TPI to Hold Midwinter Conference in Santa Barbara

There’s nothing like spending the chilly days of winter on the warm California coastline, so California’s turf, surf and vineyards will serve as the backdrop to the Turf Producers International (TPI) 36th Midwinter Conference.

The event will be Feb. 17-21, 2004, at Fess Parker’s Double Tree Resort in Santa Barbara, Calif., and will include educational sessions, tours, exhibits and a fundraising golf tournament along with a combined banquet and newly expanded awards program.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to California where participants can take in the beautiful sites as well as learn from the extensive education programming planned by TPI,” says TPI President Ed Zuzkerman. “This event provides the best opportunity to build contacts and ultimately grow businesses.”

In conjunction with five days of education, TPI will honor turf professionals who have made significant contributions to this industry through two new award categories. Joining Honorary Award recipients will be Distinguished Service and Innovator of the Year candidates who will be recognized at an awards ceremony Feb. 20 during the International Turf Producers Foundation (ITPF) banquet at the Firestone Vinyards in Los Olivos, Calif.

Everyone in the green industry is invited to participate in this event. Registration materials and lodging information can be found at TPI’s Web site. Anyone interested in receiving additional information about exhibiting or attending should contact TPI at 800/405-8873 or 847/705-9898, or email info@turfgrasssod.org.

EDUCATONAL SERIES CALENDAR:
Feb. 18, 2004, Pre-Conference Seminar
“Dealing Effectively with Hispanic Labor” presented by Angelo Mino, a native South American and cross-cultural expert

Fen. 19, 2004, Educational Session 1
“Future Technologies for Athletic Fields” presented by Charles Dixon, senior agronomist at Jeffrey L. Bruce & Co.
“The Goals of The Evergreen Foundation” presented by Den Gardner, executive director, The Evergreen Foundation.”
“The Importance of Obtaining Quality Seed” presented by a panel of seed experts

Feb. 20, 2004, Education Session 2
“Show & Tell” Inside secrets presented by TPI Turf Farm owners
“Best Management Practices for Turf Diseases” presented by Dr. Frank Wong, University of California
“Be Part of a Winning Team” presented by UNLV football coach John Robinson

Feb. 21, 2004, Farm & Agriculture Tour
“Pacific Earth Resources” Camarillo, Calif.
“Western Precooling Systems” Fremont, Calif.