The S.T.A. hosted a Turfgrass Education Conference on March 20-22, 2006 at the Delta Regina.  Our attendance was down a bit from previous years, but from the feedback that was received we can certainly call it a successful show!  A huge “Thank You” to our Conference chairpersons Ray Popoff and Mike Kupchanko.  Their effort to bring in a top-notch speaker program was greatly appreciated. This event started with a full day CGSA seminar presentation from Bruce Williams of the LA Country Club.

This seminar dealt with negotiating from the Superintendents perspective.  Bruce really made his presentation fit for all our members, especially important when dealing with such a diverse group.  The speaker program continued on Tuesday with another presentation from Bruce Williams and a fertility trend presentation from Gary Grigg.  We also heard from Sam Richardson, a Saskatchewan Curling legend, which was timely as the S.T.A. event came on the heels of the Tim Horton’s Brier.

The social part of the conference was also fitting as we took a trip to the Tartan Curling Club for a “sip n’ slip” curling event, a great opportunity to socialize and learn from your peers.  The conference ended with a peer panel discussion, moderated by Ray Popoff, that dealt with many vital areas that Superintendents and Turfgrass Managers face each and every year…well done gentlemen!

It is also time for you to start planning to attend and participate in the next conference.  This is an inexpensive way to further your education in the Turfgrass Industry.  Talk to your owner or board of directors about going to the conference.  The future of their facility depends on the quality of the resources it has.  Education is the key component to helping improve them!