The region’s largest turfgrass and landscape conference will return with a nearly sold-out trade show when the OTF (Ohio Turfgrass Foundation) Conference & Show is held December 3-6 at the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center. “We love Columbus. Our attendees really enjoy coming here,” said Brian Laurent, executive director of OTF. “We have a fantastic, very upbeat keynote speaker in Paul Long and are almost sold out of exhibit space.” “Your Foundation for Success” is the theme of this year’s event, with networking, research, tools and growth at the forefront of the programming. |
· F (Foundation)
· U (Understanding of Others)
· N (Next Steps) to achieve effectiveness in life.
There will be more than 100 hours of educational sessions, plus state and professional association recertification opportunities. Session topics include golf turf management, sports field management, professional lawn care, general pest management, equipment management, turf technology and the Ohio State University Green Industry Short Course about plants, practices and landscape pests.
The OTF Annual Meeting, Awards & Scholarship Dinner will be held Monday, December 3 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown connected to the GCCC.
The trade show will be open December 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 5.
Founded in 1961, OTF’s mission is to advance the turfgrass industry through research, advocacy and education.
“We truly appreciate the long and successful partnership we’ve had with OTF and look forward to hosting their event each December,” said GCCC General Manager John R. Page.
Founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to 243 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 19 million square feet of exhibition space and more than 1.5 million sports and entertainment seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Houston’s NRG Park and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies, currently serving more than 140 accounts worldwide.
Visit www.columbusconventions.com and www.smgworld.com for more information.