The Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) concluded its highly anticipated 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition in January, delivering one of its most successful events to date. The four-day gathering drew approximately 2,300 sports field management professionals from 49 states and 15 countries. It also featured a sold-out exhibit hall of 195 vendors showcasing the latest products, services, technologies and innovations shaping the future of sports field and turf management.
Held January 19–22 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, the 2026 SFMA Conference provided an exceptional blend of education, networking and industry engagement tailored to sports field managers, facility directors, municipal professionals, vendors and allied partners.
For this year’s keynote presentation, SFMA leadership provided a recap of CEO Paula Sliefert’s “Listening Tour,” as well as an update on future plans for the organization. The conference also featured an opening general session titled “Inside the Pitch: Field Managers’ Perspective on Preparing for FIFA World Cup 2026,” which provided an inside look at the preparation and operational demands faced by facilities participating in the upcoming FIFA event. The Women’s Forum Luncheon offered an interactive format designed to spark conversation and connection.
“The energy this year was unprecedented — from the quality of educational sessions to the full exhibit floor and the meaningful connections forged throughout the conference,” said SFMA President Alpha Jones, CSFM. “Our sold-out exhibit hall and the near record attendance reflect the vitality and growth of this profession and underscore the value our members place on continuous learning and collaboration.”
Education First
Conference programming delivered a comprehensive slate of sessions led by industry experts covering field performance strategies, emerging technologies, agronomic science, workforce development, sports field safety and more. Attendees participated in a robust schedule of technical presentations, hands-on workshops, panel discussions and specialty forums. The curriculum balanced research-based insights with practical application, equipping professionals with actionable tools and strategies to enhance field quality, operational efficiency and long-term facility performance.
National Turfgrass Science Invitational
The 2026 SFMA Conference hosted the National Turfgrass Science Invitational, a competition endorsed by National FFA that was held at Texas Christian University. The event brought together 18 teams representing 72 students from 9 states for a comprehensive evaluation of technical turfgrass knowledge, practical skills, and industry readiness. Participants engaged in hands-on technical stations, certification testing, facility tours, and professional development opportunities designed to connect classroom learning with real-world sports field and turf management practices.
Exhibit Hall Highlights
The sold-out exhibit hall was a focal point of the conference, with 195 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge equipment, products and service solutions. Attendees explored advancements in precision irrigation, fertilization technology, autonomous equipment and sustainable turf management tools. Live demonstrations and technical conversations provided practical insight into innovations shaping the future of sports field operations. The exhibit environment fostered strong engagement between professionals and industry partners while highlighting solutions designed to improve performance, efficiency and long-term field sustainability.
Networking and Community
Conference socials, chapter gatherings, and peer-to-peer roundtables created meaningful opportunities for professional connection and knowledge exchange. Attendees engaged with colleagues from across sectors, sharing operational insights, challenges, and solutions in an environment that encouraged collaboration. Informal discussions complemented formal education sessions, reinforcing the conference’s role as a hub for relationship building within the profession. Participants consistently cited networking opportunities as a key driver of value, strengthening both individual professional growth and the broader sports field management community.
Seminar on Wheels
SFMA once again featured the Seminar on Wheels tours during conference week. The full-day Seminar on Wheels toured Toyota Stadium (FC Dallas); Riders Field (Frisco RoughRiders); and Southern Methodist University Tours. The half-day Seminar on Wheels toured AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys) and Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers).
Awards Banquet
The annual SFMA Awards Banquet recognized exceptional achievement, leadership and service across the profession. Honorees represented excellence in sports field management spanning professional, collegiate, scholastic, and parks and recreation sectors. The program celebrated innovation in field performance, commitment to safety, and dedication to advancing industry standards. By recognizing outstanding professionals and organizations, the awards program reinforces the association’s mission to elevate the profession and highlight the expertise that drives quality sports field management nationwide.
2027 Conference and Exhibition
The 2027 SFMA Conference and Exhibition will be held February 1-4, 2027, in Tampa, Florida. More information will be available soon at https://www.sportsfieldmanagement.org/conference/.