Changes for Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show

The planning committee for the 2005 Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show, scheduled for Dec. 6 through 8 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center announced changes to the event. The annual conference and trade show is in its 39th year as a regional conference and marketplace for professional turfgrass managers.

The most noticeable change is the conference schedule. Traditionally a four-day event, this year it has been shortened to three days.

“We have learned from surveying our exhibitors and attendees that most of our participants prefer a shorter schedule, thus reducing expenses for meals and accommodations,” says show manager Kevin Thompson. “After extensive review of the schedule, we determined that we could shorten the event without sacrificing the educational opportunities or trade show time. It may mean longer days for those who want to take advantage of all the offerings Tuesday through Thursday, but the new schedule allows participants to start the work week in the office Monday, and return to the office on Friday. It also means one day less away from family, which is important, especially around the holidays.”

Approximately 250 turfgrass suppliers will display the latest products and services available in turf management – making it the largest show of its kind in the country. In addition to the three-day exhibition, there are more than 90 hours of educational sessions covering a broad spectrum of turf management topics.

The new schedule also affects the timing of the keynote speech. Historically Wednesday morning of the event, this year’s keynote will be presented December 6 from 4 to 5 p.m. The keynote speech, featuring Olympic wrestling gold medalist Rulon Gardner, signals the “unofficial” opening of the conference and show. A welcome reception on the trade show floor, sponsored by the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, follows the Keynote Speech.

The revised conference program includes a new series of seminars addressing organic lawn and landscape management. Also, “The Business of Snow Removal” is a new panel discussion that will be offered for the first time for those lawn and landscape contractors who are turning to snow and ice management as a source of off-season revenue. For the second year, the United States Golf Association plans to hold its regional conference in conjunction with OTF. It will take place Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Turfgrass researchers, extensions agents, experts from The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research Development Center, Agricultural Technical Institute and presenters from leading turfgrass institutions around the country make up the program. Continuing education credit will be offered through the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Sports Turf Managers Association and pesticide recertification from Ohio and surrounding states.

More than 4,000 golf course superintendents, athletic field managers, lawn care operators, landscapers, groundskeepers, sod growers and other turfgrass professionals are expected to attend.

The Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show is sponsored by the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, The Ohio State University, Ohio State University Extension, and Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center.

For detailed information about the conference or trade show, contact the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation at 888-683-3445, fax 740-452-2552, or visit www.OhioTurfgrass.org.