Field Notes from Fort Worth: My Experience at the SFMA National Conference
By Douglas Johnson, Grounds & Pest Control, Escondido Union School District - 2026 Conference Scholarship Recipient
Click here to view photos from the 2026 Conference in Fort Worth, TX.
On Sunday, January 18th, I traveled from San Diego to Fort Worth, Texas to attend the SFMA National Conference, after being selected as a scholarship recipient through the local Southern California SFMA chapter. It was an honor to represent our region at such a prestigious industry event.
Stadium Wheels Tour
On Monday, I participated in a “Wheels Tour,” visiting several premier athletic facilities in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Our first stop was Toyota Stadium, home of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. We then toured Riders Field, home of the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The stadium is especially known for its unique lazy river located above right field. Our final stop was Southern Methodist University, a nationally recognized and highly respected university.
Throughout the tour, we walked the fields, engaged directly with facility managers, and gained valuable insight into their maintenance practices, equipment selection, and operational strategies. Seeing first-hand the tools and methods used to maintain elite-level athletic facilities was both educational and inspiring.
Conference – Day 1
The first full day of the conference featured the presentation “Inside the Pitch: A Field Manager’s Perspective on Preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026.” Hearing the extensive planning and preparation required to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 was remarkable. From removing existing turf systems and modifying stadium configurations to meet FIFA specifications, to selecting and installing the proper grass varieties, the scale of preparation is truly extraordinary.
Additional educational sessions I attended included:
• Renovating Cool-Season Grass on a Budget
• Managing Sports Fields More Effectively with PGRs
• Ballfields on a Budget: Practices and Products to Maximize Value
• Pesticide Formulations and Mixing
I also attended the First-Time Attendees Reception, which provided a great opportunity to network with peers from across the country, and concluded the evening at the Welcome Reception.
Conference – Day 2
Day two focused heavily on community-level field management and leadership. Sessions included:
• Successful Community-Level Fields
• Working with Volunteers, Teams, and Low Budgets — Making It Work
• Beyond the Ballfields: Maintaining Modern Recreational Spaces
I also attended the CEO/President Session outlining the future direction of SFMA under the leadership of CEO Paula Sliefert and President Alpha Jones. It was encouraging to hear about the organization’s strategic vision and growth initiatives. The day concluded with the Trade Show, where leading suppliers showcased the latest innovations in field equipment, irrigation systems, turf products, and sports field materials.
Conference – Day 3
The final day began with a panel discussion on Strategies for Poa annua Management in Sports Fields, offering practical approaches to one of the industry’s most persistent challenges. I then attended a second Wheels Tour, which included visits to AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, and Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers. Touring two major professional venues provided further perspective on large-scale field management operations. The conference concluded with the Awards Banquet, recognizing Field of the Year recipients, Student Competition winners, and the prestigious SFMA Founders Awards.
Closing Reflection
Attending the SFMA National Conference was an incredible professional development experience. The opportunity to learn from industry leaders, tour world-class facilities, and connect with peers nationwide provided both practical knowledge and renewed inspiration. I returned with new ideas, innovative strategies, and a deeper appreciation for the science, planning, and dedication required to maintain high-performing sports fields at every level.