STMA to host 31st annual conference and exhibition in West Palm Beach

October 1, 2019
Photo: STMA
Photo: STMA

Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) will host its 31st annual Conference & Exhibition Jan. 13-16, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Fla.

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.

Photo: STMA

Photo: STMA

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,” said 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.”

50 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.

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 and 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 open now. Learn more at STMA.org.

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