SFMA IN ACTION
Conference track to focus on Diversity , Equity and Inclusion
The 2023 SFMA Conference in Salt Lake City will feature seven education tracks – one of which will focus on Diversity , Equity and Inclusion .
On Tuesday , January 17 , from 2 – 3:15 p . m ., the DEI track will feature a panel that will include Amy Fouty , CSFM , field consultant , The Motz Group ; Lynda Wightman , retired vendor / supplier industry relations manager , Hunter Industries ; Abby McNeal , CSFM , CPRP , parks superintendent , city of Louisville , Colo .; Leah Withrow , head groundskeeper , Reno Aces ; Victoria Wallace , extension educator , University of Connecticut ; Kaylin Dillon , CFP , financial advisor ; and Eddie Jones , lead organizational development specialist . They will discuss “ Taking it to the Next Level - Advice from Industry Veterans on Growth and Development .”
“ Successful careers do not just happen , they are intentionally developed through goal setting , planning , execution , continuous review and improvements ,” said Fouty . “ The panel is comprised of individuals who have realworld experience to map out a variety of aspects of what it means to have a successful career . From your first job to your retirement , the session will provide some information to assist attendees at any point along their process .”
On Thursday , January 19 , from 8-10 a . m ., Fouty ; Sarah Martin , CSFM ; Maritza Martinez ; and Sun Roesslein , CSFM , will present “ Volunteering for Sports Field Events .”
SFMA Mowing Patterns Contest Winner announced
Nick Miller , field and grounds coordinator for the City of Aurora Parks and Recreation Department ( Aurora , Ohio ) was announced as the winner of the 2022 SFMA Mowing Patterns Contest . The winning field is located at Hartman Park in Aurora , Ohio . This 28-acre sports complex was constructed in 2018 and consists of four baseball / softball fields and 15 acres of multi-use playing surface for soccer / lacrosse etc .
Miller ’ s design will be featured at the 2023 SFMA Conference and Exhibition and showcased in an upcoming issue of SportsField Management magazine .
Pre-conference education
Don ’ t miss the pre-conference education session taking place on Monday , January 16 from 1:15 - 5 p . m . at the SFMA Conference and Exhibition in Salt Lake City . In this session – titled “ How Can We Help ?” – meet and interact with academics for a refresher in the basics of turfgrass management and problem diagnosis .
Speakers and topics include the following : Let Us Help You – Leah Brilman , Ph . D . – DLF Pickseed Turfgrass Basics – Gregg Munshaw , Ph . D . –
Pinnacle Agricultural Research Center Fertilizer 101 – Cale Bigelow , Ph . D . – Purdue
Turf Science Weed ID – Erick Begitschke , M . S . – University of Georgia Insect ID – Geoffrey Rinehart – University of Maryland Disease ID – David McCall , Ph . D . – Virginia Tech Turfgrass Math – Adam Thoms , Ph . D . – Iowa
State University Basic Field Safety – John Sorochan , Ph . D . –
University of Tennessee Enjoy a fun , relaxed , reception-style atmosphere complete with food and beverages . The session is free to attend , and pre-registration is not required . It is sponsored by DLF and Mountain View Seeds .
The SFMA Institute of Sports Field Management
SFMA has a large collection of articles , webinars , research , and technical bulletins to meet your field and facility needs . SFMA provides information on sports field safety , benefits of natural grass , synthetic turf resources , and cultural practices . Professional development and management resources are also available to assist with facility operations and career advancement . The SFMA Institute of Sports Field Management is available at https :// www . sportsfieldmanagement . org / knowledgecenter / ( Note : Pages marked with a lock symbol are for members only ).
2023 Seminar on Wheels
For the Seminars on Wheels at the 2023 SFMA Conference , Monday attendees will visit the athletic facilities at Brigham Young University including LaVell Edwards Stadium , Miller Park , the Football Practice Facility , South Field , and the Indoor Practice Facility . In the afternoon , attendees will visit Rio Tinto Stadium , home of MLS club Real Salt Lake followed by Smith ’ s Ballpark , home of the Salt Lake Bees .
Thursday will feature a half-day seminar on wheels , and attendees will visit Zions Bank Real Academy & Training Center – training facility for MLS club Real Salt Lake followed by University of Utah . Sign up for one or both when you register for the 2023 Conference . If you have already registered but did not sign up , you can log back into your registration and add the seminar on wheels
The 2023 Seminars on Wheels are sponsored by Bush Sports Turf .
8 SportsField Management | January 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com