Photo by Steve Trusty

Photo by Suz Trusty

Photo by Suz Trusty

Breakout sessions are well attended and provide companies with multiple attendees to divide and conquer all the various opportunities and if you don’t have enough staff in attendance you can take advantage of the new online education.

The indoor exhibit area gives attendees a chance to view products and services, enjoy refreshments and compare notes on ideas that have worked well for them.

Photo by Steve Trusty

Plan a helicopter ride, sponsored by Horizon Turf Grass, Inc. Rides will be offered at the end of Field Day. Fly away into the wild blue yonder ... for 8-10 minutes. Only 36 spots are available and groups of three will be able to ride with the pilot.

Tour the Houston sites, a bus tour with occasional stops at area attractions, cultural hot spots and historical sites that make Houston special. Highlights will include a view of many attractions in the heart of the city as well as a few hidden gems.

The Conference is also the site for TPI’s Annual Meeting. Here incoming president, Will Nugent (left) presents an appreciation plaque to outgoing president, Ed Keeven, Jr. at last year’s meeting.

Photo by Steve Trusty

Enjoy a fun-filled Topgolf “Bogey Nights” I am not a golfer and yet I have been to Topgolf with golfer friends and we’ve had a great time! All you have to do is swing a club and try to hit your microchipped balls into dartboard-like targets. It’s competitive! It’s fun! And it’s sure to provide an evening of entertain- ment for all. For more information on these activities packages go to the Events site at www.TurfGrassSod.org.

First Time Conference attendees gather at a spe- cial reception to help them get acquainted with TPI leaders and to receive information to help them get the most out of their attendance.

TPI Volunteer Project—If you are planning on staying in Houston through the weekend, why not sign up to participate in a local volunteer project with Habitat for Humanity on Friday, February 26. Scott Sipes of All Seasons Turf Grass, Inc., and TPI’s Field

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There is always an abundance of food at the vari- ous meal events at TPI. There is great variety to fit any palate and plenty of it.

Day exhibitors are donating the turf harvested during Field Day to landscape homes in the Greater Houston area. Just a few hours of help goes a long way. Habitat for Humanity and Project EverGreen are coordinating volunteers for this charitable cause. If you are interested in participating, send an email to info@TurfGrassSod.org and write “Houston Volunteer Project” in the subject line. We hope to make the TPI Volunteer Project a yearly tradition.

All this in addition to our great sessions, the very popular Show & Tells, and numerous opportunities for networking and reconnecting with old friends. This conference offers a great deal of learning, discovery and inspiration, how can you and your business afford to miss it?

Don’t delay, there is still time to save! Hotel Registration ends January 30th and Advance Registration ends Febru- ary 8th. Visit www.TurfGrassSod.org for complete TPI 2016 conference infor- mation and register today.

I look forward to seeing you in Houston!

Anne Footle is marketing & membership manager for Turfgrass Producers International.

TPI TURF NEWS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016