SportsField Management August 2025 | Editor's Note

Several upcoming events are shining a spotlight on women in turfgrass and green industry professions.

GCSAA WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

The GCSAA Women’s Leadership Academy, Nov. 11-13, 2025, is focused on providing women in the turfgrass industry with education, mentoring and networking. The 2 1/2-day event will guide participants from all walks of the industry and various years of professional experience on a path of discovery aimed at breaking down barriers and producing a spark to inspire women to be successful leaders.

The Women’s Leadership Academy will once again be headlined by Suzy Whaley, PGA Master Professional and first woman to serve as president of the PGA of America. Whaley, who has worked side by side with many GCSAA members, will speak to her experience in the golf industry and relate it to turfgrass professionals during a fireside chat.

WOMEN IN THE GREEN INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

SiteOne Landscape Supply will host the 27th Women In the Green Industry conference in Las Vegas, September 10–12, 2025, at Resorts World Las Vegas.

“The Women in the Green Industry Conference is more than just an event; it’s a movement. It’s where industry professionals come together to grow as leaders, connect with a powerful network, and gain fresh insight into trends that are shaping our future ,” said Christina Moore, director events, SiteOne. “The lineup strikes the perfect balance between leadership development, business, marketing , HR, wellness, and real-world industry education.”

WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL

This September, at Twickenham Stadium (England), an all-female team of grounds professionals will prepare the pitch for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 final and bronze final, marking a historic first for the sport.

The initiative aims to champion female representation in the sector , and promote the diverse career pathways that grounds management has to offer.

“We’re really proud to be hosting this initiative at Twickenham Stadium and to support the team delivering the pitch for such a major occasion,” said GMA Board Member Jim Buttar, head of grounds and technical operations at Twickenham Stadium. “It’s no secret that our industry needs greater visibility and diversity, especially around female representation, so to see an all-female grounds team leading on one of rugby’s biggest stages will be a huge step forward.”