SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/231840
President's Message O ON BEHALF OF THE STMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OUR CONFERENCE COMMITTEES, welcome to STMA's 25th Conference and Exhibition in historic San Antonio, Texas. I would like to especially recognize all of our attending new members, first time attendees and international members to this very special annual event. In a city so rich with its own unique history, it is only fitting that we celebrate 25 years of exceptional STMA conferences and exhibitions. For this past quarter century, STMA has provided attendees with a best-in-class experience through innovative educational sessions, networking opportunities, hands-on tours of sports facilities and a singular focus on advancing the turf industry as a whole. As the premier not-for-profit, professional association for the men and women who manage sports fields worldwide, the association is excited at the opportunity San Antonio provides to show how our dedicated members have moved this organization to where it is now, and to share our board's vision for the next 25 years (and beyond). A big thank you goes to all our conference planning committees for their diligence and tireless efforts, and to David Pinsonneault, CSFM, CPRP for his work as Conference Chair. , At this pivotal moment in our association and industry's history, it only makes sense to see where we've been, where we are now, and what's in store for our collective future. Join me and several other special guest speakers at our General Session. Past STMA president Steve Wightman, one of two original presenters at the very first STMA conference (the other being Mike Schiller, CSFM, also a past president), will examine where we've been in his presentation. Fellow board member and Director-Academic Jeff Fowler will follow with where the association stands today. And, finally, our keynote speaker Dr. Rick Rigsby will examine how best to move forward for a most successful future, individually and collectively. I encourage all conference attendees to join us for these illuminating presentations and for the annual awards banquet to pay tribute to those who have won STMA's highest honors. The Exposition and Trade Show also provides excellent opportunities for networking with both STMA commercial members and leading industry vendors. Be sure to spend time on the trade show floor; there you will be able to meet with our commercial partners and find out about products, equipment, and services that can make your job easier. We hope that STMA's 25th Conference and Exhibition gives you the chance to recharge yourself and your career. More than ever before, we believe that you will be able to professionally capitalize on – and continuously benefit from – the opportunities provided here amongst your peers and colleagues. If there is anything I, your board, or staff can do to make your time here more enriching, please do not hesitate to let us know. Have a fantastic conference experience here in San Antonio and thank you for attending! Sincerely, James Michael Goatley, Jr., Ph.D. STMA President