Held from March 12-14, the Synthetic Turf Council's Spring Membership Meeting in Rancho Mirage, California attracted 183 individuals representing companies located throughout the world and of all types in the synthetic turf industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, installers, landscape architects and engineers, testing labs, and maintenance equipment and service companies.
The general session program included industry updates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CalRecycle, and international sports governing bodies World Rugby and International Hockey Federation. Concurrent breakout sessions focused on industry related topics, including Field Failures & Owners' Expectations, Infill End of Life, Hybrid Turf Systems, Strategic Planning Models and more. Discussions on environmental responsibility continued with a closing general session panel on conserving water in the desert and the new norms due to drought.
Shining a spotlight on industry excellence, innovation, and volunteerism, the First Annual STC Awards were announced on Wednesday, March 14. The STC Awards is a member program designed to honor STC members that help to promote the association's values and advance the synthetic turf industry.
The 2018 STC Award winners are:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Lanny Bailey, Controlled Products LLC
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Amy Brackin, Liberty Tire Recycling LLC
- Rookie of the Year Award: Shaun Garrity, USGreentech
- Innovator Award: USGreentech
- Philanthropy Award: Act Global
- Sustainability Award: USGreentech
- Sports Project of the Year: Hellas Construction, Portland Sports Complex
- Landscape Project of the Year: SYNLawn, Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience
In addition, the following companies received Merit Awards for their outstanding projects: AstroTurf, ForeverLawn Inc., ForeveverLawn of Tampa Bay, FIELDS, and The Motz Group.
The STC concurrently launched its new Certified Turf Installer – Landscape Program designed to help promote industry-recognized best practices for landscape synthetic turf installation. The one-day classroom-based course and exam is offered at STC Membership Meetings every March and October.
The 2018 STC Annual Membership Meeting will be held on October 22-24, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio and the Second Annual STC Awards will be presented on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at the 2019 STC Spring Membership Meeting in Seattle, Washington.
