DCIM100MEDIADJI_0140.JPG

Education programs and more for STMA 29th Conference & Exhibition

Photo credit: Andy Hebrard

Registration, all education sessions, and the trade show January 16-19, 2018 will be at the Fort Worth Convention Center, 1201 Houston St., Fort Worth, TX 76102

Learn best management practices from academics and industry experts through case studies, hands-on learning, traditional presentations and in-depth classes. Choose from eight educational tracks: turfgrass management, professional development, synthetic, industry developments, pest control, renovation, facility management, and soil science.

Essential information

Register at STMA.org for the Lowest Prices!

Airline Reservations

If you need help making travel arrangements, contact STMA’s travel agency, WorldTek, at 800-233-5989.

Airports

Two airports serve Fort Worth: Dallas Love Field, 34 miles from the convention center and Dallas/Fort Worth International, 24 miles away.

Antitrust Policy

STMA supports competition and adheres to a policy of strict conformity to the spirit and letter of the antitrust laws. Pricing, sales terms, wages and any other competitive information should never be discussed at STMA’s meetings.

Attire

Business casual (slacks and a collared shirt for men and comparable apparel for women) is the preferred conference attire. Coat and tie is requested for the Awards Banquet on Friday. Cutoffs, jeans, t-shirts, and ball caps are discouraged.

Banned Activities: Suitcasing & Outboarding

Suitcasing is when an attendee solicits business in the trade show aisles or other public spaces such as a hospitality suite or a restaurant. Also called outboarded events, these types of activities are detrimental to the exhibition. These are unethical business practices and will not be tolerated. To distribute information or conduct business, you must be an exhibitor. STMA has the right to remove anyone who violates this policy.

CEUs & Pesticide Recertification Credits

CEUs will be available through ASBA, GCSAA, NRPA, PGMS, NALP, TNLA and TTA. Seven Structural CEUs and eight Agricultural CEUs are approved for Texas. If you are attending from another state and need pesticide recertification credits, you are responsible for contacting your state’s Department of Agriculture for approval.

Conference Recordings (FREE)

All full conference registrants receive FREE access to the education session recordings. Look for an email post-conference with the link and password.

First-Time Attendees

Meet the STMA Board and your peers at a reception honoring you on Wed., Jan. 17, 6-7 pm. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary beverage. Be sure to wear your First-Time attendee ribbon for admittance.

Sponsored by Atlas Turf, Platinum TE, Pure Seed, Sod Solutions

Hotels

The Omni Hotel ($189 per night, single or double), the Hilton Ft. Worth ($169 per night, single or double) and the Sheraton Fort Worth ($169 per night single or double) are the hotels serving the conference. To reserve your room, go to STMA.org and click on the hotel links.

International Attendees

Meet the STMA Board and your peers at a reception honoring you on Wed., Jan. 17, 6-7 pm. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary beverage. Be sure to wear your International attendee ribbon for admittance.

Sponsored by Atlas Turf, Platinum TE, Pure Seed, Sod Solutions

New Members

If you are not a current STMA national member you are eligible to receive a FREE conference registration. New members must not have been a national member since 2000. Affiliate, Retired and Student memberships are not eligible for this program. Go to STMA.org to join as a new, first-time member. After the system recognizes you as a new member, you can register for the conference. STMA will only accept online registrations for those taking advantage of the free conference offer.

Twitter

Follow us at www.twitter.com/fieldexperts; Tweet #STMA2018

Weather

January’s average high temperature is 57 degrees with a nighttime average low temperature of 33 degrees.

Schedule at a Glance

 

Mon., Jan. 15

6:30 – 9 pm Registration Open

Tues., Jan. 16

6:30 – 8 am Continental Breakfast

6:30 am – 5 pm Registration Open

7 am – 4:15 pm Seminar on Wheels Tours

12 – 3 pm SAFE Topgolf Event

2:30 – 5 pm Academy Education

3 – 7 pm STMA Certification Exam

6 – 9 pm SAFE Night of Bowling

Wed., Jan. 17

6:30 – 8 am Continental Breakfast

7 am – 5 pm Registration Open

8 – 9:30 am General Session

9:45 am – 12 pm Conference Education

12:15 – 1:15 pm Fun Run/Walk

12 – 2 pm Break

12 – 2 pm Women’s Forum and Lunch

2 – 5 pm Conference Education

5:15 – 6:15 pm Networking Sessions

6 – 7 pm Chapter Board Members Networking and Reception

6 – 7 pm First-timers and International Attendees Reception

7:30 – 10 pm Welcome Reception

Thurs., Jan. 18

6:45 – 7:45 am Certification Breakfast

7 – 8 am Continental Breakfast

7 am – 5 pm Registration Open

8 – 10:45 am Conference Education

11 am – 1:15 pm Keynote Address/Annual Meeting/Lunch

1:30 – 6 pm SAFE Silent Auction

1:30 – 6:30 pm Exhibit Hall Open/Receptions

2 – 4:30 pm Student Challenge

Fri., Jan. 19

7 – 8 am Continental Breakfast

7 – 9 am Past Presidents’ Breakfast

7 – 11 am Registration Open

8 – 10 am Conference Education

10 am – 12:30 pm SAFE Silent Auction

10 am – 1 pm Exhibit Hall Open/Lunch

12:45 – 5 pm Seminar on Wheels

1:30 – 2:30 pm Fun Run/Walk

1:30 – 3 pm Conference Education

6:30 – 10 pm SAFE Live Auction/STMA Awards Reception and Banquet

Sat., Jan. 20

8 am – 12 pm STMA Certification Exam

8 am – 1 pm ASBA Certification Exam

Sponsors: Atlas Turf, Barenbrug, Beacon, Bush, Campey Imants, Carolina Green, Covermaster, Diamond Pro, Ewing, FIELDS Inc., Hunter, John Deere, Little League Int., Pioneer, Platinum TE, Pro’s Choice, Pure Seed, Rain Bird, Redexim, Sod Solutions, Syngenta, Toro, Turface, Vescio, World Class

Thank you to our sponsors!

SAFE and STMA appreciate the support and commitment of our Conference sponsors. Please take a moment in the Exhibition Hall to thank these companies.

Event Highlights

 

Wed., Jan. 17

Opening General Session

8 – 9:30 am

We Are All in This Together

Relationships Between Sports Field Managers and Athletic Directors

Speakers: Weston Appelfeller, CSFM – Columbus Crew SC; Andy Loughnane – Columbus Crew SC; Andy Gossel – Covenant Christian High School; Megan VanArsdale, Boyle County Schools

Join us for discussion about how to establish and expand successful working relationships between sports turf managers and their supervisors and athletic directors, with a lively Q&A session following the presentation.

Networking Sessions

5:15 – 6:15 pm

Meet your peers in this facilitated session where you can share your issues and hear practical solutions. Each category of membership meets in separate rooms.

Chapter Board Members Hot Topics & Reception

6 – 7 pm

Chapter Board members are invited to a reception to meet fellow chapter leaders. The reception will feature a “Hot Topics” speed-session and discussion so that you can bring timely and relevant information back to your chapters.

Sponsored by Hunter Industries, John Deere, Pioneer Athletics, Turface Athletics

First -Time Attendee and International Attendee Reception

6 – 7 pm

This reception honors our international attendees and new conference participants. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and redeem a complimentary drink ticket. Appropriate ribbons must be worn for admittance.

Sponsored by Atlas Turf, Platinum TE, Pure Seed, Sod Solutions

Welcome Reception

7 – 10 pm

Reconnect with old friends and meet new peers at this heavy hors d’oeuvres event. Drink ticket included.

Sponsored by The Toro Company and Covermaster

Thurs., Jan. 18

Keynote Address, Annual Meeting & Lunch

11 – 1:15 pm

Speaker: Mark Johnson – Retired NCAA Division 1 Baseball Coach

Everyone Counts Because Everyone Brings an Attitude, Energy, Enthusiasm, and Enthusiasm

Mark Johnson has spent years speaking throughout the country and overseas. He will bring high energy and exhibit 41 years of coaching motivation. He will visit humorous topics concerning the “In’s and Outs of Baseball” and the honored tradition of baseball “signs.” Mark will inspirationally touch on subjects of adversity, pressure, vision, and ‘risking-to-achieve.” At the end, he will ask you to get off the sidelines and “let your light shine.”

Sponsored by World Class Athletic Surfaces

Thurs., Jan. 18 & Fri., Jan. 19

Exhibition & Silent Auction

Thursday 1:30 – 6:30 pm (Dessert and Late Afternoon Reception)

Friday 10 am – 1 pm (Lunch on the show floor)

See the latest products and innovations! Meet with product developers and company representatives to find out how their solutions can save you time, money and make you more productive.

Purchase items from our re-energized Silent Auction. Proceeds benefit the SAFE Foundation.

Silent Auction sponsored by Pioneer Athletics

Fri., Jan. 19

Awards Reception, Banquet & SAFE Live Auction

6:30 – 10 pm

Support SAFE by bidding on equipment, technology and sports experiences during the pre-banquet reception. Then enjoy an elegant dinner immediately followed by the awards program. The presentation recognizes those who have achieved top honors in the industry. RSVP is required. Coat and Tie is the preferred attire.

Awards Program sponsored by Carolina Green, Ewing, Hunter and World Class Athletic Surfaces

Pre-banquet reception sponsored by Pro’s Choice

Conference Tracks 2018

 

Turfgrass Management

 

Wed., Jan. 17

9:45 – 10:45 am

In Season Plant Growth Regulators: High Risk or High Reward?

Keith Winter

 

11 am – 12 pm

Our Season with TifGrand

Nick Fedewa

 

11 am – 12 pm

Establishing a Bermuda Field Without Irrigation

Michael Skelton

 

3:30 – 5 pm

Optimizing Bermudagrass Athletic Field Winter Survival in the Transition Zone

Marcus Dean, CSFM, Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D.

 

Thurs., Jan. 18

8 – 9:15 am

Behind the Scenes: Recreational and Collegiate Athletic Field Management at the University of Florida

Jason Kruse, Ph.D.

 

8 – 9:15 am

Topdressing and Cultivation for Your Athletic Fields – Part 1

Nick Christians, Ph.D., Adam Thoms, Ph.D.

 

9:30 – 10:45 am

Topdressing and Cultivation for Your Athletic Fields – Part 2

Nick Christians, Ph.D., Adam Thoms, Ph.D.

 

Fri., Jan. 19

1:30 – 3 pm

In Season Plant Growth Regulators: High Risk or High Reward?

Keith Winter

 

 

Professional Development

 

Wed., Jan. 17

8 – 9:30 am

Opening General Session – We Are All in This Together: Relationships Between Sports Field Managers and Athletic Directors

Weston Appelfeller, CSFM, Andy Gossel, Andy Loughnane, Megan VanArsdale

 

9:45 – 10:45 am

‘Professional’ Turfgrass Management

Michael Goatley, Jr., Ph.D.

 

2 – 3:15 pm

Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout

Lisa Goatley, M.S., L.P.C.

 

3:30 – 5 pm

Positive Coaching for Sports Turf Managers

Josh McPherson, CSFM

 

Thurs., Jan. 18

8 – 9:15 am

Professional Development: Necessary Steps in Your Career Advancement

James Bergdoll, CSFM

 

9:30 – 10:45 am

Have You Prepared Your Staff for Success or Failure?

Amy Fouty, CSFM

 

9:30 – 10:45 am

PR/Social Media Recognition: Why It’s Important for Your Boss to Know!

Glenn Gray, Tomás Silvani

 

11 am – 12 pm

Keynote – Everyone Counts Because Everyone Brings an Attitude, Energy and Enthusiasm

Mark Johnson

 

Fri., Jan. 19

1:30 – 3 pm

‘Professional’ Turfgrass Management

Michael Goatley, Jr., Ph.D.

 

 

Synthetic

 

Wed., Jan. 17

9:45 – 10:45 am

STC Guidelines for Synthetic Turf Base Systems

Francois Hebert

 

11 am – 12 pm

Synthetic Field Management

Matt Anderson, CSFM, Sarah Martin, CSFM, Doug Schattinger

 

Fri., Jan. 19

 

8 – 10 am

Lightning Round – Safer Sports: How Science Meets Mother Nature, Trends & Technology

Dan Sawyer

 

8 – 10 am

Lightning Round – Recycling, Repurposing, and Reusing Rubber Infilled Systems

Darren Powers

 

Industry Developments

 

Tues., Jan. 16

2:30 – 5 pm

30 Years of Sports Turf Research – What Have We Learned?

Trey Rogers, Ph.D.

 

Wed., Jan. 17

9:45 – 10:45 am

Athletic Field Performance Testing

Gerald Henry, Ph.D., Chase Straw

 

11 am – 12 pm

Beyond the Science, the Art of Sports Turf

Stephen Crockett, CSFM

 

3:30 – 5 pm

Athlete Perception and Injury Risk Within Natural Turfgrass Sports Fields

Gerald Henry, Ph.D., Chase Straw

 

Thurs., Jan. 18

8 – 9:15 am

Sports Turf Research Focusing on Athlete Performance and Safety

John Sorochan, Ph.D.

 

Fri., Jan. 19

8 – 10 am

Lightning Round – Bluemuda: What Is It and Is It Right for You?

Brian Winka, CSFM

 

8 – 10 am

Lightning Round – Early Stress Detection Using Standard Cameras: Innovative Technology

Eyal Katz, Ph.D.

 

Pest Control

 

Wed., Jan. 17

11 am – 12 pm

Warm Season Weed Control

Speaker: James Brosnan, Ph.D.

 

3:30 – 5 pm

Low Budget Weed Control

Jared Hoyle, Ph.D., Jay McCurdy, Ph.D.

 

Thurs., Jan. 18

9:30 – 10:45 am

Turfgrass Insects

Gary Brooks

 

9:30 – 10:45 am

Understanding Dislodgeable Foliar Residues and Optimizing Pesticide Applications

Travis Gannon, Ph.D.

 

Renovation

 

Wed., Jan. 17

2 – 3:15 pm

Renovating a Collegiate Baseball Field in Multiple Phases

Jon Fitch

 

3:30 – 5 pm

In with the New: BMPs for Regrassing Cool-Season Turf

Michael Buras, CSFM, John Inguagiato, Ph.D.

 

Fri., Jan. 19

8 – 10 am

Panel Discussion – Cool-Season Field Renovation

Leah Brilman, Ph.D., John Inguagiato, Ph.D., Brad Park, Pamela Sherratt

 

8 – 10 am

Lightning Round – Recognizing the Depletion of Multi-Use Parks and Green Spaces

Peter Auth

 

Facility Management

 

Tues., Jan. 16

2:30 – 5 pm

Should Financing & Leasing be a Part of Your Acquisition Strategy?

Paul Danielson, CSE, Tim Borger, Dean Whitehead

 

Wed., Jan. 17

2 – 3:15 pm

Budgets Cuts – Are You Prepared to Justify?

Roger D. Havlak

 

2 – 3:15 pm

Facility Liability and Lawsuit Prevention

Patrick McGuiness

 

3:30 – 5 pm

Multiple Sports on Fields and Multiple Locations of Schools

Danny Foye, Jr., Kevin Morgan

 

Thurs., Jan. 18

8 – 9:15 am

Asking the Tough Questions

Grady Miller, Ph.D.

 

8 – 9:15 am

Making Better Weather-Based Management Decisions

Brad Jakubowski

 

9:30 – 10:45 am

John Mascaro’s Photo Quiz Comes Alive

John Mascaro

 

Fri., Jan. 19

8 – 10 am

ASBA Panel Discussion – Analyzing and Comparing Bid Specifications: An Apples to Apples Comparison

James Catella, PE, Michael Gentile, Craig Honkomp

 

8 – 10 am

Panel Discussion – When Disaster Strikes: A Guide to Manage, Recover & Prepare

Kim Bybee, Amy Fouty, CSFM, Bruce Suddeth, Mason Ward

 

Soil Science

 

Wed., Jan. 17

9:45 – 10:45 am

Sports Field Drainage – Problems and Solutions

Speaker: Andrew McNitt, Ph.D.

 

9:45 – 10:45 am

The Importance of Managing Soil Moisture on Athletic Fields

Kyley Dickson, Ph. D.

 

11 am – 12 pm

The Ups and Downs of Soil pH Modification

Nick Christians, Ph.D.

 

2 – 3:15 pm

Athletic Field Drainage from Design to Maintenance

Thomas Rychlik, P.E., LEED-AP

 

2 – 3:15 pm

Advanced Soil Science for the Sports Turfgrass Professional

Bryan Hopkins, Ph.D.

 

Fri., Jan. 19

1:30 – 3 pm

Athletic Field Drainage from Design to Maintenance

Thomas Rychlik, P.E., LEED-AP

 

Conference Learning Sessions

 

Tues., Jan. 16

 

STMA Short Courses

2:30 – 5 pm

  1. Should Financing & Leasing be a Part of Your Acquisition Strategy?

Speaker: Paul Danielson, CSE, The Toro Company; Tim Borger, TCF Equipment Finance, A Division of TCF National Bank

  1. 30 Years of Sports Turf Research – What Have We Learned?

Speaker: Trey Rogers, Ph.D. – Michigan State University

 

Wed., Jan. 17

8 – 9:30 am

Opening General Session

We Are All in This Together: Relationships Between Sports Field Managers and Athletic Directors

Speakers: Weston Appelfeller, CSFM – Columbus Crew SC; Andy Gossel – Covenant Christian HS; Andy Loughnane – Columbus Crew SC; Megan VanArsdale – Boyle County Schools

9:45 – 10:45 am

  1. Sports Field Drainage – Problems and Solutions

Speaker: Andrew McNitt, Ph.D. – Penn State University

 

  1. ‘Professional’ Turfgrass Management

Speaker: Michael Goatley, Jr., Ph.D. – Virginia Tech

 

  1. In Season Plant Growth Regulators: High Risk or High Reward?

Speaker: Keith Winter – Fort Wayne TinCaps

 

  1. STC Guidelines for Synthetic Turf Base Systems

Speaker: Francois Hebert – Design & Solutions for Sports Surfaces F.H ltd (DSSS)

 

  1. The Importance of Managing Soil Moisture on Athletic Fields

Speaker: Kyley Dickson, Ph. D. – University of Tennessee

 

  1. Athletic Field Performance Testing

Speakers: Gerald Henry, Ph.D. and Chase Straw – University of Georgia

 

 

11 am – 12 pm

  1. Beyond the Science, the Art of Sports Turf

Speaker: Stephen Crockett, CSFM – City of Union City, Tennessee

 

  1. Warm Season Weed Control

Speaker: James Brosnan, Ph.D. – University of Tennessee

 

  1. Synthetic Field Management

Speakers: Matt Anderson, CSFM – The University of Arizona; Sarah Martin, CSFM – City of Phoenix, Parks and Recreation Department; Doug Schattinger – Pioneer Athletics

 

  1. Our Season with TifGrand

Speaker: Nick Fedewa – SMG Jacksonville/Jaguars

 

  1. Establishing a Bermuda Field Without Irrigation

Speaker: Michael Skelton – Culpeper County Parks and Rec

 

  1. The Ups and Downs of Soil pH Modification

Speaker: Nick Christians, Ph.D. – Iowa State University

 

2 – 3:15 pm

  1. Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout

Speaker: Lisa Goatley, M.S., L.P.C. – The Cascade Group

 

  1. Athletic Field Drainage from Design to Maintenance

Speaker: Thomas Rychlik, P.E., LEED-AP – Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc.

 

  1. Renovating a Collegiate Baseball Field in Multiple Phases

Speaker: Jon Fitch – Shive-Hattery, Inc.

  1. Budgets Cuts – Are You Prepared to Justify?

Speaker: Roger Havlak – City of San Angelo / Angelo State University

 

  1. Advanced Soil Science for the Sports Turfgrass Professional

Speaker: Bryan Hopkins, Ph.D. – Brigham Young University

 

  1. Facility Liability and Lawsuit Prevention

Speaker: Patrick McGuiness – Zlimen and McGuiness, Attorneys at Law

 

3:30 – 5 pm

  1. Optimizing Bermudagrass Athletic Field Winter Survival in the Transition Zone

Speakers:  Marcus Dean, CSFM and Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D., University of Kentucky

 

  1. Multiple Sports on Fields and Multiple Locations of Schools

Speakers: Danny Foye, Jr. and Kevin Morgan – Duval County School Board

 

  1. Athlete Perception and Injury Risk Within Natural Turfgrass Sports Fields

Speakers: Gerald Henry, Ph.D. and Chase Straw – University of Georgia

 

  1. In with the New: BMPs for Regrassing Cool-Season Turf

Speakers: Michael Buras, CSFM – Longwood Cricket Club; John Inguagiato, Ph.D. – University of Connecticut

 

  1. Low Budget Weed Control

Speakers: Jared Hoyle, Ph.D. – Kansas State University; Jay McCurdy, Ph.D. – Mississippi State University

 

  1. Positive Coaching for Sports Turf Managers

Speaker: Josh McPherson, CSFM – University of Missouri

 

5:15 – 6:15 pm

STMA Networking Sessions

Meet with your peers during this formalized networking session. Each category of membership meets separately to share issues and practical solutions.

 

Thurs., Jan. 18

8 – 9:15 am

  1. Professional Development: Necessary Steps in Your Career Advancement

Speaker: James Bergdoll, CSFM – City of Chattanooga Department of Public Works

 

  1. Sports Turf Research Focusing on Athlete Performance and Safety

Speaker: John Sorochan, Ph.D. – University of Tennessee

 

  1. Asking the Tough Questions

Speaker: Grady Miller, Ph.D. – North Carolina State University

 

  1. Behind the Scenes: Recreational and Collegiate Athletic Field Management at the University of Florida

Speaker: Jason Kruse, Ph.D. – University of Florida

 

  1. Making Better Weather-Based Management Decisions

Speaker: Brad Jakubowski – Penn State University

 

  1. Topdressing and Cultivation for Your Athletic Fields – Part 1

Speakers: Nick Christians, Ph.D. and Adam Thoms, Ph.D. – Iowa State University

 

9:30 – 10:45 am

  1. Have You Prepared Your Staff for Success or Failure?

Speaker: Amy Fouty, CSFM – Michigan State University

 

  1. John Mascaro’s Photo Quiz Comes Alive

Speaker: John Mascaro – Turf-Tec International

 

  1. Turfgrass Insects

Speaker: Gary Brooks – Bayer

 

  1. Understanding Dislodgeable Foliar Residues and Optimizing Pesticide Applications

Speaker: Travis Gannon, Ph.D. – NC State University

 

  1. PR/Social Media Recognition: Why It’s Important for Your Boss to Know!

Speakers: Glenn Gray and Tomás Silvani – Buffalo.Agency

 

  1. Topdressing and Cultivation for Your Athletic Fields – Part 2

Speakers: Nick Christians, Ph.D. and Adam Thoms, Ph.D. – Iowa State University

 

11 am – 12 pm

Keynote – Mark Johnson – Retired NCAA Division 1 Baseball Coach

Everyone Counts, Because Everyone Brings an Attitude, Energy, and Enthusiasm

 

Fri., Jan. 19

 

8 – 10 am

  1. ASBA Panel Discussion – Analyzing and Comparing Bid Specifications: An Apples to Apples Comparison

Speakers: James Catella, PE – Clark Companies; Michael Gentile – Sports Labs USA; Craig Honkomp – Sportsworks Field Design

 

  1. Panel Discussion – Cool-Season Field Renovation

Speakers: Leah Brilman, Ph.D. – DLF Pickseed USA; John Inguagiato, Ph.D. – University of Connecticut; Brad Park – Rutgers University; Pamela Sherratt – The Ohio State University

 

  1. Panel Discussion – When Disaster Strikes: A Guide to Manage, Recover & Prepare

Speakers: Kim Bybee – City of Carrollton; Amy Fouty, CSFM – Michigan State University; Bruce Suddeth – University of South Carolina Upstate; Mason Ward – City of Carrollton

 

Lightning Rounds

  • Bluemuda: What Is It and Is It Right for You?

Speaker: Brian Winka, CSFM – President, Missouri Sports Turf Consulting LLC

 

  • Recognizing the Depletion of Multi-Use Parks and Green Spaces

Speaker: Peter Auth – Santa Clara Unified School District

 

  • Early Stress Detection Using Standard Cameras: Innovative Technology

Speaker: Eyal Katz, Ph.D. – GrassFocus Ltd.

 

  • Safer Sports: How Science Meets Mother Nature, Trends & Technology

Speaker: Dan Sawyer – Brock USA

 

  • Recycling, Repurposing, and Reusing Rubber Infilled Systems

Speaker: Darren Powers – Redexim Turf Products

 

 

REPEAT SESSIONS

 

1:30 – 3 pm

  1. ‘Professional’ Turfgrass Management

Speaker: Michael Goatley, Jr., Ph.D. – Virginia Tech

 

  1. In Season Plant Growth Regulators: High Risk or High Reward?

Speaker: Keith Winter – Fort Wayne TinCaps

 

  1. Athletic Field Drainage from Design to Maintenance

Speaker: Thomas Rychlik, P.E., LEED-AP – Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc.

 

Optional Offsite Events

TopGolf, Bowling, Tours

The STMA conference offers several off-site, optional activities: three on Tuesday and one on Friday.

Tues., Jan. 16

Full Day Seminar on Wheels

7 am – 4:15 pm

Participants will travel to AT&T Stadium, formerly Cowboys Stadium. It has a retractable roof and serves as the home of the Dallas Cowboys. The second stop is Ford Center at the Star, which is a state of the art indoor athletic facility shared by the Dallas Cowboys, the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD high schools. The Next, tour Toyota Stadium and Toyota Soccer Center, where participants will hear about management practices for the 18 fields and view the concert stage and tunnel load-in areas. The final stop will be Dr Pepper Ball Park, home to the Texas Rangers affiliate, the Frisco RoughRiders.

Lunch and transportation included. Cost is $65

Sponsored by Bush Turf

Topgolf – A fundraiser for the SAFE Foundation

12 – 3 pm

Right around the corner from the convention center is TopGolf’s newest facility and the host for our afternoon golf event. Board the shuttle for a quick ride and enjoy an afternoon of food, drinks and “target” golf, using micro-chipped golf balls. STMA will have dedicated TopGolf staff to assist with setting up the game in each bay and make club recommendations. Participants hit the ball and within seconds of it landing the video screen shows you your driving distance, which target you hit, and how many points you made. Players will be playing in a tournament play environment as individuals. There are up to 6 players per “bay” area – so if you wish to have players placed together, please let us know! First, second and third place winners will receive prizes. Pricing will be $135 per person, with clubs, food and drink ticket included.

Sponsored by Diamond Pro and Carolina Green; Supporting Sponsors Vescio’s Sports Fields and Little League International

Night of Bowling – A fundraiser for the SAFE Foundation

Now in its fourth year, SAFE will hold its Bowling Event at Brunswick Westcreek Lanes. Sign up with fellow chapter members or other friends and bowl as teams or register individually and be placed on a team. Cost is $75 and includes transportation, dinner and drinks,

Title Sponsor: FIELDS, Inc. Drink Sponsor: Beacon Athletics

Fri., Jan. 19

Half-Day Seminar on Wheels

12:45 – 5 pm

The tour starts with the baseball-only Globe Life Park, home to the Texas Rangers. The asymmetrical playing field has an irrigation system that allows the entire outfield to be watered from one station. The complex includes a four-story office building at center field, a 12-acre lake and parks and recreation perimeter space. The final stop is TCU’s athletic facilities including the new soccer complex and sand-based football field. Weather (and time) permitting participants will see the baseball field, which was previously a golf course, and the track and field areas.

Sponsored by Bush Turf

On-site Optional Events

Run/Walk, Women’s Forum and Certification Testing

FUN Run/Walk

Wed., Jan. 17, 12:15 – 1:15 pm

Fri., Jan. 19, 1:30 – 2:30 pm

Join your fellow runners and walkers for outdoor recreation through historic downtown Fort Worth. Led by member Tom Nielsen with the Louisville Bats.

Celebrate Women!

Wed., Jan. 17, 12 – 2 pm

All women at the conference are invited to a facilitated discussion and enjoy lunch during this annual forum.

Founding sponsor Hunter Industries

Certification Testing

STMA and ASBA will be holding their respective certification exams during the conference.

Certified Sports Field Manager – Tues., Jan. 16, 3 – 7 pm and Sat., Jan. 20, 8 – 12 pm. Preregistration and prequalification required. Call STMA 800-323-3875.

CFB, CFB-N or CFB-S – Sat., Jan. 20, 8 am – 1 pm. Preregistration, pre-qualification and a one-day minimum STMA Conference Package required. For more information call 866-501-2722.

Student Specific Activities

Student Networking, Wed., Jan. 17, 5:15 – 6:15 pm

Gather with students from other colleges and universities to discuss trends, issues and career aspirations.

Student Challenge

Thurs., Jan. 18, 2 – 4:30 pm

Undergraduates in two- and four-year programs are eligible to compete in teams up to four people. Win $5,000 for your school. Those who participate in the Student Challenge receive FREE conference registration. Pre-registration is required and can only be completed online at STMA.org.

Founding Sponsor: Hunter Industries

Supporting Sponsor: Ewing

Student Lunch, Fri., Jan. 19, 12 – 1 pm

Join your fellow student members and network with sports field managers. Winners of the Student Challenge will be announced immediately following lunch at the Hunter Industries booth.

Conference Registration Fees

FULL Conference registration includes admission to all Education Sessions (except Optional Activities), the Welcome Reception, Awards Banquet, Trade Show, and online access to the educational session recordings. Attendees will receive breakfast each day, two lunches, two receptions, and dinner during the Conference.

 

Register on line for the lowest fees at STMA.org

Full Conference Registration   Online by 1/4/18

1st Member from Facility                      $375

2nd or more Member from same facility           $325

NEW STMA Member                            FREE

Non-Member or Chapter Only Member            $505

Student National Member                    $100*

Student Non-national Member $250

*Student members who participate in the Student Challenge receive FREE conference registration.

 

One-Day Packages, either Wednesday or Thursday $150 ea. day

Trade Show Only Pass: 2 days – Wed. and Thurs.                $50

Non-Industry Spouse/Companion Registration                       $150

Seminar on Wheels – full day                                                  $65

Seminar on Wheels – half day                                     $35

SAFE TopGolf Tournament                                                     $135

SAFE Bowling Tournament                                                     $75