Synthetic Turf Council

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Monday, March 12, 2018

		Start Date	End Date	Start Time	End Time
Golf Event at Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort Sponsored by Sports Labs USA		3/12/2018	3/12/2018	9:02 AM	Not Specified	3/12/2018 9:02 AM - Not Specified Description: There is still time to register for this kick-off event to the STC Spring Membership Meeting in Ranch Mirage (Palm Springs), CA. The STC Golf Tournament at Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort will be a memorable experience for all participants. Team scores will be posted at the STC registration desk.
(Closed) Shock Pad Task Force Meeting		3/12/2018	3/12/2018	2:00 PM	4:00 PM	3/12/2018 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Presenter: Alastair Cox
New Member and Guest Orientation-Reception		3/12/2018	3/12/2018	5:00 PM	6:00 PM	3/12/2018 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Presenter: Mark Klementti Description: If you are a guest, new member or someone who wants to get more involved with STC, we invite you to arrive early and attend our New Member & Guest Orientation, which begins at 5:00 p.m. This is an opportunity to become more familiar with STC’s wide variety of programs and services, and a great way to meet other STC members! After a brief presentation in the Rancho Mirage event room, we will move outside to the Oasis Courtyard for a private reception at 5:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception and Exhibitor Showcase		3/12/2018	3/12/2018	6:00 PM	9:00 PM	3/12/2018 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Description: STC is committed to maximizing the quality and value of its membership meetings for all exhibitors and attendees. Enjoy more hours of exhibit time during the Welcome Reception in the Oasis Ballroom and Courtyard. Dress is business casual. Dress is business casual. What's on the Menu: Good eats and open bar. INTERNATIONAL CHIPS AND DIPS: Stone ground tri-colored tortilla chips with black bean and corn salsa, guacamole and pico de gallo; French baguette crostini with spinach artichoke dip and boursin cheese spread; Crispy pita chips with traditional hummus and spicy red pepper hummus; PASTA STATION: Tri color cheese tortellini, penne, gluten free pasta; Shrimp, chicken, tofu; Cherry tomato, asparagus, broccoli, squash; parmesan cheese, roasted garlic pesto, arrabiata sauce; SLIDER STATION: Kobe beef, crab cakes & pulled pork; Red cabbage slaw, caramelized onions, brioche bun; Smoked mozzarella, crumbled blue cheese, smoked paprika aioli, mango chutney, jalapeno ketchup

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

		Start Date	End Date	Start Time	End Time
Continental Breakfast in Exhibit Hall		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	7:30 AM	8:30 AM	3/13/2018 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Description: Please join us for breakfast with our Exhibitors to catch up on the latest products and services in the synthetic turf industry. What's on the Menu: Juices - orange, grapefruit, cranberry; Seasonal fresh whole fruit; Assorted low-fat yogurts; Whole Skin-on almonds; All natural bircher muesli- served with apple, walnuts, sunflower seeds and fresh berries; Freshly baked assorted pastries; Freshly brewed Starbucks regular and decaffeinated coffee, Tealeaves ~ specialty, organic & herbal and condiments
General Session - Membership Meeting		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	8:00 AM	8:30 AM	3/13/2018 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Presenter: Dan Bond, Bill Bell, Kevin Barker, Mark Klementti Welcome, Call to Order and Anti-Trust Reminder President & CEO Dan Bond Legal Counsel Bill Bell, Esq. Chairman’s Address & Year in Review Chairman Kevin Barker Membership Post-Card Challenge Membership Committee Chair Mark Klementti, RK Associates
Update on Federal Research Action Plan re: Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields and Playgrounds		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	8:30 AM	9:00 AM	3/13/2018 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presenter: Dr. José L. Zambrana, Jr., Senior Science Advisor, US Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Health Study on Synthetic Turf		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	9:00 AM	9:20 AM	3/13/2018 9:00 AM - 9:20 AM Presenter: Emily Wang
International Synthetic Turf Industry Panel		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	9:45 AM	10:45 AM	3/13/2018 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM Presenter: Alastair Cox, Arnoud Fiolet, Marc Douglas, John Baize Description: This session will provide a global update from various international sports governing bodies with recommendations to sustain the safety, performance and durability of synthetic turf sports fields. Learning Outcomes: Gain a robust and comprehensive look at quality standards for hockey turf; Overview of the issues and trends from the perspective of an international sports federation; Review an update on significant changes and innovations in the EU. About the Speaker(s): Alastair Cox has over 35 years’ experience in the sports surfacing industry, becoming an internationally recognized expert on the testing, performance, construction and maintenance of all forms of outdoor and indoor sports surfaces. He works on a part time basis as the Facilities and Equipment Manager at the International Hockey Federation, acts as a consultant to a number of other sports governing bodies, and is technical consultant to ESTO. He is also a former Board officer and director of the Synthetic Turf Council. Arnoud Fiolet has over 20 years of commercial and general management experience in an international B2B environment. Having brought growth and profitability in both multinational as well as new business set ups, he makes use of different distribution channels, DIY, retail and contractors. His specialties include: General management, marketing & sales, business development. Arnoud currently serves as the Chair of the STC European Section Committee. Marc Douglas is the Research, Turf and Equipment Manager for World Rugby, the world governing and lawmaking body for the Game of Rugby Union. Marc joined World Rugby in 2012 and since December 2016 is responsible for overseeing all areas of artificial turf and players’ equipment. In addition, he manages World Rugby’s research projects, both internal and external, that deal with a large range of areas from performance specification development for turf and equipment to sports specific medical research. Marc has a Mechanical Engineering Degree from University College Dublin and a Masters in Sports Administration from Canisius College, Buffalo.
1A - Hybrid Turf: What you need to know		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	11:00 AM	12:00 PM	3/13/2018 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Presenter: Eric O'Donnell Description: We are actively involved in advising on and testing ‘hybrid’ surfaces – these are natural pitches which have been reinforced with synthetic fibers to enhance their performance and durability. Perhaps the membership would be interested to learn how these products are developing, what we have found when we test them and the do’s and don’ts on how to get the best from these surfaces. We could also discuss some of the issues surrounding maintenance. Learning Outcomes: Compare the differences between synthetic turf, hybrid turf and natural turf; Demonstrate how hybrid pitches are constructed; Discuss the common errors made when constructing and establishing hybrid pitches; Discuss what maintenance practices work for hybrid pitches. About the Speaker: As Sports Labs Managing Director, Eric has worked in a variety of civil engineering positions for over 30 years. Eric identified a unique and highly specialized business opportunity in the area of sports surface consultancy and testing. He is responsible for the strategic direction, overall profitability and ongoing development of this small niche civil design and testing company. This course has been approved for CEU's through the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES). To register, please sign the attendee list and complete the evaluation survey on the STC information tables in the back of the room or ask a staff member.
1B - Traditional Strategic Planning Models Don’t Work … There’s A Better Way		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	11:00 AM	12:00 PM	3/13/2018 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Presenter: Mike Cobb Description: Traditional strategic planning models don’t work, certainly not in the rapidly changing world we live in today. By adopting four proven, cutting-edge approaches to strategic thinking and empowering people, business leaders can shape winning strategies, build world-class organizations and break away from the pack. Learning Outcomes: 1. Learn how to apply new strategic models to enhance competitiveness and achieve sustainable business success in an ever-changing world. 2. Gain insights from the successes of business in other industries and understand how these insights can be applied to the synthetic turf industry. 3. Understand how to build a world-class organization by empowering and enabling people. About the Speaker: Mike Cobb serves as a Founding Partner of The InnovaNet Group. He has over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur, business executive and consultant. He has provided strategic, operational and financial advice to businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small and medium sized firms and government agencies. Prior to his current positions, he held executive and management positions at Ashland Chemical Company, Union Carbide Corporation, CH2M HILL / Lockwood Greene Engineers, Carnegie Mellon University, APCO Inc., and several other companies. This course has been approved for CEU's through the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES). To register, please sign the attendee list and complete the evaluation survey on the STC information tables in the back of the room or ask a staff member.
Exhibitor Showcase and Lunch		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	12:00 PM	2:00 PM	3/13/2018 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Description: Please join us for lunch with industry experts to view the latest products and services in the synthetic turf industry. What's on the Menu: DELI LUNCH - Soup de jour; Coachella Valley field greens with grape tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots with balsamic dressing; Potato salad with chili spiced pulled chicken, sour cream, smoked cheddar, applewood bacon and green onions; Assorted jarred pickled vegetables; 6' Sandwich boards: Classic Italian, genoa salami, mortadella, capicola, provolone cheese, vine ripe tomato and sliced pepperoncini on an artisan loaf; Chef's choice, sopressata ham, smoked Gouda cheese, wild arugula, bacon truffle aioli on an artisan loaf; Chef's Garden, heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, piquillo peppers, broccoli sprouts, basil pesto on an artisan loaf; New York, Triple chocolate cheesecake, Mango pomegranate mousse cups, Mini cannolis; Freshly brewed iced tea
2A - Turf Talks		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	2:15 PM	3:15 PM	3/13/2018 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Presenter: Michael Gentile, Jeffrey Graydon, Ronnie Pascale This course has been approved for CEU's through the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES). To register, please sign the attendee list and complete the evaluation survey on the STC information tables in the back of the room or ask a staff member.
2B - Update on the Crumb Rubber Issue in Europe		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	2:15 PM	3:15 PM	3/13/2018 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Presenter: Thierry Levy Description: The objective is to provide an update on the evolution of research conducted in Europe regarding the potential toxicity of crumb rubber infill in sports fields (ESTO) Learning Outcomes: Keep people informed about new studies and advancements of crumb rubber in Europe. - What are the next steps that will be taken in Europe? How Europe intends to manage this? - Enlighten people, fight and eliminate the perceived notions, and inform people on the reality of crumb rubber About the Speaker: Thierry Levy holds a Bachelor in Business Administration from Temple University, Philadelphia, an Executive MBA from Laval University, Quebec City and has more than 10 years’ experience in general management. In 2005 he joined the Essilor Group in Canada, leading the post-merger integration and the management of five optical laboratories. In 2008, Thierry co-founded Laboratoire Cooptic, an integrated optical laboratory, and successfully developed the company. In 2013, he became General Manager of Jomac, an ISO 9001 company, part of the Berkshire Hathaway Group, with a leading position on the market as a manufacturer of one of the widest Canadian-made range of hand and forearm protection. Since 2016, Thierry Levy is in charge of Labosport USA & Canada and is the chairman of the infill committee at the STC. This course has been approved for CEU's through the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES). To register, please sign the attendee list and complete the evaluation survey on the STC information tables in the back of the room or ask a staff member.
Interactive Work Group Session: European		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	3:45 PM	4:45 PM	3/13/2018 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Presenter: Arnoud Fiolet
Interactive Work Group Session: Field Failures and Warranties		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	3:45 PM	4:45 PM	3/13/2018 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Presenter: Craig Honkomp, Chuck McClurg Description: A group discussion on: What are the different types of warranties in the synthetic turf industry (non-specific to any company)? What defines failure, what is covered, what are typical exclusions, and what are owner obligations that if not done will void the warrant? Learning Outcomes: Discuss the different classifications of “warranty failure” across the industry; Identify what is covered and what is not covered in a typical warranty with respect to coverage, dollar value, term, third party backing, sole source, and pro-rated; Discuss what will void a warranty, and What restrictions are being placed on the use (or number of uses) on the turf field; Identify what makes a good warranty for all parties and discuss how best the STC can provide recommended warranty guidelines. About the Speaker: Craig Honkomp’s professional career began at Butler County Engineer’s Office as a professional engineer and has had continued success as Senior Engineer and Principal of The Kleingers Group / Sportworks Field Design for the past 23 years. Craig volunteered 4 years of service to the STC Board of Directors, including 1 year as Vice Chairman and 1 year as Treasurer. This course has been approved for CEU's through the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES). To register, please sign the attendee list and complete the evaluation survey on the STC information tables in the back of the room or ask a staff member.
Interactive Work Group Session: Infill End-of-Life, Recycle and Reuse Options		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	3:45 PM	4:45 PM	3/13/2018 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Presenter: Todd DeWolfe, Laith Ross, David Nardone, Mark Heinlein Description: A group discussion on the realities and challenges of recycling and reusing synthetic turf system components. Learning Outcomes: Review the updated STC guidelines for Recycle, Reuse, and Removal of Synthetic Turf Systems, including definitions for recycle, reuse, and repurpose; Describe the purpose of independent verification processes and chain of custody forms; Discuss the benefits of continuous testing, lessons learned and pitfalls, and future separation technologies that will benefit the entire industry. About the Speaker: Mark Heinlein is president of Turf Reclamation Solutions, LLC and director of research and product development for The Motz Corporation. He has been responsible for innovation and development of products and services for the sports field construction market for over 25 years. Mark has successfully managed dozens of high profile projects across the country and on five continents. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from The Ohio State University and is designated a Certified Field Builder by the American Sports Builders Association. Mark currently serves as president of the Fields Division for ASBA This course has been approved for CEU's through the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES). To register, please sign the attendee list and complete the evaluation survey on the STC information tables in the back of the room or ask a staff member.
Interactive Work Group Session: Landscape		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	3:45 PM	4:45 PM	3/13/2018 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Presenter: George Neagle
Interactive Work Group Session: Marketing		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	3:45 PM	4:45 PM	3/13/2018 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Presenter: Shannan Powell
Interactive Work Group Session: Membership		3/13/2018	3/13/2018	3:45 PM	4:45 PM	3/13/2018 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM Presenter: Mark Klementti

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

		Start Date	End Date	Start Time	End Time
Hot Breakfast Pre-Awards Ceremony		3/14/2018	3/14/2018	7:30 AM	8:30 AM	3/14/2018 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Description: Please join us for a hot breakfast to celebrate the first ever STC Awards presentation. What's on the Menu: Chilled orange and grapefruit juice; Seasonal fresh fruit; Assorted low fat Yoplait® yogurts; Farm fresh scrambled eggs; Applewood smoked bacon; Home style potatoes; Assorted breakfast pastries & crossiants with butter, honey & fruit jam; Freshly brewed Starbucks® regular & decaffeinated coffee and a selection of Tealeaves® ~specialty, organic & herbal and condiments.
2018 STC Awards Ceremony		3/14/2018	3/14/2018	8:30 AM	9:15 AM	3/14/2018 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM Presenter: Dan Bond, Kevin Barker, Shaun Garrity The Synthetic Turf Council (STC) is pleased to announce the creation of an industry awards program. These awards are designed to honor our members that help to promote our values and advance the synthetic turf industry. The first annual STC Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 14 at 8:30 a.m. in Celebrity D room.
General Session-Update on the New Norms Due to Drought and Water Conservation Programs; Conserving Water in the Desert		3/14/2018	3/14/2018	9:30 AM	10:45 AM	3/14/2018 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM Presenter: Ron Gastelum, Ashley Metzger Description: A panel discussion by Ron Gastelum, Former CEO of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and Outreach & Conservation Manager of the Desert Water Agency Learning Outcomes: Understand the impact the drought in CA is having on the availability of potable water; Explore the strategies that the state and its municipalities are using to conserve water, and why they are likely to be permanent; Learn about the important role that synthetic turf plays in minimizing the use of water for irrigation of landscape. Learn about the conservation practices employed by agencies in the Palm Springs area; Understand the sentiments of residents regarding yard conversion projects; Identify opportunities to highlight the water-saving aspect of synthetic turf to customers. About the Speaker(s): Ashley Metzger is the Outreach & Conservation Manager for Desert Water Agency. Prior to joining Desert Water, she was a strategic outreach consultant for water agencies and renewable energy projects throughout the state. She earned a Master’s degree in Politics from University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and her undergraduate degree from University of Redlands in Southern California. Ron Gastelum’s professional career began in 1971 following his graduation from UCLA Law School. His legal career has focused on environmental, municipal, and corporate law. His expertise and interest is in essential public services and public infrastructure as they pertain to water, waste management, and energy. As the former CEO of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Mr. Gastelum was responsible for managing the operations of one of the largest wholesale water suppliers in the world with an annual budget of over $1 billion, serving the 18 million residents of urban Southern California. Metropolitan is a regional public agency. It has 26 member public agencies with diverse local water supply capabilities and strategic interests. Mr. Gastelum was notably successful in leading the agency to further diversify the region's water supply sources with the development of new large water transfer, groundwater banking, reclaimed water, and conservation programs, This was during a period of extended drought conditions, a statewide energy crisis, and a major reduction in Southern California's Colorado River water rights. This course has been approved for CEU's through the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES). To register, please sign the attendee list and complete the evaluation survey on the STC information tables in the back of the room or ask a staff member.
3A - Freight Market Trends		3/14/2018	3/14/2018	10:45 AM	11:45 AM	3/14/2018 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Presenter: Jordan Reber Description: This presentation will explain how transportation impacts the synthetic turf supply chain. Learning Outcomes: Identify the impact of transportation to the synthetic turf supply chain; Describe various types of equipment used for transporting synthetic turf; Differentiate the roles and responsibilities of shippers, receivers, and freight vendors and how their collaboration provides more visibility and transparency in the process. About the Speaker: Jordan Reber has over 12 years experience in the transportation industry and worked at a top 25 Logistics company for 9 of those years. He currently leading the Logistics Division of ARL which is a full service asset based trucking company based near Pittsburgh, PA. ARL has made the commitment to be the transportation industry experts for the STC and is open to help in any way possible. This course has been approved for CEU's through the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES). To register, please sign the attendee list and complete the evaluation survey on the STC information tables in the back of the room or ask a staff member.
3B - Choosing the Correct Zeolite for Your Dog Odor Issues		3/14/2018	3/14/2018	11:00 AM	12:00 PM	3/14/2018 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Presenter: Brian Pierce Description: There are many different types of zeolite deposits in the world. Choosing the right type of zeolite for your artificial grass project can save you in the long run. For instance, some zeolites deposits consists of granite which will be too hard and will tear the turf fibers. Other zeolites are softer and made up of calcium from sea shells which will turn turf white. Choosing the correct zeolite is crucial for the duration of your turf warranty. Learning Outcomes: How zeolite controls odor issues for synthetic turf landscape applications. Comparing different types of zeolites that can damage synthetic turf. How zeolite materials used as infill can help control heat issues for synthetic turf. About the Speaker: Brian Pierce President / CEO of ZeoFill Inc., started in the landscape artificial grass industry in 2001 with a business partner. When his turf company excelled to the point of purchasing truckloads of material, he founded and marketed a zeolite product for dog odor control. He found out quickly not all zeolites are the same. When drainage issues started flooding the turf due to heavy metals in the zeolite, he moved to a much safer and purer zeolite product which he markets to the industry today. The new zeolite quickly caught the attention to many major turf distributors who tested and proved it viable to synthetic turf. As the new and improved zeolite product gained attention, Brian sold his grass company to his business partner in 2011 and fully marketed his product with high quality 6 mil logo’d bags. Today Brian sells his dog deodor products all over the world. This course has been approved for CEU's through the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES). To register, please sign the attendee list and complete the evaluation survey on the STC information tables in the back of the room or ask a staff member.
ASBA Certified Field Builder Exam (pre-registration required)		3/14/2018	3/14/2018	1:00 PM	6:00 PM	3/14/2018 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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Calendar more

12/11/2025
STC Quarterly Member Meetup - Q4 2025

3/12/2026
STC Quarterly Member Meetup - Q1 2026

4/14/2026 » 4/16/2026
ESTC Congress 2026

10/26/2026 » 10/28/2026
2026 STC Annual Conference

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