Here in Illinois, we experienced a long, hot, dry summer with warm temps that lasted well into October. Then, in a single afternoon, fall arrived. A storm moved through, temperatures dropped 20 degrees overnight, and all of a sudden we were in hoodie season( and pumpkin-spice-everything season).

The time has arrived where I look forward to cooking the turkey, playing flag football with the family, and taking a nap on the couch. Thanksgiving can be stressful for those hosting, but it’ s always a great time to celebrate the season and connect with family and friends.

Which brings me to another annual event to connect with others— the Sports Field Management Association( SFMA) Conference and Exhibition. It’ s time to dust off your cowboy boots, because the 2026 SFMA Conference is heading to Fort Worth, Texas.

In this issue, we provide a detailed overview of the conference education lineup. SFMA has planned an extensive education offering across multiple tracks: Turfgrass Management, Research and Technology, Synthetic, Sustainability / Best Management Practices, Professional Development / Career Development, and Pest Control.

In addition to top-notch industry education, SFMA Conference offers tours of a variety of nearby fields / facilities, hospitality events, an expansive exhibition hall showcasing the latest equipment and products, the annual

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SFMA Awards Banquet, and, as mentioned, plenty of opportunities to connect( and reconnect) with other industry professionals.

Ask anyone who has attended a past SFMA Conference, and they will tell you that it is a great place to meet new faces, see old friends and exchange ideas throughout the week.

Also in this issue, Joe Churchill outlines even more reasons you should attend the annual conference; and we provide a mini travel guide of things to see and do while in Fort Worth for the conference.

For first-time attendees, I recommend planning ahead. Review the education lineup and highlight the sessions you hope to attend. Add each item to the calendar on your phone so that you have it handy at all times. But allow plenty of time to see new things, walk the show floor, and, of course, network with others. Most importantly, be open to introducing yourselves to others, and don’ t be afraid to ask questions.

I will be on hand, covering all aspects of the event. I look forward to seeing many of you there. Please don’ t hesitate to seek me out or stop me to say hello if you see me wandering the hallways or exhibit hall floor.

For more information about the 2026 SFMA Conference and Exhibition, visit https:// www. sportsfieldmanagement. org / conference /

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