M-A-T-E Update

In these times of uncertainty, please do mark your calendars for the Mid- Atlantic Turfgrass Expo (MATE). Our annual conference will be held on January 19 and 20 (Tuesday and Wednesday). In order to be closer to most of our attendees, we have moved MATE from the Fredericksburg Expo Center to Virginia Crossings which is located just north of Richmond in Glen Allen.

Here are just a few highlights:

• In addition to Virginia Tech experts, Dr. Matthew Elmore of Rutgers and Dr. Grady Miller of North Carolina State University are scheduled to speak.

• We are partnering with Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation to give attendees excellent fertilizer updates and training on Tuesday morning. Nutrient Management Recertification and Certified Fertilizer Applicator (CFA) recertification credits will be provided. Another option for CFAs will be on Wednesday when both the initial training and recertification credit will be given.

• Pesticide recertification will be incorporated into the main program so persons no longer have to make the difficult choice between earning state required pesticide training and other conference classes.

• The highly popular and extremely informative student competition will return. This contest showcases the latest research affecting our industry.

An unknown at this time is the future state of pandemic. At this point, options we are considering include holding the conference on-site but providing an on-line option. We will keep you posted.