STMA set for January in Austin, TX

LAWRENCE, KS — Taking place Jan. 11-15, 2011, in Austin, TX, the SportsTurf Managers Association’s annual conference focuses on providing solutions and new ideas for managing sports facilities.

Demonstrations, classroom education, roundtables, workshops, and networking all provide opportunities for sports turf managers to access information that will lead to success. The following takeaways provide attendees an overview of the main objectives to be covered at the upcoming conference. Attendees will learn:

• About the latest information on pest control and fertilizer technology for 2011.

• How to implement successful integrated pest management (IPM) strategies at sports facilities.

• About current pesticide restrictions and regulations. They will also learn how to develop a management plan to meet organic standards.

• About issues with warm-season, cool-season, transition zone and synthetic turfgrasses through panels of industry experts.

• About cost-effective construction and renovation techniques to improve athletic fields.

• How to positively influence the process of planning, design and construction of a sports complex. This will lead to proper maintenance and management of the complex without excessive use of labor, equipment and materials.

• About the anatomy and management of baseball and softball infield skins.

• Specific steps, tools, resources, documentation, and communication needed to effectively diagnose and deal with turfgrass related issues and problems.

• The benefits of turfgrass to the environment and human health. Specific best management practices that will enhance the ability of turfgrasses to contribute to sustainable systems will also be addressed.

• About maintenance and safety issues associated with synthetic fields and how to overcome them.

• Professional skills necessary for success as a sports turf manager. This includes effective employee relations, communication, people management, and various other duties required in the workplace to help cultivate a more productive team and work environment.

• How to implement multifaceted environmental stewardship programs and sustainable practices at sports facilities.

• Best management practices (BMPs) for correcting field issues relating to traffic damage, pest problems, nutrient deficiencies, shade problems, and compaction.

• How to use irrigation more efficiently, as well as potential alternative irrigation sources.

• Ideas to complement the overall goal to reduce costs, and improve efficiency, safety and playability of sports fields.

Learn more and register today at STMA.org/conferences/2011conf/?2011-Conference.