Not much can beat Palm Springs in winter . The host site of the 2025 SFMA Conference & Exhibition welcomed attendees January 13- 16 with warm weather , a trendy downtown filled with top-notch restaurants and boutique shops , and a modern convention center — all within comfortable walking distance to hotels and amenities .

SFMA did its part by presenting a wealth of first-class industry education , amazing networking opportunities and two days of the latest products and equipment on the trade show floor . Which is why this issue of SportsField Management magazine looks back at the 2025 SFMA Conference & Exhibition , and everything it had to offer .

For me , the conference is always a time to learn something new , see friends and colleagues from throughout the industry , and make new connections . This year was no different , as I met many new people , had some wonderful conversations and learned some new things .

A highlight for me was the Opening General Session presented by Alan Ferguson , Ewen Hodge and Weston Appelfeller from FIFA , along with Dr . John “ Trey ” Rogers from Michigan State University . The session showcased the planning and research efforts thus far for the FIFA World Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026 . I ’ m

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excited to announce that SportsField Management magazine will share a series of articles about World Cup 2026 preparation throughout the coming year ; and connections made during SFMA Conference make that type of editorial content possible .

I was also thrilled to present the 2024 SportsField Management Rising Star Awards during the conference . My thanks not only to our class of winners , but also to all those who showed up to support them — including members of our inaugural Rising Star class ; SFMA President Adam Thoms , Ph . D .; Immediate Past President Sun Roesslein , CSFM ; and Brandon Cox of Rising Star Awards sponsor STEC Equipment . Winners were presented with personalized awards , as well as plaques featuring their photos on the cover of SportsField Management . They also received swag bags courtesy of STEC Equipment . It has been great to see this awards program grow in just two short years , but most of all I enjoy meeting the amazing young professionals who are making their mark on the sports field management profession .

I ’ m excited for the ongoing impact of the conference as a result of the connections made , the stories shared , and the ideas generated ; the magazine is better for it . I look forward to seeing you all next year in Fort Worth , Texas . SFM

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SportsField Management | March 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com