Conference Recap

2023 Michigan Turfgrass Conference

January 10-12, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

The MTF was pleased to present its 92nd Annual Turfgrass Conference at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan for the second consecutive year. Returning to the site proved to be the appropriate selection as attendance exceeded over 500 Turfgrass professionals and industry partners. In addition, seminars, classes, events, and gatherings surpassed all expectations making it the most successful event in recent history.

Day One

The Conference started with a half day of Golf, Lawns and Grounds and Equipment Technicians education sessions. In addition to the MSU Turf Team, day one featured speakers from the University of Nebraska, Purdue University, Oakland University as well as several other industry leaders.

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Annual Meeting

MTF Executive Director Carey Mitchelson, President Curt Boak and Treasurer Brad Lazroff highlighted the MTF’s year in review including the recent election, a 2022 event update and the financial status of the organization.

Founders Society Reception

The day concluded with the Founders Society Reception, where the MTF presented its annual MSU Turf Program research fund to George Smith, the Director of AgBioResearch at MSU, in the amount of $90,000. Dr. Kelly Millenbah, Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU, then delivered an update on the Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology. Past MTF President, Doug Johanningsmeier, introduced and presented the MTF Meritorious Award to Mr. Jim Bogart.

Day Two

A full day of education, Wednesday included Golf, Lawns and Grounds, Sports Fields, Assistant Superintendents, Equipment Technicians sessions as well as an Overview for Registered Apprenticeship - Golf Course Maintenance Technician sessions. In addition to the education presentations, many panel discussions and round table idea sessions highlighted the day.

Student Awards

Dr. Trey Rogers presented, on what he describes as his ‘favorite day of the year”, student scholarship awards for the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, MSU Awards, Industry Awards and National Awards. Visit our scholarships and awards pages to help us congratulate all those selected for these awards.

Vendor Halftime Show

This year’s halftime show was held for the first time in the Soaring Eagle Casino’s Entertainment Hall. The large venue was both well received and attended. Attendees were provided with a perfect networking opportunity following the full day of education. Those at the conference had a chance to visit with some of the finest companies and the opportunity to bid on silent auction items benefitting the Graduate Assistantship program at MSU.

Student Support

Several participants also took their turn at the Trackman closest to the pin contest, a contest that helped raise $1,190.00 for the MSU Turf Club’s respective National Conference expenses.

Day Three

The Conference concluded with a half day of educational sessions of both Golf and Sports Fields, Lawns and Grounds. The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation would like to thank the attendees, presenters and volunteers who all helped to make the 92nd annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference such a great success.

THANK YOU!

2023 CONFERENCE SPONSORS:

MTESP - Coffee

Syngenta - Coffee

Envu Environmental ScienceFounders Society Reception

Eco Green Supply - Student Scholarship Banner

Advanced Turf Solutions - Vendor Halftime Show

BASF - Vendor Halftime Show

Helena Agri - Coffee Cups

Harrell’s, LLC - Lanyard

Site One - Lunch / Vendor Halftime Show

MGCA - Meritorious Award Winner Dinner