APLD VC MENTORING PROGRAM | SPRING BLOCK 2026

The APLD Group Mentoring Program is a guided educational series designed to support both emerging and established landscape designers as they deepen their professional skills. In 2026, the program focuses on the APLD Core Competency of Professional Business Practices, offering practical guidance for building a confident, ethical, and sustainable design business. We meet as a group so you can network, build community and learn from each other.

The Mentoring Program is divided into two seasonal blocks—Spring and Fall—each consisting of four live sessions. Participants may register for one block or join both for a full-year experience (the fall block will be available for registration later in 2026). Each meeting will count as 1 hour of APLD CEU.

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Dates: January 8, February 5, March 5, and April 2 (all Thursdays!)

Time: 12 PM ET (9 AM PT, 10 AM MT, 11 AM CT)

Classes: Will take place on Zoom, with Q&A after each session

Instructor/coordinator: The sessions will be led by experienced professionals both in and outside of the design field. Rachel Gioannini is heading up the program—she's an experienced landscape designer and educator, as well as an Assistant Professor at New Mexico State University, plus serves on the APLD Board of Directors.

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During the Spring Block, we will explore the following topics:(Topics are subject to change)

• January: Setting financial goals
• February: Expanding streams of revenue
• March: Panel discussion | The value of networking and developing allies
• April: Photographing your work for media, awards, and certification

Across the series, discussions will focus on clarifying best practices, refine their business systems, and strengthen their professional foundation in alignment with APLD standards—all within a supportive mentoring environment.

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Recordings: We’d love to have you participate live so we can build community, but understand life happens, so we will have recordings available until April 15, 2026 (two weeks after the last class).