The Synthetic Turf Council (STC) held its Annual Membership Meeting in Dallas from Oct. 2-4. Participants included 200 representatives from 123 member companies, including builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers, suppliers, installation contractors, infill material suppliers and other specialty service companies. The national non-profit association’s meeting included a robust educational program, with an expert panel of speakers from many different areas of the industry.
For this year’s meeting, the educational program focused on “New Science and STC Initiatives that are Advancing the Industry.” The meeting featured a number of engaging speakers, including keynote speaker Daryl Johnston, president of the Southwest Division, G9 Turf, commentator for “The NFL on Fox” and former Dallas Cowboys fullback (1989-1999) and twice selected for the Pro-Bowl.
Other presentations included:
- “NFL Research to Reduce Player Injury,” presented by Dr. Richard Kent, University of Virginia
- “Advances in Artificial Weathering, Durability, Testing, and Fade Resistance,” presented by Larry Campbell, Americhem
- “LEED Points: How to Earn Them and What They Mean for Synthetic Turf Projects,” presented by Patrick Maguire, Activitas
- “New Developments in Field Covering Systems,” presented by Bob Curry, Covermaster
- “STC Guidelines for Synthetic Turf Maintenance,” presented by John Baize, ACT Global Sports
- “Measuring Heat of Synthetic Turf: Solar Reflective Index v. Temperature,” presented by Dr. Davis Lee, InnovaNet Group
- “Update on the University of Tennessee’s Center for Safer Athletic Fields’ Research Results,” presented by Dr. John Sorochan, Center for Safer Athletic Fields
Completing the successful education and networking experience was an exhibitor showcase. In addition, architects attending the meeting earned CEU credits. Presiding over his final meeting as Chairman, John B. Giraud, Target Technologies International, reviewed the STC’s accomplishments during his two years as the councils’ volunteer leader before turning the gavel over to his elected successor, John Baize, ACT Global Sports.