Sports Turf Managers Association(STMA) – the non-profit, professional association for the 2,700 devoted men and women who manage outdoor sports fields worldwide to provide the safest possible playing surfaces – will host its 30th annual Conference & Exhibition January 22-25, 2019 in Phoenix, Ariz.
The coalition of more than 1,600 leaders in the sports turf industry will flock to the Phoenix Convention Center for four days of industry education, networking events and exhibitor demonstrations. The summit is highlighted by daily events including a volunteer field rebuild at Lindo Park in partnership with Project Evergreen, Sports Turf Talk Show, Women’s Forum & Lunch and the STMA Awards Reception & Banquet.
Participants will enjoy the “Seminar On-Wheels” tour. Facility visits include University of Phoenix 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).
“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,” says Kim Heck, CAE, CEO of STMA. “Our conference’s intersection of leading experts and young professionals provide attendees with insightful educational programs and ample networking opportunities.”
On schedule for 2019 are fifty learning sessions and panels given by commercial representatives and renowned sports turf managers and academics from professional sports stadiums, universities, high schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Learning sessions are split into eight tracks including turfgrass management, facility management, synthetic, pest control, water, industry developments, baseball, and professional development.
Additionally, turfgrass management programs nationwide will enter a team of up to four students in the STMA Student Challenge for a chance of winning one of two $5,000 grants. The competition will test the students’ skills and knowledge of the sports turf management industry. Students will be challenged on several knowledge areas including turfgrass identification, soils, fertility, irrigation and drainage, pest management, sports field maintenance practices, human resource management, among others.
After raising over $37,000 last year, the SAFE Foundation – STMA’s charitable arm enriching communities by championing safe, sustainable sports and recreation fields – will once again host a variety of fundraising events including a live memorabilia auction, two silent auctions, a bowling competition, and a golf tournament at Grand Canyon University Golf Course. All proceeds will benefit the scholarship, research, and educational outreach programs.
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About STMA: STMA is the non-profit, professional association for men and women who manage sports fields worldwide. Since 1981, it has provided education, information and practical knowledge in the art and science of sports field management. More than 2,700 members across 34 local chapters oversee facilities at schools, colleges and universities, parks and recreational facilities, and professional sports stadiums. Sports include football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, rugby and horse racing.
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