Sports Turf Managers Association (SFMA) – 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 and Lunch and the SFMA Awards Reception
and 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 SFMA 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
SFMA. “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 SFMA
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 – SFMA’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.
Receive complimentary entrance with new membership dues. Take advantage of the lowest rates by booking online before January 3.
