Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) – the professional organization for 2,700 men and women who manage sports fields worldwide – will host its 31st annual Conference & Exhibition January 13-16, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
More than 1,600 leaders in the sports field industry will gather at the Palm Beach County Convention Center for four days of industry education, networking events and exhibitor demonstrations. The summit kicks off with a volunteer field rebuild at a nearby facility in need of renovation, in partnership with Project Evergreen. Other events throughout the week include a Sports Turf Talk Show, Women’s Forum & Lunch and the STMA Awards Reception & Banquet where the prestigious Founders’ Awards will be presented among others.
Participants will enjoy the “Seminar On-Wheels” tour including a visit to one of the most unique venues in sports, Hard Rock Stadium, home of Super Bowl LIV in February, the Miami Dolphins, University of Miami and the Orange Bowl. Additional stops include, FAU Stadium (Florida Atlantic University), newly opened Palm Beach Gardens North County District Park, Dean Chevrolet Stadium (Spring Training Home of the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals) and FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches (Spring Training Home of the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals).
“Since 1988, the STMA Conference has been a global gathering for members to connect and collaborate on best practices and innovations that will move our industry forward for years to come,” says Kim Heck, CAE, CEO of STMA. “This once-a-year event brings together seasoned experts, academics and industry professionals to provide an exceptional learning experience for participants.”
Fifty learning sessions are on the schedule for 2020 in addition to panels led by commercial representatives and renowned sports field managers along with leaders from professional sports stadiums, universities, high schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Learning sessions will consist of seven tracks including turfgrass management, facility management, pest and environmental issues, water, soils, baseball, and professional development.
Always one of the week’s highlights, 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 field management industry. Students will be challenged in a variety of knowledge areas including turfgrass identification, soils, fertility, irrigation and drainage, pest management, sports field maintenance practices, human resource management, among others.
After raising more than $40,000 last year, the SAFE Foundation – STMA’s charitable arm whose mission is to enrich communities by championing safe, sustainable sports and recreation fields – will once again host an array of fundraising events including a live memorabilia auction, two silent auctions, a bowling competition, and a golf tournament at North Palm Beach Country Club. All proceeds will benefit the scholarship, research, and educational outreach programs.
Registration for the Conference is now open. Receive complimentary entrance with new membership dues. Take advantage of the lowest rates by booking online before January 3.
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More information: 800.323.3875.
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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