Sports Turf Managers Association to Host 29th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Fort Worth

1,600 Turf Professionals Converge on Lone Star State January 16-19, 2018

(LAWRENCE, Kan.) – Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) – the professional organization for 2,600 men and women managing sports fields worldwide who are critical to the safety of athletes and coaches – will host its 29th annual Conference & Exhibition January 16-19, 2018 in Fort Worth, Texas.

More than 1,600 leaders in the sports turf industry will gather at the Fort Worth Convention Center for nearly 75 hours of cutting-edge sports turf education, dedicated networking functions and exhibitor demonstrations. Additionally, STMA’s Student Challenge will bring together 130-plus sport turf students from across the nation to test their skills for a chance to win one of two $5,000 scholarships.

"For almost 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."

In store for 2018 are 50 educational sessions and panel discussions featuring sports turf managers, academic members and commercial representatives from high schools, colleges, universities, parks, recreational facilities and professional sports stadiums. With eight educational tracks, topics include turfgrass management, professional development, synthetic, industry developments, pest control, renovation, facility management, and soil science.

The STMA Student Challenge is presented in partnership with the SAFE Foundation, Hunter Industries and Ewing. The culmination of a year-long program, high school and college students will be examined on areas including: plant and soil identification; irrigation and machinery parts; insects and agronomy; business practices and management; among others. The two winning teams, from a two-year and a four-year institution respectively, will receive a $5,000 scholarship.

The SAFE Foundation – STMA’s charitable arm enriching communities by championing safe, sustainable sports and recreation fields – will host a variety of fundraising events, including two silent auctions,  a Topgolf outing and a bowling competition. All proceeds will benefit the scholarships and educational outreach programs.

Returning for 2018, event participants will also enjoy the wildly popular “Seminar on Wheels” tours. Facility visits include AT&T Stadium, Dr. Pepper Ball Park, Ford Center at The Star, Globe Life Park, Texas Christian University, Toyota Stadium and Toyota Soccer Center.

Registration for the Conference opened Sunday, October 1. Receive complimentary entrance with new membership dues. Take advantage of the lowest rates by booking online before January 4.

For more info: www.stma.org, www.twitter.com/FieldExperts, 800.323.3875.