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

Stratton Kirton, STC Chairman, Liberty Tire Recycling LLC

Call to Order, Antitrust Reminder

Welcome & State of the Industry: Where we align today

Excellence in Action: Member Awards & Recognition 

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

Trey Brindle, PhD, Shaw Sports Turf

Todd DeWolfe, AstroTurf Great Lakes

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 - Understanding the playability of synthetic turf vs. other playground surface options 

Kevin Kinsley, ForeverLawn Inc.

Bethany Morrison, University of Texas at Austin

Overview of a study to rapidly and systematically scope the literature on playground playability to synthesize existing definitions, measures, and elements included in the construct of “playground playability.”

• Understand the definition of playability as it relates to playground surfacing.
• Learn about the impact different surfaces have on the playability of playgrounds.
• Understand how playground surfacing contributes to equitable access to quality play spaces in communities
• Learn how playground surfacing influences children’s levels of active and social play, key contributors to healthy physical and social development.
  
  

Coffee Break in Exhibit Hall + Poster Sessions

2A - Science & Safety: What the latest research means for the industry

Catherine Eiswerth, Binnie & Associates 

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 presentation will be about how to offer Turf Maintenance as a service and profit from it. From how to perform the services, to sales targets, tools required, and how to market the service to create a new business unit to your existing company or start something brand new.

• Identify the core equipment, tools, and processes required to deliver turf maintenance services to a professional standard.
• Describe methods for setting realistic sales targets and revenue goals when introducing a new service line.
• Explain strategies for marketing and positioning a new service offering, whether as an addition to an existing company or a standalone business.
• Discuss how expanding service offerings, such as turf maintenance, can improve overall customer service and client retention.
  
  

Refreshment Break in Exhibit Hall + Poster Sessions

Exhibitor Breakdown

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 from EU.

Community Impact: 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

Andrew Goldberg,Turf Recyclers USA

Toby Holles, EasyLock Panels

Troy Virgo, Shaw Sports Turf

Rob Mitchell, Sport Group

Joe Sadlier, BestPlus Plastic Lumber

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)