POST-SHOW RECAP
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Photo by John Kmitta
Tuesday , January 17 , kicked off with the Opening General Session on the topic of “ Transitioning from 2022 FIFA World Cup to 2026 .” The General Session focused on the hosting and delivery of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and transitioning to the 2026 World Cup . The presentation discussed the challenges of working in parallel on different events in different stages of the event lifecycle , as well as preparing and planning for consistency and uniformity of fields across different climate zones and stadium types .
Following the General Session , Tuesday was packed full of conference education , as well as the Women ’ s Forum and Lunch , Chapter Officers Training , First Timers / International / CSFM Reception and the Live Auction .
All attendees were then invited to the Welcome Reception Tuesday evening .
Wednesday , January 18 , featured morning education sessions followed by the keynote address . Keynote speaker DeMaurice Smith , executive director of the National Football League Players Association ( NFLPA ), presented “ A Safer Field of Play ? The NFLPA and Its Advocacy for Player Health and Safety .” Smith and the NFLPA have been at the forefront of issues surrounding NFL player health and safety . During his presentation , Smith answered audience questions on a variety of topics . Lunch and the SFMA Annual Meeting followed the keynote .
Following the Annual Meeting , attendees were able to see the latest equipment , technology and innovations on the trade show floor .
Also on Wednesday afternoon was the SFMA Student Challenge , presented in partnership with the SAFE Foundation , founding partner Hunter Industries , and supporting sponsor Ewing . Students from 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities throughout the country competed in an exam that challenges knowledge in the sports field industry . The winning teams receive a cash award , a plaque and medallions for each team member . The prize money
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SAFE Night of Bowling . Photo by John Kmitta Photo provided by SFMA sportsfieldmanagementonline . com March 2023 | SportsField Management
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