While many of us are in the midst of nice fall weather, trying to start or complete specific projects, these days will of course pass by before we know it. And of course what comes next? "Trade Show Season." Too bad our Trade Show Season can't be more like John Beckwith and Jeremy Grey's "Wedding Season." Instead of sneaking into weddings and taking advantage of the romantic tinge in the air, we will find ourselves traveling around the country to different events, educating ourselves on best management practices and new product solutions available to our industry. I suppose it's second best to "John and Jeremy's Wedding Season."
Below is a list of a few travel dates that you may want to mark on your calendar. In the meantime, let's enjoy what we have left of the fall and here's to hoping your businesses are profitable through the rest of the year.
Green Industry Expo: October 27-29. Louisville, Kentucky
Two tradeshows. The GIE + Expo and Hardscape North America will be co-located in one centraol location, providing you the number 1 opportunity to see what your industry will be buzzing about in 2012.
Carolina's GCSAA Conference & Trade Show: November 14-16. Myrtle Beach
Great regional conference and tradeshow for golf course superintendents. Events include: Golf Championship and Sporting Clay on November 14. Educational Seminars on November 14 and 15. Tradeshow on November 15 and 16. General Sessions and Annual Business meetings will be conducted on November 16.
Turfgrass Short Course: December 12 - 16. Charlottesville and VA Beach, VA
Presented by Virginia Tech Turf Team, this program will run in Charlottesville, VA from December 12- 14 and in Virginia Beach from December 14-16. Great opportunity for local continued education points as well as seminars from the very basics to the most challenging areas of turfrass management.
Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Conference: January 10-14. Long Beach, CA
Top quality conference and trade show for sports turf managers. This group of well connected association members will provide answers and solutions to key challenges all levels of sports turf managers face. Formed in 1981 by only a few, this conference has grown to be the number 1 meeting point for the sports turf industry.
Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS): January 11-13. Baltimore, MD
Now in its fourth decade, MANTS is the premier, private green industry marketplace for finding plants and nursery stock, landscape and garden items, heavy and light duty equipment, tools, furniture and hundreds of other allied industry products. MANTS is one of the largest private trade shows serving the Horticulture Industry which is why industry members say that MANTS means business!
The VTC Conference and Trade Show: January 16-19. Fredericksburg, VA
The most well attended Virginia Turf & Ornamental conference and trade shows, this conference provides education to all areas of our industry. Hot topics will include governmental regulations, weed, disease and insect control, Environmental Aspects of Turf Fertilization, as well as networking with local and national industry professionals.
International Erosion Control Association (IECA): February 26-29. Las Vegas, Nevada
This is the premier educational event for the erosion, sediment control and stormwater industry. Environmental Connection combines intense, full and half day training courses with topic-focused technical sessions and the largest expo of its kind.
Golf Industry Show: February 27 - March 2. Las Vegas, Nevada
The GCSAA Education Conference is the year's leading opportunity to learn from industry experts, share best practices with your peers, and pick up tips and techniques that will save your facility time and money. This event offers seminars and sessions on a variety of topics, from agronomic challenges and environmental issues, to managment, communication and career strategies.
Landscape Supply, Inc. Commercial Applicator Recert Course: March 5th - March 8th
Administered by Robert Barksdale, CCPA, and a certified nutrient management planner, Mr. Barksdale combines the opportunity to become re-certified as well as provide education from University Professors from around the Mid-Atlantic. A great two for one, where all persons in the green-industry can also pick up continued education points for VNLA, STMA, and GCSAA. You will also receive recert credits for turf, ornamental, right of way, aquatic, research and demonstration as well as a registered technician for Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and West Virginia. Courses will be offered in Roanoke, Charlottesville, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Centerville Virginia.
Enjoy your "Travel Season." Instead of crashing weddings, we hope that first you enjoy the rest of your fall and your trade shows and conferences bring you a great experience and the education you anticipate.
