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/621615
STMA IN ACTION 44 SportsTurf | January 2016 www.sportsturfonline.com News from the Sports Turf Managers Association The STMA Conference and Exhibition, which will be held January 19-22, at the San Diego Convention Center, has room for partici- pants, but you need to sign up online by midnight on January 8. This is a not-to-be missed event that offers nine tracks for you to customize the education that you need to be successful at your job. STMA's host hotel is sold out, but it has secured additional hotels within walking distance. For the most up-to-date hotel information, go to STMA.org. The STMA Exhibition is the largest trade show dedicated to sports field management. The show floor is sold out, and attend- ees will be able to meet with product, equipment and technology developers to solve specific field challenges. The trade show does not compete with educational sessions so you can give your full attention to each; there are several innovative sessions being held on the trade show floor. Other events are held in conjunction with the conference and exhibition. The Diamond Pro SAFE Golf Tournament and the Fields, Inc. SAFE Bowling Tournament benefit STMA's 501(c) (3) charity. The SAFE Foundation awards scholarships, grants and funds educational outreach. Register now at STMA.org to reserve your spot. STMA offers a variety of registration options: full confer- ence $450 (best value); 1 day packages, $140 (only two packages allowed); Trade show only $45 each day; Non industry Spouse/ Companion Registration-full conference $140. Register by January 8 online at STMA.org. Onsite registrations can be accommodated; however, prices increase. ■ ST There's still time to register for Conference "Professional associations attract people who are interested in their profession and in making a greater contribution. If you are interested in associating with people who care about your industry and profession, an association is the place to go."* This is you. If you are reading this magazine, you are interested in the profession of sports field management. Consider joining the Sports Turf Managers Association for a greater connection to this industry. By investing a small amount yearly (dues for a practicing sports field manager are $110) you have access to many resources to help you advance your career. One of the most important benefits is access to continuing education. Through STMA's education and training you actively add to your knowledge base. More knowledge equals greater opportunities to apply that knowledge and enhance your career. Another key attribute of belonging to STMA is easy access to a large network of peers who face challenges and issues similar to yours. Being able to communicate with these practitio- ners, top academics and with our commercial partners that provide products, equipment and technology to the industry, directly puts solutions at your fingertips. STMA also offers the opportunity for leadership. It has more than 20 committees that meet typically via conference calls. Their work directly impacts the programs and services that STMA provides to its membership. Volunteers report that they learn project management, team skills, collaboration strategies and more from participating on these committees. Resources available from STMA include: Monthly SportsTurf magazine and online newsletter Educational resources: bulletins, booklets, DVDs (English & Spanish), online classes Certification program Awards program & scholarships Discounts to the Annual Conference & Exhibition Employment & career resources STMA Industry Sourcebook A subscription to Michigan States Turfgrass Information File (TGIF) Chapter resources Leadership opportunities: Committee and Board of Directors service Membership directory Finally, STMA is offering a special benefit to new, first time mem- bers, who are defined as not being a member since the year 2000. With this new membership, you are entitled to receive one FREE conference registration to be used within 3 years. This is a $375 value. For more information, or to sign up as a new member, go to STMA. org, and click on New Visitor at the top of the page. *How To Advance Your Career With Associations – 8 Career Advancement Tips February 3, 2015 ■ ST Invest in your future