Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) – the professional organization for 2,600 men and women who manage sports fields worldwide – will host its 26th annual Conference & Exhibition January 13-16, 2015 in Denver, Colo.
Nearly 1,200 leaders in the sports turf industry will converge on the Colorado Convention Center for more than 75 hours of leading-edge educational seminars, exhibitor demonstrations and networking opportunities.
The five-day event features seminars, lectures, general sessions and exhibits from sports turf and environmental science leaders in nine conference tracts: agronomic, construction / renovation, facility management, industry developments, pest control, professional development, sustainability, synthetic and water. The event begins with pre-conference sessions on Tuesday, Jan. 13 with the STMA Academy, a high-level educational series. The conference officially begins on Wednesday, Jan. 14 with introductory remarks by STMA President David Pinsonneault (CSFM, CPRP).
Thursday, Jan. 15 will feature a keynote address by Karl Mecklenburg, former Denver Broncos captain and All-Pro linebacker. He will provide “Six Keys to Success” about life lessons the NFL taught him about teamwork, courage, dedication, desire and goal-setting. During his prolific career, Mecklenburg appeared in six Pro Bowls and three Super Bowls.
New to the conference is the International Lounge on the trade show floor, a networking area for sports turf managers from around the world.
Also, the SAFE Foundation – STMA’s charitable arm enriching communities through championing safe, sustainable sports and recreation fields – will host a “Night of Bowling” on Tuesday, Jan. 13 instead of the annual golf outing. It also sponsors the Student Challenge, a competition between teams of students in turfgrass programs with two groups taking home $4,000 each.
“Our Conference & Exhibition continues to gain popularity each year with more 1,200 attendees and 164 exhibitors from eight countries at last year’s event,” says Kim Heck, STMA Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited to descend upon Denver in January with another stellar lineup of sport turf presentations from pioneers who are leading our industry into the next generation.”
The always popular “Welcome Reception & Casino Night” and “Reception, Live Auction and Awards Banquet” will be held on Wednesday and Friday evenings, respectively.
Nearly 60 educational sessions and panel discussions will feature sports turf managers along with academic and commercial representatives from schools, colleges and universities, parks and recreational facilities, and professional sports stadiums.
Optional events include a full and half-day “Seminar on Wheels Tour” with plans to visit Folsom Field at the University of Colorado, Infinity Park in Glendale, Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and Coors Field. Conference attendees can also take advantage of Certified Sports Field Manager and American Sports Builder Association testing.
Registration for the conference opens October 1. Receive free conference registration with new membership. Be sure to book before December 15 to take advantage of early bird rates.
For more info: www.stma.org, www.twitter.com/fieldexperts, 800.323.3875.
About STMA
STMA is the not-for-profit, professional association for men and women who manage sports fields worldwide. Since 1981, the association and its 34 local chapters have been providing education, information and sharing practical knowledge in the art and science of sports field management. Its more than 2,600 members oversee sports fields and facilities at schools, colleges and universities, parks and recreational facilities, and professional sports stadiums.
For more information: www.stma.org, 800.323.3875