Get on Track with STMA at the 24th Conference and Exhibition in Daytona Beach

STMA heads to Daytona Beach, Florida from Jan. 15-18, 2013 for the 24th Annual STMA Conference and Exhibition. The “World Center of Racing”, as Daytona Beach is known, welcomes millions of visitors every year to its varied attractions, sporting venues, restaurants, and 23 miles of beaches. Just an hour’s drive to the greater Orlando area, Daytona has found its success as a year-round tourist destination because of its temperate climate, proximity to other popular Florida cities, and hosting of locations and activities of interest that are unique to the area including the Daytona International Speedway, Florida Tennis Center, Ladies Professional Golf Association International (featuring two championship courses, The Legends and The Champions), Tomoka State Park, and Halifax Harbor Marina.

As STMA celebrates 31 years as the premier non-profit association for the men and women who manage athletic fields, it invests – more than ever – in its educational mission with the introduction of the STMA Academy and addition of several new tracks. The Academy was born out of member requests for deeper educational opportunities pre and post conference; all sessions offer higher-level learning opportunities in hands-on, interactive workshop settings that can be built upon at future conferences and are included in the full registration price. Additionally, the total number of educational tracks available now at conference totals 11, up from nine in 2012; the addition of these two tracks raises both the number of sessions (up to 72 in 2013 from 64 in 2012) and the number of speakers (up to 74 in 2013 from 55 in 2012) for an even richer, well-rounded experience. More than ever before, all conference attendees will be able to professionally capitalize on and benefit from the opportunities provided at the STMA conference.

The Exposition and Trade Show also provides excellent opportunities for networking with both STMA commercial members and leading industry vendors.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

The annual conference and exhibition in Daytona Beach has it all…Sessions. Sun. Seminars. Networking. Demonstrations. Ocean. Workshops. Expo. Beach…Everything you need in one location for the ultimate learning event of the year!

STMA Networking Sessions

Wed., Jan. 16, 5:15 – 6:15 pm

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

Welcome Reception & Casino Night

Wed., Jan. 16, 7:30 – 10 pm

A must attend networking event! Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages courtesy of Welcome Reception sponsors Toro and Covermaster. For those who wish to gamble, there is a separate area for Casino Night and an additional fee to participate. All proceeds benefit the SAFE Foundation.

Annual Meeting & Lunch

(Members Only, Registration Required)

Thurs., Jan. 17, 12 – 1:15 pm

All members are invited to enjoy lunch, hear about STMA’s progress and meet your new Board of Directors.

Opening General Session

Wed., Jan. 16, 6:30 – 7:30 pm

(At the conclusion, attendees go directly to the Welcome Reception)

STMA Exposition – NEW HOURS

Thurs., Jan. 17 1:30 – 7 pm (Reception)

Fri., Jan. 18 10 am – 1 pm (On the show floor – Innovative Sessions, Race Car Simulator, Race Car Driver Mike Skinner is signing Autographs, and a Pace Car) Mike Skinner has a storied career with NASCAR winning dozens of races. He raced for Gene Petty, Richard Childress Racing and filled in for teammate Dale Earnhardt when Earnhardt was recovering from injuries. He is currently the only Toyota driver to run every truck event since its entry into NASCAR. Skinner also created a charity and assists various drivers and teams as a Driver Coach to mentor young talent to fulfill the dream he discovered in the sport of NASCAR racing.

Annual Awards Reception and Banquet

Fri., Jan. 18, 6:30 – 10 pm

Enjoy excellent food and beverage while helping to honor STMA’s award winners. Registration Required. Coat and tie preferred.

Support SAFE

SAFE Golf Tournament

Tues., Jan. 15, 11:00 am – 5 pm

The SAFE Golf Tournament will be held at LPGA International, with two world-class four-star courses as rated by Golf Digest. The scramble format tournament will be played on the Arthur Hills Legends Course. The par-72 layout is a classic at 6,984 yards. It features wetlands, narrow pine corridors, small greens and strategically placed water hazards. Transportation, lunch, and prizes included.

SAFE Casino Night

Wed., Jan. 16, 8:30 pm

Gamble for a good cause! Set within the Welcome Reception, Casino Night is a fee-based event. There is no charge to attend the Welcome Reception.

Silent Auction

Thurs., Jan. 17 & Fri., Jan 18

Held during the exposition. Take home some great bargains. New items daily!

Live Auction

Fri., Jan. 18, 6:30 – 7 pm

Get some great technology, travel and gift items for great prices!

Raffles

Buy raffle tickets throughout the conference for a chance to win exciting items. The drawing will take place at the beginning of the Awards banquet (need not be present to win).

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Tues., Jan. 15

6:30 – 7:30 am Continental Breakfast

6:30 am – 6:30 pm Registration Open at Hilton

7 am – 5 pm Full Day Seminar on Wheels*

11:00 am – 5 pm SAFE Golf Tournament* NEW DAY & TIME

1 – 5 pm Half Day Seminar on Wheels*

2:30 – 5 pm Academy-400 level education, certificate of completion, included in full conference price+ NEW

3:30 – 7:30 pm STMA Certification Exam*

6 – 9 pm Chapter Officer Training (includes dinner)+

Wed., Jan. 16

7 – 7:55 am Women’s Forum Breakfast

7 – 8 am Continental Breakfast

7 am – 6:30 pm Registration Open at Ocean Center

8 am – 12 pm Conference Education (15 technical sessions)

1:30 – 2 pm First Timers Reception

2 – 5 pm Conference Education (7 in-depth sessions)

5:15 – 6:15 pm Conference Networking Sessions

6:30 – 7:30 pm Keynote Address: Ian Hill, internationally known speaker who inspires change NEW TIME!

7:30 – 10:30 pm Welcome Reception & Casino Night^

Thurs., Jan. 17

6:45 – 7:45 am Certification Breakfast

7 – 8 am Continental Breakfast

7 am – 6:30 pm Registration Open at Ocean Center

8 am – 12 pm Conference Education (21 technical sessions)

12 – 1:15 pm Annual Meeting & Lunch

1:30 – 7 pm STMA Exhibition with heavy hors d’oeuvres

2 – 6 pm Committee meetings on the trade show floor NEW TIME!

Fri., Jan. 18

7 – 8 am Continental Breakfast

7 – 8 am Past President’s Breakfast

7 am – 1 pm Registration Open at Ocean Center

8 – 10:15 am Conference Education (15 sessions)

8 – 10:30 am Student Challenge

9 – 10 am Commercial Member Meeting

10 am – 1 pm Exhibition Open with Lunch, Innovative Sessions, Race Car Driver Autographs & Simulator

1:15 – 2:30 pm Closing General Session with Dr. Michael Mann, climatologist – winner of the Nobel Peace Prize NEW

2:45 – 5 pm Academy-400 level education, certificate of completion, included in full conference price+ NEW

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

Sat., Jan. 19

8 am – 12 pm STMA Certification Exam*

8 am – 1 pm ASBA Certification Exam*

*Preregistration and additional fee required

+Preregistration required

^ Additional fee required

What the Conference Includes

· All education sessions plus pre and post workshops inclusive of STMA Academy

· More than 90 hours of education

· Breakfasts & most lunches

· Reception and Awards Banquet

STMA Conference and Exhibition Sponsors

STMA and SAFE greatly appreciate the support and commitment of our conference sponsors. Please take a moment and thank these companies in the exhibition!

Barenbrug

Covermaster

Diamondpro.com

GreenONE Industries
Hunter

Toro

World Class Athletic Surfaces

INTRODUCING THE STMA ACADEMY!

Pre & Post Conference Workshops

Members asked for high level education and the Academy delivers it.

Academy sessions:

· Offer high level learning opportunities;

· Result in a Certificate of Completion;

· Advance each year, adding the next higher level of education (400 level in 2013; 500 level in 2014, etc.);

· Are included in the full conference registration price

Tuesday, Jan. 15

2:30 – 5 pm – Choose One

STMA 400 – Hire the Best … But Know How to Fire Them Just in Case

Speaker: Patrick D. McGuiness

This workshop will cover how to hire the best employees for your facility and how to handle problem employees. From job postings to on-boarding, learn how to effectively and legally set up a hiring process that will bring the best and brightest job applicants to your operation. In addition, learn how to use employee handbooks for documentation purposes.
STMA 401 – Performance Quality Standards – How Good is your Playing Surface?

Speaker: Ian Lacy

This presentation will allow the sports field manager to be able to measure the quality of the playing surface using a set of objective criteria. The assessment evaluates structural, playing, and presentation standards using the following criteria: soil type, particle size distribution, pH, grass type, infiltration rate, hardness of surface, traction, ball bounce or roll where applicable.
STMA 402 – Meteorology: Understanding Weather and Climate

Speaker: Brad Jakubowski

Turf managers can make better management decisions and provide consistent field conditions by better understanding weather patterns and concepts. This interactive seminar introduces fundamental weather concepts and provides turf managers with the tools to interpret daily weather reports, maps, and forecasts.

Friday, Jan. 18

2:45 – 5 pm – Choose One

STMA 403 – Breeding, Development, and Production of Cool-Season Turfgrasses

Speaker: Leah A. Brilman, Ph.D.

This presentation will discuss the process of breeding different species and specific development strategies for varieties adapted to athletic surfaces. The session will also cover how to understand trial data, selection of cultivars that will meet specific needs, and how to read seed tags to ensure you are getting the desired product.
STMA 404 – Common Diseases of Sports Turf

Speaker: Mike Fidanza, Ph.D.

The presentation will cover guidelines and methods to identify common diseases of sports turf, as well as current strategies to manage turfgrass diseases.
STMA 405 – Best Management Practices to Increase Tolerance to Pests and Stress

Speaker: Mary Owen

Sports field managers are challenged to provide safe, quality playing surfaces while dealing with limited budgets and restrictions on the use of pesticides, particularly on school and municipal properties. This presentation will address the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) as a means of preventing and targeting specific cool season turfgrass insect, weed, and disease pests as well as abiotic stressors.
STMA 406 – Turf Equipment Care and Maintenance

Speaker: Carl Osterhaus, CSM

This presentation will cover the many important aspects of Turf Equipment Care and Maintenance, which technicians can use to ensure that their equipment provides them with the longest and most productive service life.
STMA 407 – Strengths-Based Leadership and Followership

Speakers: Eric K. Kaufman Ph.D., Richard J. Rateau, Ph.D.

This interactive workshop will help participants identify their personal areas of talent and develop a plan for transforming those talents into strengths. In addition, participants will explore the four domains of leadership strength and the four basic needs of followers.
STMA 408 – Managing Turfgrass Soil Physical Properties

Speaker: Andrew S. McNitt, Ph.D.

This presentation will explore the difference in management practices and approaches when managing a native soil sports field versus a high-sand sports field rootzone. Practices for both rootzones will be discussed.

2013 CONFERENCE EDUCATION
The STMA Conference Education Committee has chosen a wide array of topics to meet the needs of sports turf professionals. Sessions are categorized by track: Industry Developments, Professional Development, Facility Management, Agronomic, Synthetic, Water, Sustainability, Baseball, Pest Control, Construction, and Research. Follow a track that best suits your needs, or participate across educational tracks for a well-rounded experience. The full education schedule with session descriptions and times can be found at (electronic brochure address/STMA website).

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

Wednesday, January 16

Looking for the latest innovative solutions to improve your field?

Ten of STMA’s commercial companies will give five minute presentations highlighting the benefits of a new or improved product or service being offered to sports turf professionals. Attend STMA 100 – New Trends and Technology in Sports Turf from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, January 17

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

STMA 211 – Theory and Application of Technology for the Sports Field Manager

J. Tim Vanini, Ph.D., Matt Anderson, CSFM

Friday, January 18

Innovative Session

10:00 a.m.

STMA 314 – Performance Testing of Sport Fields: Current and Future

Robert Carrow, Ph.D.; Joined by Gerald Henry, Ph.D. and Van Cline, Ph.D.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Tuesday, January 15

STMA Academy

2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

STMA 500 – Hire the Best… But Know How to Fire Them Just in Case

Patrick D. McGuiness

Wednesday, January 16

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

STMA 109 – Keeping Your Home Life Growing

Elizabeth T. Fasbender

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

STMA 113 – Hiring the Right Person

Bill Griffith

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

STMA 117 – Hidden Principles of Exceptional Performance

Paul Greiner

Thursday, January 17

Looking for ways to successfully manage your crew?

From 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Sarah K. Martin, CSFM will present STMA 203 – Managing Your Most Valuable Asset: Your Staff. The interview process, effective communication, proper planning, and productive discipline will all be covered to help you become a more effective manager.

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

STMA 208 – New Challenges, Take Risks, and Achieve Goals

Tim VanLoo, CSFM, Mike Andresen, CSFM

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

STMA 212 – Communication and the Art of Conflict Resolution

Lisa Goatley, MS, LPC

Student Track

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

A special educational track is dedicated to students entering the sports turf industry. Students will learn about the numerous and varied duties and responsibilities of an NFL Sports Field Manager during STMA 218 – Being an NFL Sports Field Manager presented by Darian Daily. Students interested in becoming an MLB Groundskeeper can attend STMA 219 – The Uncertain Path to Becoming an MLB Groundskeeper presented by Luke Yoder and John Turnour. During this session, students will have an inside look at the importance of education, good work ethic, professionalism, and other key characteristics that will lead to a successful career in the Sports Turf Industry. The student session will wrap up with STMA 220 – First Steps: Panel Discussion for Students Preparing to Enter the Industry led by Jason Kruse, Ph.D. Students will be able to pose questions to a panel of experts regarding the steps required to secure a job in the sports turf industry.

Friday, January 18

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

STMA 302 – Living with Integrity

Lisa Goatley, MS, LPC

STMA Academy

2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

STMA 407 – Strengths-Based Leadership and Followership

Eric K. Kaufman Ph.D., Richard J. Rateau, Ph.D.

FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Tuesday, January 15

STMA Academy

2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

STMA 501 – Performance Quality Standards – How good is your playing surface?

Ian Lacy

Wednesday, January 16

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

STMA 103 – The Importance of Safety and Potential Liabilities for the Sports Turf Manager

David Schlotthauer

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

STMA 108 – Athletic Field Use and Maintenance Planning

Rebecca Auchter

Friday, January 18

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

STMA 305 – Managing Professional Soccer Fields in Eastern Europe

Philip Sharples

Hosting a special event at your athletic facility?

Attend STMA 311 – Concert Setup and Other Special Events, and Still Play Tomorrow presented by Chris Ralston from 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Learn about field setup options and the pre-planning that should be considered so the field is ready for use shortly after special events. Also included will be discussion on how to communicate successfully with field users to keep all parties satisfied.

Innovative Session

12:00 p.m.

STMA 316 – The Benefits from Using the PCI Assessment Tool

Kurt Nilsson

STMA Academy

2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

STMA 406 – Turf Equipment Care and Maintenance

Carl Osterhaus, CSM

AGRONOMIC

Tuesday, January 15

STMA Academy

2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

STMA 402 – Meteorology: Understanding Weather and Climate

Speaker: Brad Jakubowski

Wednesday, January 16

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

STMA 102 – Making Plant Growth Regulators Work for You

Thomas Serensits

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

STMA 104 – Zero Pesticide Athletic Turf Maintenance

John A. Halloran, SCPS

Need help transitioning to a bermudagrass field in the transition zone?

Ryan Bjorn and Julie Adamski present STMA 110 – 6 Steps To Transition An In-Play Cool Season Field to Bermudagrass from 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. A 6-step process that was used to successfully transition 7 cool season fields to bermudagrass will be shared. Learn how to build your own transition program through idea development and interactive discussion.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

STMA 112 – 3 Keys To Providing High Quality, High Traffic Athletic Fields

REPEATED on Thurs., Jan. 17, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Jerad Minnick

2:00 p.m. – 5:00p.m.

STMA 120 – Fire and Ice: Sports Turf Management in the Transition Zone

Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D., Cale A. Bigelow Ph.D.

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

STMA 121 – Back to Basics: Getting the Most from Your Granular Fertilizers

Brad Jakubowski, Tom Samples, Ph.D.

Thursday, January 17

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

STMA 202 – 3 Keys To Providing High Quality, High Traffic Athletic Fields

REPEATED SESSION: See Wed., Jan. 16, 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Jerad Minnick

Need information on managing turfgrass fertility?

STMA 206 – Fertility Management for Sand-based Systems presented by Nick Christians, Ph.D. focuses on basic information on soil chemistry of sand-based sports fields and how to manage a predominantly sand rootzone more effectively. This session will take place from 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. with a repeated session on Fri., Jan. 18, from 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

STMA 214 – European Field Maintenance at Real Madrid and Manchester United Football Clubs – Part One

Simon Gumbrill

Friday, January 18

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

STMA 313 – Fertility Management for Sand-based Systems

REPEATED SESSION: See Thurs., Jan. 17, 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Nick Christians, Ph.D.

STMA Academy

2:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

STMA 408 – Managing Turfgrass Soil Physical Properties

Speaker: Andrew S. McNitt, Ph.D.

SYNTHETIC

Wednesday, January 16

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

STMA 105 – A Realistic Review of Maintenance Practices for Synthetic Turf Fields

Mark Lucas

Thursday, January 17

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

STMA 210 – Synthetic Turf: What to Do When The Warranty Runs Out

David Schlotthauer

Friday, January 18

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

STMA 300 – Tackling the Issues with Synthetic Turf – What Does the Research Say?

Thomas Serensits

Undecided about if you should have a synthetic or natural grass sports field?

Joshua Bertrand investigates the decision making process used to select surfaces in STMA 310 – Tale of Two Fields; Synthetic vs. Natural from 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Learn about cost benefit analyses, health benefit analyses, pros/cons of each surface, political agendas, and other aspects of the selection process. Also learn about the maintenance practices that can be realistically expected for each type of surface.

WATER

Wednesday, January 16

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

STMA 106 – Subsurface Drip Irrigation for Sports Turf

Bernd Leinauer, Ph.D., Mike Baron

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

STMA 119 – Developing and Implementing Best Management Practices for Sports Field Water Conservation

Clint Waltz, Ph.D., Kenny Pauley

Thursday, January 17

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

STMA 200 – Improving Water Efficiency: Take the Million Gallon Challenge!

Brad Jakubowski, John C. Fech

Friday, January 18

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

STMA 303 – Water Management to Improve Turf Performance

Speaker: Jack Fry, Ph.D.

Need help with your irrigation audit?

Learn how to perform an irrigation audit during STMA 309 – Optimizing Sprinkler Uniformity with an Irrigation Audit from 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Jeff Gilbert will discuss how nozzle pressure, nozzle size, and sprinkler spacing affect precipitation rates and overall distribution of water on turfgrass. Learn how to create an irrigation schedule to optimize the overall distribution uniformity.

SUSTAINABILITY

Wednesday, January 16

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

STMA 107 – The Reality of LEED Certified Landscape and Site Management

Larry DiVito

Is your state implementing stricter pesticide regulations?

Victoria Wallace is presenting STMA 111 – Strategies for Maintaining Turfgrass in Response to “No Pesticide” Legislation from 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Learn how to manage turf without the use of conventional pesticides and focus attention to details that support success before mandates limit key management tools. The presentation will address field health, record keeping , scouting, and important cultural practices. This session is repeated on Thurs., Jan. 17 from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, January 17

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

STMA 204 – Strategies for Maintaining Turfgrass in Response to “No Pesticide” Legislation

REPEATED SESSION: See Wed., Jan. 16, 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Victoria Wallace

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

STMA 215 – Phosphorus – Environmental Issues

Beth Guertal, Ph.D.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

STMA 217 – The Elements of Sustainable Sports Facilities: Systematically Applying Your

Environmental Plans, Policies, and Practices

Kevin A. Fletcher, Ph.D., Jim Sluiter