We may be approaching the white snow of winter, but the green industry’s Ohio Turfgrass Foundation is preparing to “Gear Up for Growth!” as the theme of the 2017 OTF Conference & Show to be held December 4-7 at the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center. “We’re excited to be here and showcase the new facility to our attendees,” said Brian Laurent, director of OTF, in reference to the GCCC’s $140 million, 22-month expansion and renovation completed in July. Workshops begin December 4, along with the annual meeting, awards and scholarship dinner. Educational sessions begin on December 5 in a variety of tracks, including 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. |
There will also be Turf Bowl competitions on December 5, and a Morning with the USGA meeting on December 7.
The trade show will be open 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. December 5 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 6 and will feature dozens of exhibitors ranging from golf outfitters to crop production services.
Founded in 1961, OTF advances the turfgrass industry through research, advocacy and education and has grown to provide resources on an international scope.
“The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation has been a valued client of ours for decades. We are excited for the 2017 OTF Conference & Show attendees to experience the facility’s new enhancements during this year’s show,” said GCCC General Manager John R. Page.
The Greater Columbus Convention Center is located in downtown Columbus and owned by the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority and managed by SMG. The $140 million expansion and renovation of the facility was completed in July 2017.
SMG turns 40 in 2017! Celebrating its 40th anniversary and founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to 233 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters, performing arts centers, amphitheaters, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 15 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.