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/445133
President's Message O n behalf of the STMA Board of Directors and our Conference Committees, welcome to STMA's 26 th Conference and Exhibition in beautiful Denver, Colorado. I would like to especially recognize all of our attending new members, first time attendees and inter- national members to this very special annual event. As the premier not-for-profit, professional association for the men and women who manage sports fields worldwide, STMA is excited about the opportunities Denver affords for members to operate at "Peak Per- formance" – moving mountains with new education, new connections, and new innovations. A big thank you goes to all our conference plan- ning committees for their diligence and tireless efforts, and to Allen Johnson, CSFM, for his work as Conference Chair. New to the Opening General Session this year will be four 20-minute presentations exploring technological and innovative advances in the turfgrass industry. Presentations will cover new cultural practices, tech tools, unique sports field problems (and their solutions), as well as col- laborative efforts within the industry that have resulted in new innova- tions. Also new this year is the inclusion of our keynote address during the Annual Meeting and Lunch. Former Denver Broncos captain and All-Pro linebacker Karl Mecklenburg will deliver the keynote this year. He will provide "Six Keys to Success" about life lessons the NFL taught him about teamwork, courage, dedication, desire and goal-setting. Dur- ing his prolific career, Mr. Mecklenburg appeared in six Pro Bowls and three Super Bowls. 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 26 th Conference and Exhibition gives you the necessary inspiration to reach every mountaintop. More than ever be- fore, 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 Denver and thank you for attending! Sincerely, David Pinsonneault, CSFM, CPRP STMA President