CONFERENCE GUIDE
Welcome to
Brisbane
For the first time since 2006, the annual conference returns to Brisbane. ATM looks ahead to some of the
T
highlights during the week at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
he AGCSA Board, together with staff and management, welcome all delegates to Brisbane for the 2019 Asia Pacific Turfgrass Conference and Trade Exhibition (24-27 June). Featuring over 120 hours of education across a variety of streams, in addition to the industry-leading two-day trade exhibition and famous social functions, the conference is the not-to-bemissed event for all sports turf managers in 2019. To be held at the outstanding Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, this year’s conference will bring together a phenomenal line up of speakers, including presentations from major sporting organisations and universities, as well as international agronomic experts to complement our local industry leaders. Delegates will be exposed to a raft of topics ranging from leadership and development, management of sportsfields, grounds and golf courses, as well as the latest in turfgrass research from here and overseas. Some of the speaker and programme highlights across the week include... 46
Paul Warren: Captain of the Australian Invictus Games team, Paul’s opening Plenary session address, titled ‘Resilience and an adaptive mindset’, is sure to motivate and inspire. Paul demonstrated courageous attitude and extensive determination when he lost one of his legs after an improvised explosive device detonated while he was stationed in Afghanistan. Despite the lifechanging events of that moment, Paul’s courage, determination and mental strength is something to behold. Dr John Kaminski (Penn State University, USA): One of the global turf industry’s foremost technical experts, John will conduct one of the Monday Jacobsen-sponsored workshops on ‘Improved disease control in turf through proper application strategies’ as
AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.3
well as a session on cultural and chemical management of Poa annua (Golf Stream, Thursday). John loves nothing more than getting into discussions with local turf managers to see how they manage their facilities and is looking forward to again engaging with the many skilled practitioners Australia is renowned for producing. Steve Isaac (The R&A, UK): After a hiatus of 10 years presenting to Australian turf managers, The R&A’s director of sustainability makes a welcome return to our shores. Steve will present the additional third Monday workshop which looks at the issue of sustainable golf course management practices where he will be joined by a number of special guests. Steve will also present another workshop on Wednesday looking at the principles of low input golf. Craig Haldane (Gleneagles Golf Club, UK): Craig was all set to present at last year’s conference when a switch of jobs from The Emirates Golf Club in Dubai to Gleneagles in Scotland forced his late withdrawal. The AGCSA is delighted to have such a leading