The Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) has announced it will host its 30th annual conference and exhibition on January 22-25, 2019, in Phoenix, Arizona where education sessions, demonstrations and networking events will be on offer.
More than 1,600 experts in the field of turf management from around the world are expected to converge at the Phoenix Convention Center where a four-day schedule of events will be devoted to the outdoor sports field industry.
“For three decades, STMA members from around the globe have come together for this annual event to share innovative ideas and best practices to advance our industry,” said Kim Heck, CAE, CEO of STMA.
“Our conference’s intersection of leading experts and young professionals provides attendees with insightful educational programs and ample networking opportunities.”
Among the highlights there will be a volunteer field rebuild at Lindo Park – a local public park – as well as facility tours of State Farm Stadium (home of the Arizona Cardinals); Camelback Ranch (Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox training facility); Sun Devil Stadium at Arizona State University; Sloan Park & Riverview Park (Chicago Cubs Spring Training complex); and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (MLB Spring Training home of Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks).
At the conference, up to 50 learning sessions and panels will be presented by commercial representatives and renowned sports turf managers and academics from professional sports stadia, universities, high schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Learning sessions will be split into eight tracks, including turfgrass management, facility management, synthetic, pest control, water, industry developments, baseball, and professional development.
In addition, there will also be the chance for student teams studying turfgrass management to win two US$5000 grants by taking part in a competition testing their knowledge of turfgrass identification, soils, fertility, irrigation and drainage, pest management, sports field maintenance practices, human resource management, and more.
