First Look at 2017 WCTA Conference Program
Release…September 30, 2016
Catering to the professional golf and sportsturf management industry, planning and production work for the ‘54th Annual WCTA Conference and Trade Show’, taking place in Penticton, British Columbia, February 15-17, 2017, began many months ago.
With the turf industry facing increasing regulatory framework and environmental scrutiny, our organizing committee thought it wise to focus on 'Climate Change and What it Means to Turf Management' as this year’s educational theme. The diverse volunteer group representing various turf management industry perspectives has been busy narrowing down speaker selections and subject matter with the goal of providing a world-class experience affordable for everyone.
Seminar tracks are being tailored to individual sector needs in both golf and sportsfield management, plus an entire track will be dedicated to obtaining valuable CEC points. A facility bus tour is in the planning phase and while some work remains, here’s a sneak peak at a few speakers who have committed to our 2017 program:
Dr. Tom Watschke - Penn State University
Dr. Eric Lyons - Guelph University
Brad Park - Rutgers University
Clint Mattox - Oregon State University
Peter Sorokovsky – City of Burnaby Golf Operations
Ken Cousineau - Delta6 Consulting
Robert Au - BC Ministry of Environment
Mario Lanthier - CropHealth Advising & Research
Networking and social activities offer an opportunity to share thoughts and ideas in relaxed settings. Our annual ‘President’s Reception’ will kick things off Wednesday evening at the Penticton Lakeside Hotel ‘Barking Parrot’ and Thursday will be busy with the Exhibitor Reception in the trade show followed by the ‘Dave Creamer Memorial Hockey Game & Social’ at the South Okanagan Event Centre.
We’re also putting finishing touches on pre-conference seminar offerings and when the dust settles, more than 20 presenters will provide 40+ total hours of education content giving conference delegates a high level learning experience from a regional perspective.
Much more information is coming soon. Delegate registration is expected to commence early December.
About the WCTA
The WCTA is a 700+ member, inter-provincial, not-for-profit industry organization whose purpose is to promote the interchange of scientific and practical knowledge through education, discussion, research and to undertake advocacy relating to the care and management of turfgrass.
The WCTA is proud to serve and support a diverse range of professional turf management interests such as golf courses, school boards, municipalities, sod farms, nurseries, landscapers, lawn bowling greens, mechanics, horticulturists and industry suppliers.
For further information, contact:
Jerry Rousseau, Executive Director
Western Canada Turfgrass Association
(604) 896-9282
Exec.director@wctaturf.com