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/739563
www.stma.org November 2016 | SportsTurf 21 STMA CONFERENCE PREVIEW FIFA World Cup: Preparing for a Final - Challenges and Successes Speakers: Marcela Munoz - Syngenta UK; Sebastian Munoz - Turf Masters Chile This presentation will focus on preparation of a soccer pitch for a FIFA World Cup fi nal. A case study will be used to discuss the 2015 Chile FIFA under 17 World Cup at Sausalito Stadium. Challenges associated with the 2014 Brazil FIFA World Cup at Maracana Stadium will also be discussed. Attendees will learn about meeting FIFA World Cup standards and expectations, as well as keys to success in a stressful and challenging environment. 11 am - 12 pm Keynote - Laura Katen - Katen Consulting This presentation will address the topic of professionalism, and how communication at an individual and organizational level infl uences how you are perceived by your peers, your employer and your community. Fri., Jan. 27 8 - 10 am Football Panel Panelists: Clark Cox, CSFM - University of South Carolina; Stephen Crockett, CSFM - City of Union City Tennessee; Nicholas Fedewa - SMG Jacksonville/Jaguars; Rob Julian - Tampa Bay Buccaneers This panel discussion will cover multiple aspects of maintenance for professional, college and university, municipal, and K-12 football fi elds. Management tips and tricks as well as safety practices will be presented. The session is an open forum discussion where attendees can ask questions pertaining to the maintenance of safe football playing surfaces. Baseball Panel Panelists: Dan Bergstrom, CSFM - BBVA Compass Stadium; Nick McKenna, CSFM - Texas A&M Athletics; Tom Nielsen - Louisville Baseball Club; Rick Perruzzi, CSFM, CPRP - City of South Portland, ME Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Sports turf managers from across the country will share the various management strategies they utilize to maintain baseball fi elds. After a brief introduction from each panelist, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss challenges and solutions related to Major League, Minor League, College and University, and K-12 baseball fi elds and facilities. Pesticides Panel Panelists: Jim Brosnan, Ph.D. - University of Tennessee; Travis Gannon, Ph.D. - NC State University; Jason Henderson, Ph.D. - University of Connecticut; Jay McCurdy, Ph.D. - Mississippi State University This panel will address the control of turfgrass pests using both chemical control strategies and pesticide-free management strategies. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions regarding pesticide resistance, exposure, new formulations, and product selection. Attendees experiencing pesticide bans are also encouraged to attend to learn about compliance and alternative maintenance strategies. Cultivars/Varieties Panel Panelists: Leah Brilman, Ph.D. - DLF Pickseed USA; Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D. - University of Kentucky; Brad Park - Rutgers University; Pamela Sherratt - The Ohio State University This panel of experts will help you decipher which turfgrass cultivar or variety is best for your situation. Recommendations for highest recuperative potential, best color, highest pest tolerance, and best heat, drought, or cold tolerance will all be discussed. Bring your questions to help determine which turfgrasses are best suited for high performing, safe playing fi elds. Innovative Sessions 10:30 - 10:45 am Planning for a Synthetic Turf Field Replacement Speaker: Mark Heinlein - Turf Reclamation Solutions, LLC Synthetic fi elds have a fi nite lifespan. Evaluation, planning and execution are keys to a successful fi eld replacement project. This presentation will teach attendees how to evaluate an aging turf fi eld and identify and manage key components of the deconstruction process for a successful outcome. 11 - 11:15 am Polymer Coated Fertilizer: Takes a Beating and Keeps on Feeding Speaker: Eric Miltner, Ph.D. - Koch Turf & Ornamental Polymer coated fertilizers are effi cient, effective tools for sports turf managers. Polymer coatings resist physical damage, providing controlled-release nutrition even under heavy traffi c. Nutrient rates and number of applications can be reduced, saving time, fuel, and equipment use and maintenance. Polymer coated fertilizer technology can enhance turf performance and improve management effi ciency. 11:30 - 11:45 am Porous Inorganic Amendments - Unpacking How They Really Work Speaker: George Serrill - EnviroTech Soil Solutions, Inc. This presentation focuses on how soil amendments (calcined clay, calcined diatomaceous earth, and zeolite) work and their potential for water conservation, wear resistance, and nutrient retention. It will illustrate research distinctions between inorganic amendments approved by the USGA for golf green rootzone construction, how these structural differences regulate performance, and provide the basis for each mode of action. 12 - 12:15 pm Stadium Grow Lighting Innovation in Europe and the USA Speaker: Simon Gumbrill - Stadium Grow Lighting (SGL) Supplementary grow lighting use on natural grass stadium fi elds has become an accepted practice of the last decade with many grounds managers using the lighting technology to ensure a healthy, safe, durable surface for players. The presentation will exhibit the success of the lighting used in MLS, NFL and MLB stadiums as well as the current and future innovations for improved quality. 1:30 - 3 pm Taking Stress in Stride Speaker: Mary Owen - University of Massachusetts Amherst Some abiotic stresses – lack of adequate water, excessive traffi c, and temperatures unfavorable to turfgrass growth – pose challenges to the establishment, maintenance, and presentation of a quality, safe playing surface. Those stressors impact the plant and its ability to function, grow and recover from injury. We will discuss the physiology and development of the turfgrass plant in response to stress, and consider strategies to prepare for, manage, and mitigate its impact. Managing the Problem Employee Speaker: Lisa Goatley, M.S., L.P.C. - The Cascade Group Most sports fi eld managers will face the unpleasant task of having to manage a problem employee at some point in their career. Management strategies will be presented with the goal of employee retention and improved morale. The decision about when termination is appropriate will also be addressed, along with suggestions to potentially avoid litigation or facilitate a successful outcome to litigation. Paying it Forward: How to Be Helpful When Asked for Advice Speaker: Rich Watson - Laurel Lawnmower Every year there are new fi eld managers that enter the profession at the K-12 or municipal level that have never maintained a sports fi eld. This talk will focus on how to provide help to fi eld managers that may not have the manpower, resources, or experience to enjoy success at this point in their career. Some topics of discussion will be: fi eld maintenance concepts, communication, continuing education, and priority budgeting.