The 2026 SFMA Conference and Exhibition will be held January 18-22, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. SFMA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition allows attendees to share information with other successful members of the sports field management industry.
The full-day Seminar on Wheels on Monday will tour Toyota Stadium (FC Dallas); Riders Field (Frisco RoughRiders); and Southern Methodist University. The half-day Seminar on Wheels on Thursday will tour AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys) and Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers).
This year’s keynote speech will be a presentation by SFMA CEO Paula Sliefert, SFMA President Adam Thoms, Ph.D., and SFMA President Elect Alpha Jones, CSFM. They will provide an SFMA update on the future plans for the organization.
Graduate students will present project posters during the SFMA Conference. Submissions must be sports field focused and present either industry research or a case study that explains the project’s purpose and significance.
The following preview provides insight into the 2026 SFMA Conference & Exhibition education lineup, but for more information or to register, visit www.sportsfieldmanagement.org/conference.
MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026
Jump start your conference with pre-conference Power Learning Sessions from 1:15–5 p.m. on Monday.
1:15-1:30 p.m.: Rapid Preview of Speaker Topics Plus Extras
1:30-2:15 p.m.: Speaking Session 1; presented by Dan Sandor, Ph.D.
Core Aeration by the Numbers. In this presentation attendees will learn the relationship between tine size and spacing and how aerator tine setup impacts the amount of actual playing surface affected by aeration.
The ABC’s of GDDs. What are growing degree days (GDDs) and are they right for your chemical programs?
Back to School: SFMA and Secondary Education. In this presentation, Dr. Sandor will share his experience in connecting with more than 20 high school programs teaching turfgrass management in Virginia.
2:15-2:30 p.m.: Rapid Review of Speaker Topics Plus Extras
2:30-3:15 p.m.: Speaking Session 2; presented by Pawel Petelewicz, Ph.D.
Herbicide Headaches. This session will focus on how to manage and control the use of herbicides and their application in the field.
3:15-3:30 pm.: Rapid Review of Speaker Topics Plus Extras
3:30-3:50 p.m.: Poster Project Showcase Presentations/Break
3:50-4:35 p.m.: Speaking Session 3; presented by Geoff Rinehart
Fertilizer Product Basics. This presentation will cover distinguishing among major, secondary, and minor nutrients needed for a sports field and major "fast-" and "slow-
release" sources of nutrients.
Using Variety Trial Data to Select the Best Cultivars. This presentation will discuss how to use the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program data and data from other national programs to select the best cultivars for sports field performance.
Turf Disease Basics. This presentation will cover the basics of where different pathogens can infect the turfgrass plant (leaf, crown, root), the "disease triangle" and how that should inform management decisions.
4:35-4:50 p.m.: Rapid Review of Speaker Topics Plus Finale
4:50-5 p.m.: Closing
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
8-9:30 a.m.
General Session: Inside the Pitch — Field Managers’ Perspective on Preparing for FIFA World Cup 2026; presented by John Wright; Tyler Morris, CSFM; Ryan Bjorn; Robert Heggie; Alan Ferguson; Weston Appelfeller, CSFM; Shaun Ilten; David Graham; Ewen Hodge; Trey Rogers, Ph.D.
9:45-10:45 a.m.
Time to Take PCI Off the Shelf; presented by David Pinsonneault, CSFM, CPRP, CPWP-M
This presentation will discuss the Playing Conditions Index (PCI) tool used in natural grass and synthetic turf athletic field assessment. A real-life example will be presented to outline what the PCI is, why it is an important tool to use in your program, how to complete the PCI forms and how to interpret and use the results.
Renovating Cool-Season Turfgrass Dominated by Annual Bluegrass; presented by Brad Park
This presentation will explore Rutgers research results and a case study involving integration of perennial ryegrass overseeding and herbicide applications for the purposes of renovating cool-season sports turf dominated by annual bluegrass.
Simplified Soil Science for Superior Sports Surfaces; presented by Bryan Hopkins, Ph.D.
The focus in this session will be to teach advanced soil science concepts in a practical, applied manner to help participants become more effective managers of turfgrass and the soils they grow in.
Optimizing Mowing Practices for Turfgrass Species: Autonomous vs Conventional; presented by Tessa Hospod and Jason Henderson, Ph.D.
This presentation will describe if mowing regime and height of cut have different effects on turfgrass quality, mowing quality, and stress tolerance on four different cool-season turfgrass species.
It's Not About the Paycheck; presented by Jeff McManus
Through real-world stories and leadership lessons, McManus shows how high-performing teams thrive — not because it’s easy, but because passion leads the way.
Ensuring Peak Performance Through Weed Control in Warm-Season Turf; presented by Gerald Henry, Ph.D. and Pawel Petelewicz, Ph.D.
This presentation will discuss the impacts of weed infestation on athletic field performance and use with a focus on holistic strategies to address troublesome and/or common weeds of warm-season turfgrasses.
11 a.m.-Noon
Work/Life Balance for the Sports Field Manager; presented by Lisa Goatley, LPC and Mike Goatley, Ph.D.
This presentation will discuss the challenges in work/life balance and present strategies to maintain healthy family relationships while also meeting the demands of work.
Sports Field Irrigation A to Z — Including the Things You Were Afraid to Ask; presented by Brad Jakubowski
This workshop will take you through all of the major concepts of irrigation: Why we water. Why it's important for the field, society, and beyond.
Utilizing Autonomous Mowing Technology for Sports Field Management; presented by J. Scott McElroy, Ph.D.
In this presentation, Dr. McElroy will cover the major types of autonomous mowers, discuss how they are utilized, and how they will change the way the turfgrass is managed.
Trust the Journey: Navigating Career Transitions with Confidence and Finding Success; presented by Paula Sliefert and Ava Veith
Ava and Paula will share their personal experiences with career transitions, offering insights into how they navigated change while staying open to new opportunities.
Managing Sports Fields More Effectively with PGRs; presented by Aaron Hathaway
This presentation will take an in-depth look at why and how plant growth regulators (PGRs) can be specifically used to potentially prime a sports field for heavy traffic, aid the transition to and from overseeding, favor the desired turf species, help establish seeding and sodding projects faster, as well as other uses for PGRs.
Leave it Better Than You Found it!; presented by Drew Miller, Ed.D. and Travis Hogan
The presenters will discuss the key components of how they have grown in their careers with different components, from leadership to technological advancements.
2-3:15 p.m.
Measured Maintenance: Turfgrass Mathematics for Peak Performance; presented by Quincy Law, Ph.D. and Nick Christians, Ph.D.
This presentation will work through common turfgrass calculations using both the proportional method and dimensional analysis. Participants will solve a string of applied turfgrass math problems to link and build on concepts including area, volume, fertilizers and pesticides.
Suncorp Stadium — Australia's Premier Multipurpose Rectangular Stadium; presented by Matthew Oliver
Go behind the scenes of Suncorp Stadium — Australia’s premier rectangular stadium and one of the busiest
natural turf venues in the world. In this session, Matthew Oliver shares real-world insights from leading the sports turf operations at a venue that hosts over 60 major events annually across rugby league, rugby union, soccer, and concerts.
Ballfields on a Budget: Practices and Products to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck; presented by Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D.
This presentation will focus on the practices that are critical for healthy turfgrass and discuss other practices that may be reduced based on labor and budget.
Indoor Turf Management: What We Have Learned Preparing for FWC26; presented by John Sorochan, Ph.D.
Discussion will focus on the research being done at the University of Tennessee to grow grass in five domed stadiums for the 2026 World Cup. Topics will include light levels and light quality needed of growth. Indoor turfgrass performance and playability characteristics will also be defined.
Managing and Leading Young Workers and Dealing with Turnover; presented by Colin Boak
Tools and tricks used to relate to, and get the most out of, your younger-age crew. It will also discuss the challenges that occur from constant turnover and the retraining process with a steady flow of high school age workers.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Clean Air, Healthy Fields: Leveraging Science to Support Natural Turf; presented by Cindy Code and Scott Bills, CSFM
An overview of the Clean Air Calculator (CAC) — a science-based tool developed by Project EverGreen to quantify the environmental benefits of professionally managed natural grass.
Fraise Mowing Strategies: Improving Recovery and Field Performance; presented by Jada Powlen, Ph.D. and Ray McCauley, Ph.D.
This presentation will prime field managers for fraise mowing and will cover its uses (organic matter management, weed control, and renovations), effects on field performance, and strategies for improving bermudagrass recovery (i.e., fertilization, timing, depth), especially in the transition zone.
Pesticide Formulations and Mixing; presented by Chrissie Segars, Ph.D. and Dale Sanson, Ph.D.
There are over 30 different pesticide formulation types worldwide. The top five formulation types used in the turf industry will be reviewed.
Improving Synthetic Turf Through Research: Key Findings from 15 Years of Research; presented by Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. and Taylor Williams
The University of Tennessee evaluated various types of synthetic turf, infill, and shock pads to determine uniformity and player performance. Maintenance challenges and strategies will be discussed in detail.
The Sports Field Manager: Gratitude or Despair?; presented by Keith Winter
This presentation will include a look at the Seven Realms of Human Emotion and how they impact our personal and professional life.
Generational Intelligence: Leadership for a Multigenerational Workforce; presented by Nick McKenna, CSFM and Holly Kasperbauer
Whether you're a seasoned manager or an emerging leader in the industry, this workshop offers essential insights to help you unlock the full potential of your workforce.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21
8-9 a.m.
Boots on the Ground with Turf Maintenance and Turf Renovations in a No Pesticide Part of the World; presented by Trevor Warner
An overview of turf maintenance and turf renovations through videos and pictures of what the presenters do to combat weeds and promote turf grass growth in a part of the world that has a pesticide ban.
What is Soil Health and How can it Benefit my Athletic Fields?; presented by Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D.
This presentation will discuss what soil health is and what it is not, how soil health can benefit turfgrasses on our athletic fields, and how our turfgrass management practices can affect it.
Overseeding Cool-Season Athletic Fields: Strategies to Transition to Better Grasses; presented by Jada Powlen, Ph.D. and Cale Bigelow, Ph.D.
This session will cover the various cultural strategies that one could utilize to successfully add newer grasses and genetics in tired old sports fields.
New Technology: Not Always the Easy Button; presented by Ben Boeding, CSFM and Paul Miskimen
This session will share real-world insights on early adoption of new technology, common hurdles, and lessons learned.
Smart Spending: Cost-Effective Management and Negotiation Strategies for Turf Professionals; presented by Barry Gardner, Jamie Mehringer and Joey Stevenson
This session is designed to equip sports turf managers with practical strategies for stretching budgets without sacrificing quality.
Successful Community-Level Fields: Working with Volunteers, Teams and Low Budgets, Making it all Work!; presented by Brad Jakubowski, MS, CIT, JP Tambourine
This seminar will discuss the requirements and ingredients needed for succeeding with volunteers and low budgets.
9:15-10:30 a.m.
Beyond the Ballfields: Maintaining Modern Recreation Spaces; presented by Tony Ivey
This presentation is designed for facility managers responsible for maintaining non-traditional recreational amenities such as sand volleyball courts, cross-country tracks, skate parks, disc golf courses, and motocross tracks. It will provide valuable insights into both the planning and maintenance phases of these specialized facilities.
Grass Innovation: Exploring the Newest Varieties for Field Performance; presented by Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. and Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D.
This session will provide an overview of the latest advances in turfgrass breeding and development, focusing on new varieties that offer improved performance and sustainability.
Common Diseases of Cool-Season Sports Fields; presented by Geoff Rinehart
This presentation will cover the most common diseases of sports fields in the transition zone and northern (cool-season) zone — brown patch, summer patch, dollar spot, pythium-related diseases, and leaf spot.
Math Made Simple, or so we Hope!; presented by Mike Goatley, Ph.D. and Dan Sandor, Ph.D.
Mathematics are a routine part of sports field management but can often be challenging or stressful. The primary objective of this seminar is to make problem solving easy for everyone.
Sharing 25 Years' Experience with Hybrid Carpets; presented by Mark Major
This session offers a practical, no-nonsense discussion from someone who has been hands-on in every aspect of the hybrid carpet business for nearly three decades.
Texas A & M's Kyle Field: An "Eventful" Summer!; presented by Nick McKenna, CSFM
This presentation will outline the events and activities that occurred at Texas A&M's Kyle Field during the summer of 2024.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22
8:30-10 a.m.
A Ride Through a Year in the Transition Zone with the Three Amigos; presented by Cale Bigelow, Ph.D., Mike Goatley, Ph.D. and Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D.
This "discussion session" (audience participation strongly encouraged) will review the 2025 growing season across the transition zone from Missouri to Virginia.
Bridging the Gap: Empowering Groundskeepers Through Data-Driven Dialogue with Performance Teams; presented by Reece Watson and Greg Elliott
This session explores how grounds crews and performance staff can work together to optimize field conditions for athlete performance and safety.
Panel Discussion: Strategies for Poa annua Management in Sports Fields; presented by Gerald Henry, Ph.D., Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Chrissie Segars, Ph.D. and Pam Sherratt
A panel of turfgrass experts from both academia and industry will discuss Poa annua control options from within their respective locations throughout the country.
Budget Like a Pro: Strategic Planning and Financial Advocacy for High-Impact Turf Investments; presented by Barry Gardner, Jamie Mehringer and Joey Stevenson
This session will dive into proven strategies for budget planning and securing financial support for large-scale purchases like equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and long-term field improvements.
Services No Longer Needed — The Aftermath and Landing Back on Your Feet; presented by Eric Harshman, CSFM, CGM, James Bergdoll, CSFM, Peter Thibeault, CSFM and Neil Cathey, CSFM
This panel discussion brings together seasoned CSFMs who have faced unexpected career transitions. They will share their experiences of job loss or choosing to leave a position, providing insight into how they navigated these difficult situations, rebuilt their confidence, and found new opportunities.
*Earn up to 1.5 CEUs through SFMA. In addition to SFMA, the following professional organizations may be providing CEUs for attending education sessions at the conference:
American Sports Builders Association (ASBA)
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)
Irrigation Association (IA)
Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS)
National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)
Pesticide Recertification Credits: Texas, Oklahoma (Pending Approval) Note: Pesticide Recertification credits are only available for the states listed above. If you are attending from another state and need pesticide recertification credits, you are responsible for contacting your state’s Department of Agriculture for approval.
SFMA will offer virtual education via a webinar series during the four weeks following the conference. (All times are Central).
February 10
2-3 p.m.: Importance of the Right Foundation: Principles of Athletic Field Rootzone Design and Maintenance; presented by Joshua Marden, CSFM
3:15-4:15 p.m.: Water Quality and Lack Thereof; presented by Marco Schiavon, Ph.D.
February 17
2-3 p.m.: What is Nanotechnology and How Can it Help My Sports Fields?; presented by Geoff Rinehart
3:15-4:15 p.m.: Soil Health of Sports Fields: Are Pesticides and Fertilizers Killing our Soils?; presented by Bryan Hopkins, Ph.D.
February 24
2-3 p.m.: Cool-Season Turfgrasses for Reduced-Input Grounds and Sports Fields; presented by Brad Park
3:15-4:15 p.m.: Relationship Goals: How to Improve the Success of Your Sports Field by Communication; presented by Keith Fisher
March 3
2-3 p.m.: Budgeting Fundamentals: Knowing What Goes Where and How; presented by Brad Jakubowski
3:15-4:15 p.m.: How to Plan Athletic Field Management for an Effective Integrated Pest Management Plan; presented by Amanda Folck