compact dripper and patented multi‑slot design, Orion PC provides precision irrigation for seasonal and single‑use growers who previously lacked access to pressure‑compensated technology, helping expand efficient water use in agricultural production.

In the landscape irrigation category, awards were presented in two revenue tiers. SIMPro – Always Connected Irrigation Controller by Grüngard was recognized among companies with annual revenue under $20 million, while Pro High‑Efficiency Nozzle by Hunter Industries earned top honors among companies with revenue of $20 million or more. In the landscape lighting category, Command Series by Brilliance LED was recognized in the under $20 million revenue tier, and Hunter Industries’ Terra™ TN60 and TG60 outdoor lights won in the greater than $20 million revenue tier. Together, these products exemplified innovation across the irrigation and lighting sectors.

Spotlighting emerging innovation: Startup Showcase and Startup of the Year

The Startup Showcase is a dedicated feature of the Irrigation Show, designed to spotlight emerging irrigation companies and accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies. Located in a designated area of the exhibit hall, the Startup Showcase provided qualifying startup companies with enhanced visibility, networking opportunities and the chance to compete for the inaugural Startup of the Year Award. Participating companies were evaluated by judges based on application materials and in‑person booth reviews during the show.

Companies exhibiting in the 2025 Startup Showcase included:

  1. Bobyard
  2. Grüngard
  3. IRRISketch
  4. Skilled Pro Academy
  5. Soil Drops
  6. SteadyFlow
  7. Wirevirus

The Startup of the Year Award was presented to IRRISketch, recognized for its innovative irrigation planning platform that simplifies the design process while improving water efficiency. The IRRISketch solution enables professionals to quickly create precise, customized irrigation plans for landscapes of any size, exemplifying the forward‑thinking solutions emerging within the irrigation industry. The award underscored the IA’s commitment to supporting new companies that are shaping the future of irrigation technology and sustainable water management.

2026 Irrigation Show heads to Las Vegas

Make plans to attend the 2026 Irrigation Show and Education Week, scheduled for Dec. 7–10 in Las Vegas. This year’s show will co-locate with Groundwater Week, giving attendees access to a high-traffic, high-energy exhibit hall. Watch irrigationshow.org for more information about how you can join us to explore, connect and learn as we blend inspiration and innovation with fun in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

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