"for a greener Tennessee"
#TNTurf
In this episode we are joined by Ryan Bjorn, CSFM, from the New England Patriots. As the sports field manager at Gillette Stadium, Ryan is responsible for preparing high quality surfaces for both the National Football League and Major League Soccer. We’ll discuss the process of optimizing turfgrass quality and minimizing pest invasion at the professional level, balancing non-sporting events (e.g., concerts) with turfgrass maintenance practices, and more.
For more information or to register, click here.
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Micah Woods. Through his work with the Asian Turfgrass Center and Pace Turf, Micah provides guidance to golf courses and sports fields across the globe regarding the effects of organic matter and fertilizer programs on turfgrass quality and performance. We’ll discuss how modern measurements such as clipping volume and minimum levels for sustainable nutrition (MLSN) can facilitate growth such that pest incidence is lowered.
In this session we are joined by Dr. Jason Henderson and Victoria Wallace from the University of Connecticut. Since a pesticide ban was enacted in school grounds in 2010, Jason and Victoria have working to aid turfgrass managers in Connecticut navigate this issue. They will share lessons learned over the past decade regarding turfgrass managers’ response to this legislation.
In this session we are joined by John Jeffreys, Director of Agronomy at Pinehurst #2. One the nation’s most historic golf courses, John will provide a behind the scenes look at how surfaces were managed leading up to the 2024 US Open Championship. Additionally, we’ll discuss how the traffic associated with resort play affects pest management decisions on the golf course.
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. John Sorochan, Dr. Kyley Dickson, and Rhys Fielder from the University of Tennessee. Their team has been leading UT’s efforts in preparing surfaces for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. They’ll share what they’ve learned over the past year regarding management of turfgrass to optimize playing quality and reduce pest incidence, particularly in stadium environments.
BEACON Returns in 2025: Connecting the Turfgrass Industry’s Future
Following the success of its 2024 debut, the BEACON program is returning this fall! Designed to connect emerging professionals with leaders across the turfgrass industry, BEACON brought together students and employers from nationally ranked golf courses, leading agrochemical companies, and other key sectors in its inaugural year.
We’re excited to announce that BEACON 2025 will take place October 14–15 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mark your calendars. This year promises to be even bigger and better. Additional details will be shared later this summer.
You can read more about last year’s event here.
60th Annual Conference & Tradeshow January 5 - 7, 2026 Embassy Suites 1200 Conference Center Blvd Murfreesboro, TN 37129
On December 1st all registration fees will increase. You are encouraged to register early.
Full Conference Registration: $450 One Day Pass for Monday: $375 - This does not include the pesticide exam. You must click here to register for the pesticide exam. One Day Pass for Tuesday: $375 One Day Pass Wednesday: $100
Since 1965, the Tennessee Turfgrass Association has held strong to its core mission: To promote the turfgrass industry through education, scholarship and research. We invite you to join us at this year’s conference and trade show at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro. This year’s conference features an excellent education program and an expanded tradeshow floor, plus our annual Stars of the Industry awards recognitions! This is a conference you will not want to miss!
RegistrationRegistration available online by clicking the links. Everyone is encouraged to register early to take advantage of the discounted registration rates.
Hotel ReservationsThe TTA has reserved a block of room at The Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro until December 1. After December 1, reservations will be subject to availability and regular rates. The TTA rate is $176. Please call (615) 890-4464 to make your room reservation and reference The Tennessee Turfgrass Association group code TTG. To book your reservation online, click here.
LocationThe Embassy Suites Hotel in Murfreesboro is located at 1200 Conference Center Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. From I-24 East or West take exit 76 Medical Center Parkway. Head north on Medical Center Parkway, hotel is located on the right. It is located 29 miles (35 minutes) from the Nashville airport (BNA). You may reach the hotel by calling 615-890-4464.
Pesticide PointsApplications for pesticide points will be submitted to Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Mississippi.
GCSAA Continuing EducationThis program will be submitted for GCSAA continuing education.
Cancellation PolicyAll cancellations and substitutions must be received in writing. They may be emailed to info@ttaonline.org. Full refunds will be made if written notice of cancellation is received on or before December 1, 2025. After December 1, 2025, and prior to December 13, 2025 one half of the per person fee will be refunded. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after December 13, 2025. The association has to provide all food guarantees to the hotel on December 13 and is no longer able to lower those numbers.
Substitutions are always welcome.
More InformationFor more information, call The Association office at 615-928-7001, email info@ttaonline.org.
