🌊 Edge’s Aquatic Services Heads to the 10th Annual SLMP Summit
Championing Better Pond & Lake Management Nationwide
Networking for the Future of Pond & Lake Management
The Society of Lake Management Professionals (SLMP) is the premier professional organization dedicated to advancing excellence in the stewardship and management of privately owned ponds and lakes. Founded by lake and pond professionals for lake and pond professionals, SLMP exists to elevate industry standards, expand professional networks, and promote science-based practices that ensure the long-term health, aesthetic appeal, recreational value, and environmental sustainability of inland waters. Its mission encompasses advocacy, education, innovation, ethical practices, and leadership in the private water management sector — all while fostering a community of practitioners dedicated to protecting our natural resources for generations to come.
SLMP’s vision is to be the go-to network and voice for lake and pond professionals across the United States, equipping members with cutting-edge tools, insights, and collaborative opportunities to solve real-world challenges on the water. The organization champions everything from fish and aquatic plant management to water quality improvement and client relations — all within a framework of ethical, environmentally sound practices.
Every year, SLMP convenes its flagship event: the Annual SLMP Summit, bringing together professionals, business owners, researchers, and product innovators for several days of learning, networking, and collaboration. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Summit, taking place January 19–22, 2026, at the Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
This event has grown steadily into one of the most anticipated gatherings in the pond and lake management field. Attendees come from all corners of the industry — from veteran consultants to new practitioners — to share experiences, discuss emerging technologies, and tackle the topics that matter most to them. From technical presentations to hands-on product demonstrations and round-table, Socratic discussion sessions, the Summit is designed to be interactive, practical, and immediately applicable in the field.
A hallmark of the SLMP Summit is its commitment to participation and connectivity. Rather than offering only lecture-style content, this year’s agenda includes breakout discussions where attendees and speakers engage in more direct problem solving. There are also expanded hands-on training opportunities and product demos, allowing participants to learn both the why and how behind complex management strategies.
For us at Edge’s Aquatic Services — our family-run fish farm based in Soperton, Georgia — the SLMP Summit is more than just a conference. It’s a chance to reconnect, share insights, and bring new ideas home to better serve clients and waterbody owners. Edge’s Aquatic Services is proud to be an accredited member and associate member of the Society, working alongside practitioners who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in managing private and public waters. Our involvement reflects a deep commitment to professional standards and continual improvement in services like fish stocking, water quality consultation, aquatic weed management, and overall pond ecosystem health.
Adding to the significance of this year’s Summit, Ethan Edge, part of the Edge’s family of farm and owner of Edge’s Pond Management, serves on the SLMP Board of Directors as Treasurer. Ethan brings years of hands-on experience, scientific insights, and leadership to the board, helping to steer the organization’s direction for education, advocacy, and member support. His presence on the board demonstrates Edge’s influence within the industry and their role in shaping best practices for private water management professionals.
The 2026 Summit promises a stellar lineup of speakers and special sessions, including appearances by Bob Lusk from Pond Boss Magazine and famed outdoorsman Bill Dance. Bob Lusk is a respected voice in the pond and aquaculture community, known for his deep knowledge of fisheries, pond construction, and aquatic ecosystems — all communicated in Pond Boss, a publication that has helped countless professionals and pond owners improve their practices. Bill Dance, a legendary figure in outdoor and fishing media, brings a rich perspective on fisheries, angler engagement, and the joy of healthy water recreation. Their involvement adds both expertise and energy to the event, creating unforgettable learning and networking moments for every attendee.
Beyond presentations and demos, SLMP Summit attendees benefit from social events that strengthen industry bonds — from opening receptions to evening gatherings and collaborative lunches. These experiences are integral to building the community that makes SLMP unique: one where relationships are forged, ideas are exchanged, and collective challenges are addressed with shared enthusiasm.
As Edge’s Aquatic Services prepares for another impactful Summit, We look forward to bringing back new tools, insights, and connections that will enhance our work across Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and beyond. Whether it’s improving water quality, optimizing fish habitat, or simply staying at the forefront of industry innovation, the Summit remains an invaluable part of our professional journey each year.
At Edge’s Aquatic Services, we offer full-service pond management, including:
- Water testing and treatment
- Lime and fertilizer applications
- Phosphorous mitigation
- Fish stocking and Electrofishing surveys
- Aeration system installations
- Aquatic Weed Control
📞 For Georgia and Southeastern states:
Edge’s Aquatic Services
Soperton, GA
Phone: (912) 529-3315
Website: www.pondstockingofgeorgia.com
“We sell quality, not quantity.” “Edge’s Aquatic is Home of the Oxbow Bass.”
Find us on social media:
