Sports Field Professionals Converge on Savanah Convention Center January 17 – 20, 2022
(LAWRENCE, Kan.) – Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) – the professional organization for 2,700 men and women who manage sports fields worldwide – will host its 33rd annual Conference & Exhibition January 17-20, 2022 in Savanah, Georgia.
Leaders in the sports field industry will gather at the Savanah Convention Center for four days of industry education, networking events, technology displays and exhibitor demonstrations. The summit kicks off with a volunteer field rebuild in partnership with Project Evergreen on January 17 from 1 – 5 p.m. at Mother Mathilda Beasley Park in Savannah. Other events throughout the week include a variety of informational panel discussions, Women’s Forum & Lunch and the STMA Awards Reception & Banquet where the prestigious Founders’ Awards will be presented, among others.
A full breakdown of the scheduled conference education sessions and activities can be found here.
“The STMA Conference is a global gathering that allows members to connect, collaborate and learn from some of the top thought-leaders and innovators in the sports field management industry,” says Kim Heck, CAE, CEO of STMA. “Always an exceptional learning experience, the 2022 conference will be highlighted by big announcements, sharing of best practices and the camaraderie of being around peers who share a passion for the importance of sports field management.”
Dozens of learning sessions are on the schedule for 2022 in addition to panels led by commercial representatives, renowned sports field managers and leaders from professional sports stadiums, universities, high schools, and parks and recreation facilities. The keynote address on leadership will be presented by Craig Whelden, Retired US Army Major General. Learning sessions will consist of nine tracks including professional development, turfgrass and soil management, construction, environmental and pest management, facility management, water, industry developments and synthetic turf.
Always one of the week’s highlights, sports field management programs nationwide can enter a team of up to four students in the STMA Student Challenge for a chance of winning a cash award, trophy and medallions for each team member. The competition will test students’ skills and knowledge of the sports field management industry. Students will be challenged in a variety of areas including turfgrass identification, soils, fertility, irrigation and drainage, pest management, sports field maintenance practices and human resource management, among others.
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 auction, bowling competition, golf tournament and more. All proceeds will benefit the scholarship, research, and educational outreach programs.
Online registration for the Conference opens Friday, October 15. Cost is $375 for the first STMA member and $325 for any additional members from the same facility. For more information, please visit www.stma.org or call 800-323-3875.
