AGENDA

Golf Tournament at TPC San Antonio, Canyons Course

Exhibitor Setup

Poster Sessions Setup

Poster Sessions Open

Registration Opens

Pre-Conference Workshop: Advocacy Deep Dive

New Member, First-Timer and Volunteer Reception

Welcome Reception and Exhibitor Showcase

Breakfast in Exhibit Hall

General Session Opening 

Melanie Taylor, CAE, STC President and CEO

State of the Industry

Stratton Kirton, STC Chairman, Liberty Tire Recycling LLC

Lifetime Achievement Award  

1A - From Installation to Kickoff: Navigating the NFL's New Field Surface Requirements 

Trey Brindle, PhD, Shaw Sports Turf
Todd DeWolfe, AstroTurf Great Lakes
Colby Gardner, Shaw Sports Turf
Ronnie Pascale, Brock USA

The NFL recently transitioned to performance-based field requirements outlined in their Mandatory Practices, published in December of 2025. This panel will examine the science behind the league's new standards, the approval process for synthetic turf systems, and the operational considerations associated with ongoing field testing and quality assurance.

• Explain the purpose and structure of the NFL's Mandatory Practices for playing surfaces.
• Describe how STRIKE impact testing and BEAST traction testing are used to evaluate surface performance for NFL athletes.
• Compare to the standard G-Max and “One Turf Concept / FIFA” criteria
• Understand the certification process required for approval of new synthetic turf systems.
• Identify the key pre-game testing and inspection procedures used to verify field readiness.
• Discuss the practical implications of these standards for field construction, maintenance, and long-term performance management.

1B - How Playground Surfacing Shapes Play, Family Experiences, and Community Use

Kevin Kinsley, ForeverLawn Inc.
Bethany Morrison, University of Texas at Austin

Playground surfacing is often selected based on safety, accessibility, maintenance, and cost considerations, but it may also play an important role in how children and families experience a playground. This presentation shares findings from a mixed-methods study examining how different playground surfacing materials influence playground use, children's active and social play, caregiver perceptions, and overall playability. Drawing on observations from public playgrounds and feedback from families, attendees will gain insight into how surfacing choices may affect engagement, comfort, inclusivity, and community use.

• Describe how playground surfacing can influence children's active and social play.
• Identify key factors families consider when evaluating playground quality and comfort.
• Discuss how surfacing choices may contribute to increased playground use and engagement.
• Recognize opportunities for surfacing solutions to support inclusive and high-quality play environments.
  
  

Coffee Break in Exhibit Hall + Poster Sessions

2A - 6PPD-Q Research Findings and New Research Study Updates

Catherine Eiswerth, Binnie & Associates 
Stratton Kirton, Liberty Tire Recycling LLC

Overview of University of British Columbia research findings on 6PPD-Q and salmonoid toxins from fields containing CRI. Also overview of new active research study on effective 6PPD-Q mitigation strategies for sports fields containing crumb rubber.

• Identify new information on 6PPD-Q impacts from crumb rubber infill
• Summarize new information on research for mitigation strategies
• Discuss opportunity for industry involvement in active research
• Evaluate preliminary feedback on study outcome trends for 6PPD-Q mitigation
  
  

2B - Why the artificial turf industry should go all-in on video

Tim Lovett, Waterloo Turf 

Video allows us to humanize the brand, showcase our team’s expertise, and provide potential clients with practical knowledge they can use. At the same time, it serves as a strategic tool for franchise growth, helping attract leads, build awareness, and inspire confidence in prospective owners.

• Explain why the artificial turf industry should go all-in on video
• Describe how to create a video team within your company
• Identify the kinds of video content that find and win new customers
• Determine who should be leading video initiatives within your company

Exhibitor Showcase and Lunch

3A - Standards in Practice: PFAS Testing & Material Transparency

Jeff Mrakovich, Sprinturf
Jeff Gentile, Firefly Sports Testing

Experts will discuss new ASTM testing standards of practice for detecting PFAS in synthetic turf.

• Discuss the latest ASTM standards of practice for sampling synthetic turf to detect the presence of PFAS.
• Explain the environmental presence of PFAS, and discuss the industry’s commitment to ensuring products are free from intentionally-added PFAS.
• Discuss the legislative and regulatory landscape for PFAS in consumer products.
• HSW: While PFAS are unfortunately present in our environment, STC members are committed to do our part to ensure the absence of intentionally-added PFAS in our products.

3B - The Importance and Profitability of Turf Maintenance

Adam Hambarian, OxyTurf
Joe Wadkins, Ask JW

This session focuses on the integration of turf maintenance into landscape architecture practices, emphasizing its importance in creating sustainable, visually appealing, and functional outdoor spaces. Participants will explore various turf maintenance techniques and services, understand the necessary tools and equipment, and learn how to build a successful turf maintenance business. The session aims to equip landscape architects and professionals with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive turf care, thereby enhancing their service offerings and fostering long-term client relationships.

• Identify and Evaluate Turf Maintenance Services: Participants will be able to identify key turf maintenance services, such as cleaning, grooming, and infill maintenance, and evaluate their importance in extending the life and functionality of turf installations.
• Utilize Appropriate Tools and Equipment: Learners will gain the ability to select and effectively utilize the appropriate tools and equipment for turf maintenance, including cleaning products, grooming machinery, and repair tools, while understanding which tools to avoid to prevent damage.
• Develop a Business Strategy for Turf Maintenance: Participants will learn to develop a comprehensive business strategy that includes understanding costs, establishing service pricing, setting realistic sales targets, and creating recurring maintenance programs to ensure sustainable revenue growth.
• Implement Effective Marketing Strategies: Learners will be equipped to implement effective marketing strategies that educate clients on the value of preventative maintenance, utilize before-and-after results, and establish long-term relationships that extend beyond initial turf installations.
  
  

Refreshment Break in Exhibit Hall + Poster Sessions

Exhibitor Breakdown

Volunteer of the Year Award

Global Alignment: Market Trends and Insights

Stefan Diderich, Director General/CEO, EMEA Synthetic Turf Council

Hear from the EMEA Synthetic Turf Council for important industry updates, including regulatory developments in Europe.

Community Impact of Synthetic Turf Systems

Rick Goodwin, Driven Hearts

Community Interest Groups (Round Tables)

Sports Builders & Installers

Landscape Builders & Installers

Designers & Specifiers

Component Manufacturers & Suppliers

Synthetic Turf Manufacturers

Dine Around: Evening on your own

Explore the San Antonio Riverwalk!

LOCAL DINING (PDF)

Breakfast

Reporting: Community Interest Groups

Board Presentation

Public Affairs and Communications Campaign Update

Coffee Break + Poster Sessions

Rapid Fire: Turf Recycling Innovations

Troy Virgo, Shaw Sports Turf
Rob Mitchell, Sport Group
Joe Sadlier, BestPlus Plastic Lumber
Andrew Goldberg,Turf Recyclers USA
Toby Holles, EasyLock Panels

Get an efficient, high-level look at the latest products and technologies shaping turf recycling and end-of-life field management. In this fast-paced product highlights session, participating companies each take the stage for a focused presentation showcasing their solutions, innovations, and approaches to turf recycling.

Closing the Loop: Turf Recycling & EPR Programs in Practice

Kate Knight, Catalyst Government Relations
Dr. Shane Knight, STC Vice President of Government Affairs

Hear the latest environmental policies for synthetic turf and carpet recycling and how coastal states are shifting responsibility to producers to fund and manage the programs.

• Discuss latest regulatory updates on the New York Carpet Collection Program Law
• Define a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), its function, structure and purpose
• Discuss the challenges and lessons learned when creating and PRO
• Discuss the legislative landscape for other industry EPR and PRO programs in other jurisdictions
  
  

Closing Remarks, Adjournment of STC Annual Conference

Save the Date: 2027 STC Annual Conference, October 18-20, 2027, San Diego, CA

New STC Board of Directors Meeting to Elect the Officers (Closed)