EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S TURF

50 & Fabulous: Celebrating Our Past, Inspiring Our Future This is one TPI Conference you won’t want to miss!

TPI’s 2017 International Education Conference & Field Day in Tampa, Florida, is sure to be an unforgettable event. If you’re fond of nostalgia, or even if you are relatively new to TPI, the scope of planned events, both business and social, are sure to inform, educate, entertain and inspire you.

We have a lot of exciting things planned to make TPI’s 50th Anniversary a fun-filled experience for the entire family. Pre-conference optional activities like the popular Rootin’ Tootin Clay Shootin’ Tournament and a Treasures of Tampa Water and Land Tour are just the beginning of what’s sure to be a memorable few days in sunny Florida.

Te Conference & Education Committee has developed two days of new and unique educational opportunities that are sure to benefit you and your business. Starting with our opening keynote session: What’s Your Uber? which will make you think about the next big thing that will impact the turfgrass industry. Or attend one of our breakout sessions that will focus on the latest cutting-edge research.

Be sure to participate in Tuesday’s Roundtable Lunch where you will have the opportunity to network and learn from our speakers, other industry leaders, and exchange ideas and seek advice from your peers. Tese sessions are sure to serve as a great starting point for a prosperous and successful 2017.

And be sure not to miss the Field Day at SMR Farms which will feature live equipment demonstrations and displays from leading manufacturers and suppliers who serve the turfgrass industry … and there may be a few special surprises!

TPI’s 50 & Fabulous: Celebrating Our Past; Inspiring Our Future Banquet on Wednesday evening will be an exciting celebration of our association from its inception as ASPA to the international organization that thrives today. Tanks to the generosity and support of several Canadian members we will be raffling-off an incredible John Deere RSX All-Terrain Vehicle (see page 47). And have your bidding paddles ready for the amazing items that will be auctioned off during the evening’s live auction. Check out the items on page 85 and obtain more information at www.TurfGrassSod.org.

4 Sandy Reynolds

In addition to a wonderful program and social festivities, we couldn’t have picked a more ideal location. Tampa is a great destination for family fun with its wide variety of nearby theme parks. Te host property, the Saddlebrook Resort, is ideal with its numerous amenities. Tey also offer exclusive two-bedroom suites that include a kitchen area, perfect for a big family or the gathering of friends.

Te TPI Board, both past and present, and the TPI staff, all want to express their sincere appreciation to the many TPI members who have shown their support over the last five decades.

As well, we want to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to TPI’s many exhibitors, sponsors and advertisers who have not only provided our members with innovative equipment, supplies and service support, but who have enriched their businesses, and whose friendship and loyalty has been immeasurable in TPI’s success over the last half century.

Finally, we want to extend a sincere thank you to the many turfgrass Extension Specialists, research scientists and others in the turfgrass industry, including the many state, regional and international associations, who have unselfishly demonstrated their support to TPI in promoting our efforts and who have represented the turfgrass industry worldwide.

TPI’s 50 & Fabulous: Celebrating Our Past, Inspiring Our Future Celebration is sure to draw a big crowd and we’re hoping you can join us. Plan now to make your reservations. Better yet, make it a family vacation that you’ll long remember.

Looking forward to seeing you in Tampa come February. Until next time,

TPI Turf News November/December 2016