Get Extra Smart! Attend a Pre-Con and/or Post-Con Seminar (5 to choose from)

Choose from four separate pre-conference seminars and one post-conference seminar at the 59th Annual WCTA Conference and Trade Show, taking place February 15-17, 2023 at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, BC.

The pre-cons all take place Wednesday, February 15 from 12:30pm to 4:30pm at the River Rock except for the ‘Reel Deal’ Reel Grinding Clinic hosted by Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club that same day from 12:30pm – 3:30pm.  The post-con runs Friday, February 17 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm and includes trade show access that same day.  Keep reading for more details.

A native of Calgary, Dr. Sorochan began working on the grounds crew at Earl Grey Golf and Country Club in 1988. He received his Ph.D. in Turfgrass Science from Michigan State University in 2002, and is presently a Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management in the Plant Sciences Department at the University of Tennessee.

'Sustainable Strategies for Reduced Turf Inputs'
Dr. John Sorochan, University of Tennessee
$279/person

Multiple organizations, such as The Lawn Institute, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), and United States Golf Association have made great progress in the last decade supporting and educating for awareness of sustainable management practices for natural grass areas in home lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses.

This presentation will explore and explain proven strategies and systems that promote long-term, healthy, vigorous, disease and weed resistant, natural grass ecosystems that require less inputs while minimizing turf stress.  These best management concepts were developed from sustainable agronomic and environmental initiatives in consideration of user demands for high quality, safe natural grass surfaces for sports/recreation/leisure.
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 Terry Ormrod, from Kamloops, BC, is the Western Sales Manager for Toro Irrigation, a position he’s held since 2003.  

'Irrigation Electrical Troubleshooting Part 1'
presented by IIABC
Terry Ormrod, Toro Irrigation
$179/person (4 IIABC CEU's)

This 4-hour pre-conference seminar is part of a 12-hour Irrigation Industry Association of British Columbia course of study designed to teach the most effective steps to sort out confusing irrigation electrical problems.  Topics include how to properly use volt-ohm meters, how to diagnose wiring problems based on their readings and diagnosing field wiring problems without leaving the controller.

Terry will also provide more advanced methods of electrical troubleshooting, covering battery operated timers, D.C. solenoids and solar units, A.C. transformers and phasing, discuss fault finding equipment, amp readings and proper ground techniques.

Participants will receive 4 IIABC CEU’s for this session and may progress to Parts 2 & 3 after taking this course.  Space is limited to 30 attendees.
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 Mario Lanthier has been a popular speaker at WCTA, CGSA, ISA and other conferences over the years, and has been teaching the BC Pesticide Applicator Certificate course at the WCTA conference since 2003.  He has been working in the horticulture industry since 1980 and his company, CropHealth Advising and Research, offers consulting services and pest management recommendations with or without pesticides.  

'CEC Point Central'
Mario Lanthier, Crophealth Advising & Research
$279/person

This in-depth session offers four CEC’s/CEU’s in the more difficult to obtain ‘Application Technology’ and ‘Safety and Environmental Protection’ categories.  Topics covered include pesticide labels and wording, factors affecting the use of pesticides, sprayer maintenance and drift management.  Applications for AB and BC points in progress.
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The WCTA hasn’t done this since before 2009 and maybe not ever so in cahoots with Oakcreek Golf and Turf, and hosted by the Shaugnessy Golf & Country Club, we’re proud to present the ‘Reel Deal Grinding Clinic' 

With instruction exactly as it sounds, this no charge session takes place Wednesday, February 15 from 12:30pm to 3:30pm at the Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club Turf Care Centre.  Transportation is on your own and space is excruciatingly limited – to register, email WCTA Executive Director Jerry Rousseau at  exec.director@wctaturf.com.
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Jason Pick, Olds College and Stan Kazymerchyk, Kwantlen University – ‘Intro to Turf Management’  
12:30pm – 2:00pm, Friday, February 17
$99/ person includes Friday access to trade show

This 1.5 hour immersive super session is designed for front-line golf and sportsfield management staff needing better turf management knowledge and understanding to perform their daily roles.  Delivered by the two top turf instructors in western Canada from Olds College and Kwantlen University, there is no prerequisite and the modest registration fee includes trade show access on Friday, February 17.  This seminar will cover all the basic fundamentals of turf management in an easy to follow format.  Both institutions have delivered industry leading programs in horticulture/turf management each with a long list of successful alumni excelling in the areas of golf course and sportsfield management. 

MAIN INFORMATION PAGE
SHOW PROGRAM

DOWNLOAD DELEGATE REGISTRATION FORM(pdf printable)
DOWNLOAD DELEGATE REGISTRATION FORM (*pdf fillable)

ACCOMMODATION LANDING PAGE
TRADESHOW FLOORPLAN (populated at Jan 20)