STMA, in partnership with eight chapters from the Midwest, will be bringing national level education and an outdoor exhibition to Iowa State University in Ames, June 24-25, 2009.

STMA Regional Conference set for June 24-25 at Iowa State

STMA, in partnership with eight chapters from the Midwest, will be bringing national level education and an outdoor exhibition to Iowa State University in Ames, June 24-25, 2009. The Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, MO-KAN, Gateway, and Ozark Chapters approached STMA about jointly hosting a conference in the Midwest, and STMA Immediate Past President Mike Andresen, CSFM offered up the facilities on the Cyclones’ campus. While focusing on Sports Turf Managers, STMA encourages attendance by members and crew alike, and will be providing education for all levels of sports turf experience. 


Attendees will be afforded an intimate look at the Iowa State University athletic facilities, as well as an in-depth view of some of Dr. Dave Minner’s notable sports field specific research on the ISU turf plots. Brad Jakubowski will be presenting on fertilizers as well as repeating a very popular session from the National Conference in San José, “Weather 101: Fundamental Meteorology for Turf Managers.”


In another repeat of a popular session from the National Conference, STMA Board Member Dale Getz, CSFM, CSE, will be presenting “Communicating with Coaches, User Groups, Administrators, and Other Nefarious Characters.” Dr. Andrew McNitt of Penn State and John Netwal, CGCS, have been invited to speak at the as well.


Another STMA Board Member, Larry DiVito, head groundskeeper at Target Field in Minneapolis, the future home of the Minnesota Twins, will be recounting his work at another MLB facility, Nationals Park, in Washington, D.C. The focus of his presentations will be “Constructing a New Major League Facility from Scratch,” as well as how to integrate state of the art environmental practices at a facility. Also planned are hands-on demonstrations that will cover topics such as Workplace Safety, Mowing Patterns, Field Maintenance Handwork, and Irrigation Issues. 


According to Dr. Mike Goatley, STMA Conference Education Chairman, “You will not find a better sports turf specific educational experience outside of the STMA Conference and Exhibition held every January.” 


Registration costs for the 2-day event are $75 for a member of STMA National or one of the eight participating chapters and $95 for a non-member. This price will include 2 days of education, entrance to the exhibition, an attendee gift, and most meals. Online registration will be available, so keep checking back at www.STMA.org for the most up to date information regarding the event.


STMA has also negotiated reduced rates at two Ames hotels. The AmericInn provides hot breakfast every morning and has double-occupancy rates starting at $79. The Country Inn and Suites, which neighbors the AmericInn, and also serves a daily hot breakfast, as well as a cocktail hour, starts at $89. For those looking for more economical accommodations, there are four-person, two-room suites available starting at $109 at the Country Inn and Suites. Both properties are less than a 5 minute drive from the Iowa State Athletic Complex and each are taking reservations at these special rates through May 27. Call 515-233-1005 for the AmericInn or 515-233-3935 for the Country Inn and Suites, and mention that you are with the Sports Turf Managers Association to get the negotiated rate.


Put June 24-25 on your schedule and start talking to your employer about making sure that you are able to attend this incredible educational opportunity. If you have any questions, please contact STMA at 800.323.3875 or STMAInfo@STMA.org.