The 2026 RMRTA Conference Schedule and Course Descriptions (The full schedule will be released soon—check back for updates!)

Our annual conference brings together professionals from golf courses, sports fields, and more for an exceptional educational and networking experience. Also, our conference provides valuable insights and industry updates to help you stay ahead of the curve. Join us for a dynamic event that brings together the best and brightest in the turfgrass industry.

Tuesday, December 8, 2026

7 AM - 8 AM

  • Registration & Breakfast

8 AM-3 PM: Pesticide Applicator Prep Workshop

  • Pesticide Applicator Prep Course - Lisa Blecker (CSU)- This course gives learners practical knowledge to apply pesticides safely and effectively in agricultural and non-agricultural settings in Colorado. The content covered includes pest management strategies, pesticide properties, environmental and public safety considerations, applicator safety, and the laws and regulations pertaining to pesticide applicators. . This course will also help you identify the appropriate training and licensing you will need to perform your occupational requirements and prepare you to take the state licensing exam.

Learning objectives:

 

  • Identify the appropriate training and licensing requirements for a desired job position and pass the state exam with at least a 70% as required by CDA testing requirements.
  • Prepare relevant components of an Integrated Pest Management Plan in order to evaluate pest problems and recommend pesticide-based pest controls. 
  • Identify typical pesticide formulations and recall their properties to meet safety and application efficacy goals required by employers and clients.
  • Determine and apply the correct personal safety measures before, during and after pesticide and pesticide equipment handling.  
  • Identify environmental resources that can be affected by pesticides and employ safety systems to protect them as required or encouraged by state and federal laws.
  • Summarize the pesticide handling and notification practices that best protect the public from risk associated with pesticide exposure. 
  • Name the main sprayer and safety components in order to meet common industry job requirements.
  • Explain different methods of calibration to meet the desired pesticide application rates listed on the pesticide label.
  • Explain the steps to making a safe application including preparation steps, application steps, and post-application processes.
  • Identify all major laws and regulations affecting pesticides and pesticide handling that apply to pesticide applicators.
  • Identify parts of a pesticide label and understand their importance to the job and performance of a pesticide applicator.

8 AM-3 PM: Full Day Workshops (Offsite)

Workshop 1: Equipment and Mechanics Track -(Sprayer Training: Basics and Advanced Spray Technology) at RainDance National Golf Course with Brian Nash and Dave Annis from Smithco

Sprayer 101: The Modern Dedicated Spray Rig and TechnologiesThis comprehensive workshop takes you on a complete journey through today’s modern turf spray vehicles — from basic fundamentals to advanced applications.Participants will receive a full “Chassis to Boom” education, covering:

  • Chassis and powertrain options
  • Tank systems and agitation technology
  • Pump selection and calibration
  • Boom setup, height control, and nozzle technology
  • Precision application systems and rate controllers
  • Introduction to the latest advanced technologies including GPS mapping, auto-section control, variable rate application, and telematics

Whether you’re new to spray rigs or looking to upgrade your knowledge on the newest equipment and technologies, this session will give you practical, real-world insights to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and achieve better spray results.

 

Workshop 2: Irrigation and Irrigation Management A to Z: Including Things You’ve Been Afraid to Ask with Brad Jakubowski at DBC Irrigation

This full-day workshop provides a practical, no-pressure environment to build confidence in irrigation systems—whether you’re new to the field or looking to strengthen your fundamentals. Participants will learn the essentials of parts, fittings, valves, and sprinklers, along with how to properly use multimeters and ammeters to evaluate system performance.

The session also covers key differences between traditional and 2-wire systems, while emphasizing hands-on troubleshooting techniques you can apply immediately. In addition, attendees will explore soil-water relationships and learn how to interpret weather data to improve irrigation efficiency and decision-making.

By the end of the day, participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to confidently operate, diagnose, and manage irrigation systems in real-world conditions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify common irrigation system parts and fittings and explain their functions
  • Operate a standard multimeter and ammeter and interpret basic electrical readings
  • Explain the proper operation of valves and sprinklers and troubleshoot common issues
  • Differentiate between traditional wiring systems and 2-wire systems
  • Apply fundamental irrigation troubleshooting principles in real-world scenarios
  • Describe soil characteristics and explain soil–water interactions relevant to irrigation
  • Interpret weather data to make informed irrigation management decisions

8 AM-11 AM Workshops

  • Workshop 1: Turf and Weedy Grass Identification with Dr. Alision O'Connor and Max Nikkari
  • Workshop 2: Hands on Sprayer and Spreader Calibrations with Weston Floyd (Attendees will learn how to properly calibrate a spreader, backpack sprayer, and traditional sprayer. How to select the correct nozzle for your sprayer, and the importance of proper calibrations)

11AM- 12PM - Lunch Provided

12 PM-3 PM Workshops

  • Workshop 1: Selection, Planting, Maintenance, and Common Issues of Woody Plants in the Landscape with Dr. Alison O'Connor and Eric Hammond
  • Workshop 2: Interpretating Labels and Turfgrass Math with Weston Floyd (Participants will learn how to read and interpret fertilizer and pesticide labels for applications. The session will also cover essential turfgrass math used in daily operations, including fertilizer calculations, topdressing material calculations, acre-feet water applications, and seeding rates, providing practical skills to accurately manage turfgrass inputs and maintenance)

Wednesday, December 9, 2026

7 AM-8 AM

  • Registration and Breakfast

7:30 AM-9 AM

  • Opening Remarks
  • General Session & Keynote Speaker - Jeff McManus: “It’s Not About the Paycheck” is an inspiring and energizing keynote that challenges the idea that the paycheck alone drives success. In this talk, Jeff explores the real forces behind motivation—intrinsic and extrinsic—and the challenges that can make us forget why we do what we do. Attendees will gain practical insight into how to reconnect with their work, reignite their drive for success, and lead others with a contagious passion. This session will leave you with a renewed perspective on what truly fuels lasting success.

9 AM-5 PM

  • Industry Trade Show Open

9:10 AM-10:10 AM

  • Amanda Folck: Can Cold-Tolerant Hybrid Bermudagrasses Adapt to the Northern Transition Zone?-The presentation will highlight the ongoing applied research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in partnership with Husker Athletics, to determine if any of the three cold-tolerant hybrid bermudagrass cultivars that were tested are effective for a safe, playable surface. It will also provide real-world experiences with cold-tolerant hybrid bermudagrass in athletic fields of other environments and specify management practices for adaptation in the northern transition zone as a result of the applied research.
  • Adam Russell: Coming Soon!
  • Abby McNeal, CSFM, CPRP: Creating, Implementing, and Sustaining Maintenance Standards-Maintenance standards establish the foundation for safe, functional, and visually appealing parks, athletic fields, and facilities. They create a consistent framework that guides daily operations, supports long-term planning, and strengthens budget justification. By defining clear expectations for care, performance, and resource needs, maintenance standards help organizations deliver reliable service, protect public assets, and ensure high-quality experiences for all users.
  • Chase Straw, Ph.D.: Technologies for Golf Course Management: Current Trends and Future Applications-This presentation provides an overview of emerging and existing technologies used in golf course management. Topics include application technologies (e.g., sprayers, spreaders, robotics), site assessment and monitoring tools (e.g., GPS, sensors, drones), and decision-support systems that integrate data for improved management. Emphasis is placed on how these technologies can enhance efficiency, consistency, and decision-making on modern golf courses.
  • C.J. Coy: Relationships Matter- It's not what you know but who you know. You don’t have to have all the answers but know where to find them. Continue to keep growing your relationships and never burn bridges. Remember who are the important people in your life and how they all can help you succeed on what God has called you to.
  • Matt Anderson, CSFM: Trends in Turfgrass- Topics may include automation, electric and alternative fuels and data collection and management.

10:20 AM-11:20 AM

  • Alpha Jones, CSFM: The 8 Stolons of Leadership: Rooting the Foundation- This interactive presentation focuses on the foundational leadership stolons that establish trust, credibility, and personal consistency. Participants will explore how work ethic, accountability, communication, and integrity shape the way others respond to their leadership and influence. The session includes a slide deck, audience interaction, and practical leadership applications that participants can immediately apply in their workplace and daily life.
  • Spencer Schneider: Sprinkler Install Basics- Understanding sprinkler system components and terminology, selecting the correct components, and understanding the importance of sprinkler placement and zoning.
  • Drew Miller, Ed.D. and Leah Withrow: That's a Thing?- In today’s digitally driven world, social media has become a powerful tool for shaping perceptions, building credibility, and elevating entire professions. This presentation explores how intentional brand development and strategic social media use can be leveraged to bring greater awareness to the sports field management industry on a global scale. Attendees will learn how sharing authentic stories, educational content, and behind-the-scenes experiences can highlight the skill, science, and impact of sports field managers while engaging diverse audiences beyond traditional industry circles. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, this session will demonstrate how a strong personal or organizational brand can not only grow individual influence, but also advocate for the value, visibility, and future of sports field management worldwide.
  • Travis Shaddox, Ph.D: Critical Thinking in an Age of Misinformation-In an industry saturated with product claims, traditions, and conflicting advice, turfgrass professionals must distinguish evidence from opinion. This session equips participants with practical tools to evaluate research, identify logical fallacies, and make sound, evidence-based decisions. Through real-world turf examples, attendees will learn how misinformation spreads, why it persists, and how to confidently assess practices, products, and recommendations.
  • Rick Phelps, ASGCA: All Things Bunkers: History, Design, Sand, Liners and Drainage-Overview of everything related to golf course bunkers to instill confidence when proceeding with a bunker renovation project that the decisions that are being made are the best decisions for the location, ownership and budget for each facility.
  • Alan Hopkins: Key Considerations for Successful Vegetation Management Programs - Attendees will consider complex aspects related to vegetation management on Rights-of-Way and thoroughly evaluate each site with specific goals to accomplish. Practitioners will be challenged to think through potential issues and develop a robust plan (short- and long-term) before the project begins. A successful vegetation management program will usually employ multiple herbicide active ingredients and various herbicidal attributes, including weed spectrum, efficacy on key weed species, herbicide timing, herbicide selectivity, soil residual, length of residual, herbicide resistant weeds and use of tank mixtures of multiple effective herbicides to mitigate herbicide resistance issues. Practitioners should leave the training prepared to consider many aspects of a successful Right-of-Way Vegetation Management Plan, including establishment of management goals, cost considerations, bare ground site or selective vegetation, geographical and land-use situations, herbicide and/or mechanical removal of vegetation (including trees), selection of herbicides and best timing, environmental considerations for the site, safety concerns for workers and public.

11:30 AM-12:30 PM

  • Lunch Served on the Trade Show Floor

12:30 PM-1:30 PM

  • Trade Show Experience (No Classes at this Time)

1:40 PM-2:40 PM

  • Christian Baldwin, Ph.D.: Driving Turf Performance: Novel Surfactants and Their Impact on Playing Surfaces- This presentation provides actionable insights on leveraging the latest surfactant technologies to optimize turf performance and playability. Challenges of water management will be presented, including surface tension, hydrophobicity, and uniformity, followed by solutions to overcome these challenges. The discussion will also cover how the strategic application of soil surfactants maintains consistent and playable surfaces. Finally, we will review the latest university research findings, providing evidence-based insights into the impacts of various soil surfactant programs on turfgrass quality and performance. Attendees will gain a concise understanding of how to leverage novel surfactant chemistry to achieve optimal turf and playing conditions.
  • Kayla Kipp, CTEM: Reely Hands-On (Hands on Setup and maintenance for reels)- Join CTEM Kayla Kipp in getting Reely Hands-On with cutting units and diving into their maintenance for longevity and turf health. From daily use to long term storage, we'll discuss the best steps you can take in your reel maintenance program.
  • Adam Thoms, Ph.D.: Turfgrass Math; From Fertilizer to Topdressing Mathematics is Everywhere in Turfgrass Management- This presentation will cover one of the most important skills necessary for successful turfgrass management, turfgrass mathematics. Knowing how to figure basic nutrition or herbicide applications can make all the differences from a good application and one that kills the desired plants. You need to know how to figure out your area first, which can be unique shapes. After that I cover how to find amounts of nutrients in both granular and foliar fertilizers as well as discuss the cost per pound or gallon. How much topdressing sand is needed will be covered as well. Finally a short discussion on how to figure out the math on some pesticide formulations. While math is not always exciting, this session will be practical for turfgrass managers.
  • John Lloyd, Ph.D.: Feeding Soil Microbes-Learn the foods that soil microbes consume, what microbial food products are currently on the market and how feeding soil microbes impacts the physical, chemical and biological components of a soil.
  • Manuel Chavarria, Ph.D.: Managing Irrigation in Golf Courses with Poor-Quality Water- Sustainable turfgrass management relies on efficient irrigation practices that optimize water use while maintaining turf quality. As reliance on saline and lower-quality water sources increases, careful management becomes critical to limit salt accumulation and preserve soil health. This seminar will highlight key best management practices, including irrigation scheduling, leaching strategies, and cultivar selection, to promote resilient turf systems under challenging water conditions.
  • Jeff McManus: Growing Whiners into Winners: 7 Practical Applications You Can Use Today-Great leadership begins with mindset—but negativity can derail even the best teams. In this energizing session, you’ll learn how to effectively manage chronic complainers without losing momentum or morale. Jeff will highlight the real impact of positive leadership and share seven practical strategies to help you lead with clarity, accountability, and purpose. Walk away with actionable steps to shift team culture, maintain a strong leadership mindset, and build a more engaged, winning team.

2:50 PM-3:50 PM

  • Coming Soon!
  • Sarah Martin, CSFM: Drought: Do I Need a Plan?- Learn why every facility needs a proactive drought management plan and how to build one that protects playability, appearance, and resources during water shortages. This presentation will cover how to designate spaces by priority levels for staged water reduction, identify areas for potential turf reduction when necessary, and outline the key components every drought plan should include. Attendees will also learn practical methods for estimating water savings and measuring the impact of conservation strategies.
  • Zach Bauer, CGCS: Uncomfortable on Purpose-The best golf courses and managers in the world didn’t get that way by playing it safe. Behind every perfectly conditioned course is a superintendent who made a bold call, took a calculated risk and pushed out of the comfortable routine. In this session we’ll use the world of golf course maintenance as our guide to understanding what it means to really grow. The same instincts that keep a crew doing things as “the way we’ve always done them” are the same instincts that can keep us stuck – on the job and in life.
  • Product Speed Dating from our Commercial Partners
  • Bart Eller: Improving Turf Immune Function and Traffic Tolerance Through Bio-Mineralization-Attendees will learn how to build and manage living, mineralized soil systems that improve turf health, resilience, and traffic tolerance - while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers, fungicides, and nitrate-based fertility programs - using practical, science-backed methods adapted to Colorado conditions.
  • Logann Grasteit, John Adkins, Josh Brumley: An Innovative Approach to Hiring for Hard to Fill Positions- Are hiring and retention becoming harder to manage? Are you noticing widening skills gaps, an aging workforce nearing retirement or the rising cost of turnover? Join us for a conversation about a proven, innovative approach designed to reduce costs, strengthen retention and keep your organization moving forward with confidence.

3:50 PM-4 PM

  • Coffee Break (Sponsored TBD)

4 PM-5 PM

  • Judd Fitzgerald: Coming Soon!
  • Adam Russell: Coming Soon!
  • Adam Thoms, Ph.D.: Biostimulants: What Do We Know?- Biostimulants are all over the turfgrass industry and have all sorts of wild claims. Biostimulants cover a wide spectrum of products, we will discuss those classes to start. From here I will discuss what a biostimulant can do and what it will not do. Research has been conducted on several of the biostimulants, and some of that research will be presented. Finally, we will discuss some of the situations where using a biostimulant will not help.
  • Coming Soon!
  • Drew Miller, Ed.D. and Leah Withrow: Where is the Future of Sports Field Management - The presentation will highlight the evolution of the Brentsville Turf Program, showcasing how intentional curriculum design, hands‑on learning, industry partnerships, and real‑world problem solving created a clear career pathway for students. Special emphasis will be placed on the program’s role in making possible the development of the nation’s first high school turfgrass research center— demonstrating that meaningful turf research, data collection, and innovation can begin at the secondary level. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for building or supporting high school turf programs, strengthening workforce pipelines, and fostering research‑driven learning that benefits not only students, but the broader sports field management profession.
  • Weston Floyd: Irrigation Efficiency and Conducting a Water Audit (This presentation will highlight the importance of proper irrigation system construction and the key factors that can contribute to poor system performance. Attendees will learn how to effectively prepare for an irrigation audit, including proper system setup and how to accurately conduct the evaluation. The session will also cover how to calculate distribution uniformity and precipitation rates, and how to use this data to determine efficient run times. In addition, the presentation will introduce evapotranspiration (ET)-based irrigation and demonstrate how this approach can be used to optimize water management practices)

Thursday, December 10, 2026

7 AM-8 AM

  • Registration and Breakfast

8 AM-12:30 PM

  • Industry Trade Show Open

8 AM-12 PM

  • Pesticide Applicators Core Credits - Lisa Blecker - Colorado State University - Core Credit CEU will provide the following 5 core commercial applicator credits in this order. A speaker from CDA will provide 2 credits for laws and regulations.

Schedule:

  • 8:00-9:00 am: Laws and Regulations (L/R)
  • 9:00-9:15 am: Break
  • 9:30-10:00 am: Pesticides and their Families (P/F)
  • 10:00-10:30 am: Environmental Protection (E/P)
  • 10:30-11:00 am: Use of Pesticides (U/P)
  • 11:00-11:15 am: Applicator Safety (A/S)
  • 11:15-11:45 am: Public Safety (P/S)

Pesticide Label Reading (P/F): Applicators will learn and practice how to read the pesticide label. They will know where to look to find the information they need to know to make safe and effective pesticide applications. Applicators will  find the brand name, identify what active ingredient(s) are in their formulation, the mode of action of the product, the formulation, where to look for application methods, rates, and crops/sites approved for use in the directions for use section, where to look for safety and hazard information in the precautionary statements section, and where to look for storage and disposal information.

Proper Disposal of Pesticides and Pesticide Containers (E/P): This presentation gives pesticide applicators guidance on the safe, legal, and environmentally responsible disposal of unused pesticides and empty pesticide containers. Participants will review proper disposal of diluted pesticides, how to prepare for waste pesticide disposal events, and will identify which county hazardous waste facilities will accept unused pesticides. Participants will learn the proper way to triple or pressure rinse pesticide containers, including jugs, canisters, and totes, as well as the resources available to return or recycle cleaned containers. They will describe the appropriate way to dispose of solid pesticide containers, and how to store containers prior to recycling.

Weather-Proofing Your Application (U/P): This presentation will cover best practices for planning and making effective pesticide applications while managing the following weather conditions:  wind, temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation. Pesticide efficacy as well as human and environmental safety will be discussed. Label requirements regarding drift management, runoff reduction, and environmental hazards will be discussed.

Common Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Mistakes (A/S): This presentation will provide an overview of personal protective equipment (PPE), and how to know what to wear when handling pesticides. We will review common PPE-related violations reported by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and outline how to avoid these common mistakes.

Maintaining Public Safety During Pesticide Applications (P/S): This presentation will address ways to avoid harming the public and bystanders when making pesticide applications in urban and non-urban settings. The focus will be on notification requirements and employee training requirements. The presentation will also outline resources for addressing these issues.

8 AM-9 AM

  • Matt Anderson, CSFM: Beyond the 1/3 Rule- The presentation will go beyond “101 level” mowing discussions and dig into setup and applications for both rotary and reel mower setups. We will also discuss how mower setup and impact machine performance and quality of cut.
  • Manuel Jordan: Spanish Speaker's Course: Soil Management Principles – Why should we manage Carbon?-The presentation will describe what Carbon foods soil microbes consume; how feeding soil microbes Carbon impacts the physical, chemical and biological components of a soil; and the benefits of feeding microbes Carbon in soils of different textures (sand, silt,& clay).
  • Chase Straw, Ph.D.: Data-Driven Golf Course Water Management (This presentation focuses on how data can be used to improve irrigation decisions on golf courses. Attendees will learn how soil moisture varies across fairways and how technologies such as handheld sensors, mobile mapping systems, and satellite data can be used to quantify that variability. Real-world research and case studies will demonstrate how these data can be translated into practical irrigation strategies that improve consistency while reducing water use)
  • C.J. Coy: How Big is Your Faith?- Dive deep into the priorities you place your faith in each day, and consider how making a few intentional changes could positively transform your day-to-day life.
  • Manuel Chavarria, Ph.D.: Take Control: Weed Management in Turfgrass Systems- Effective weed management is essential for maintaining healthy, high-quality turfgrass systems. This course covers the principles of weed identification, biology, and integrated management strategies in turf. Emphasis will be placed on cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods, including proper herbicide selection, application timing, and resistance management. Participants will gain practical knowledge to develop sustainable weed control programs for golf courses, sports fields, and landscape settings.

9:10 AM-10:10 AM

  • Abby McNeal, CSFM, CPRP: Environmental Stewardship & Sustainable Maintenance Practices-This session provides park, recreation, and sports field professionals with a comprehensive introduction to environmental management principles that directly support achieving the SFMA Environmental Facility Certification, a nationally recognized designation documenting responsible, science-based environmental stewardship.
  • Brad Jakubowski: Making Sense Out of the Granular Fertilizers You Apply: Particles, Performance, Practicality, and Pesticides
  • Rick Phelps, ASGCA: Planning for Capital Improvements-Review of what the planning process entails, including timeframes, deliverables, participation, etc. Also, expected outcomes and what to do with them once you have them.
  • Alpha Jones, CSFM: The 8 Stolons of Leadership: Expanding the Reach- This interactive presentation explores how leadership grows beyond personal habits and begins influencing teams, culture, and long-term impact. Participants will examine emotional intelligence, adaptability, empowerment, and vision as leadership stolons that help influence spread and strengthen others. The session includes a slide deck, audience interaction, and practical strategies designed to help participants lead through change, develop others, and connect everyday work to a bigger purpose.
  • Eric Pollick: Coming Soon!

10:20 AM-11:20 AM

  • Andrew Barber:
  • Drew Miller, Ed.D.: Mentorship
  • Travis Shaddox, Ph.D.: Fertilizer Blending 101-This presentation teaches turfgrass professionals how to formulate efficient fertilizer blends by focusing on materials that provide measurable turf response while minimizing unnecessary inputs. Attendees will learn how to evaluate nutrient needs using soil tests, compare fertilizer sources based on cost and performance, and build practical, cost-effective fertility programs.
  • Manuel Jordan: Spanish Speaker's Course: Practical Carbon Management Tools & Techniques- Learn how feeding soil microbes Carbon can impact new landscape installations, management of established landscapes, and landscapes needing restoration from construction activities. Learn the impacts of Carbon microbial feeding on turf, trees and shrubs.
  • Sarah Martin, CSFM: Utilizing Best Practices for Drought Irrigation- Discover strategies for maximizing irrigation performance and maintaining healthy turfgrass through smart water management practices. This presentation will explore operating irrigation controllers based on evapotranspiration (ET), utilizing master valves and flow sensors for greater control and efficiency, and evaluating overall irrigation system performance. Attendees will also learn practical improvements to increase system efficiency, along with key cultural practices that promote strong, resilient turfgrass.

11:30 AM-12:30 PM

  • Tim York and Adam Waters: Coming Soon!
  • Amanda Folck: Drought Management in Turfgrass Areas-Drought continues to be a major concern in the Great Plains region, including Colorado and Nebraska. The presentation will explain the differences among grasses, environmental concerns, and how drought affects different grasses. It will also cover various management practices that can be adapted and considerations for dealing with drought conditions in various turfgrass areas.
  • Zach Bauer, CGCS: Scars and Successes-This session draws on real-world career failure and success experience to how professionals can reframe challenges. Through a very candid story telling session, attendees will walk away with a sharper lens for navigating uncertainty and lead with confidence.
  • Coming Soon!
  • Kayla Kipp, CTEM: It's Electric- CTEM Kayla Kipp is energized to share helpful tips and diagnostic advice to help you in your basic electrical system problem identification and repair. Along the way, we'll test system components, discuss preventative maintenance, and record keeping.
Let's Connect