CONFERENCE PREVIEW highlight results from indoor testing conducted for the five domed venues and explore how the research has been applied to real-world scenarios .
Toolkit for Increasing Diversity in Green Industries — Meg Smolinski , Paula Sliefert , Sun Roesslein , CSFM , and Warren Gorowitz
Designing / Building a Sports Field with the Grounds Manager in Mind — Nick McKenna , CSFM , Mark Baginski , Sam Titchener , and Casey Scheidel , CSFM 10 a . m . -1 p . m .: Trade Show & Lunch 12-1 p . m .: Student Luncheon 1:30-3 p . m .: Conference Education ( Repeat Sessions )
The Hole Truth : Aerification Myths and Methodology — Gerald Henry , Ph . D .
Sustainable Turfgrass : Can Sports Fields Be Maintained with Fewer Inputs ? — Gregg Munshaw , PhD . Data-Driven Sports Field Management — Dan
Sandor , Ph . D ., and Tyler Carr , Ph . D .
Mentorship as a Lever for Equity : A Deep Dive from ‘ Leveling the Playing Field — Tara Furiani 1:30-4:30 p . m .: Baseball Symposium 6:30-7:30 p . m .: Pre-Banquet Reception 7:30-10 p . m .: Awards Banquet
GENERAL SESSION COUNTDOWN TO THE WORLD CUP 2026 — BEHIND- THE-SCENES LOOK AT RESEARCH AND PREPARATION TO PULL OFF THE WORLD ’ S LARGEST TOURNAMENT Presented by John Sorochan , Ph . D ., Trey Rogers , Ph . D . and Alan Ferguson To successfully stage the world ’ s biggest sporting event , FIFA funded a collaborative research and development effort between Michigan State University and the University of Tennessee to prepare pitches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup . This presentation offers an in-depth overview of the research , which began in 2021 , with a focus on the challenges and progress in developing temporary playing surfaces for eight of the 16 stadiums . It will also
FIELD FORUM GAME ON : LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD IN SPORTS FIELD MANAGEMENT Presented by Tara Furiani " Game On : Leveling the Playing Field in Sports Field Management ” is a dynamic keynote designed to inspire and motivate industry professionals to champion equity and inclusion . Through a mix of pop culture references , storytelling , and actionable strategies , participants will discover how subtle shifts in behavior and mindset can create a more diverse , innovative , and successful workplace . This high-energy session empowers attendees to take immediate steps toward building inclusive teams and fostering a more equitable sports field management industry , while having fun along the way . Participants will gain insight into the present state of diversity in the sports field management industry , focusing on the underrepresentation of women and marginalized groups , and how this impacts team dynamics , innovation , and industry growth . Learn practical strategies for promoting equity through subtle yet impactful shifts in language , team roles , and behavior . Attendees will leave with actionable steps they can apply immediately to create more inclusive teams . Discover effective ways to attract diverse talent from high schools and colleges , fostering early inclusion through mentorship programs , internships , and partnerships with educational institutions .
STUDENT CHALLENGE The SFMA Student Challenge is presented in partnership with the SAFE Foundation , founding partner Hunter Industries , and supporting sponsor Ewing . Each year , students from 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities throughout the country compete in an exam that challenges knowledge in the sports field management industry . The winning teams receive a cash award , a plaque , and medallions for each team member . The prize money benefits the institution ’ s turfgrass program and creates opportunities for students pursuing a career in sports field management . The Study Guide for the 2025 SFMA Student Collegiate Challenge is available online . Be sure to thoroughly review the Study Guide in preparation for the exam . The 2025 contest will take place Wednesday , January 15 , from 2-4:30 p . m . at the SFMA Conference and Exhibition in Palm Springs , California . A maximum of four undergraduates can compete on a team and must declare if they are rep-
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