Highlights from M-A-T-E

from Virginia Turfgrass Journal - March/April 2020

Legislative update from the VTC

The 2020 Mid Atlantic Turfgrass Expo was one more great example of the industry uniting for the good of all. Professionals from all aspects of turfgrass came together for three days in Fredericksburg to attend great classes, network, connect with vendors, and honor outstanding individuals.

Dr. Mike Goatley and other Virginia Tech experts organized the education portion of MATE. Logan Freeman, a golf course superintendent from Maryland, was the first speaker. His presentation on reaching across industry segments laid a great foundation. He was followed by experts who addressed employee issues, agronomic concerns, and re-certification needs. Of course, latest university research was embedded throughout the program.

Networking began before the first class, continued through the daily on-site lunches, and extended into the evening activities. Deals were made, new contacts formed, and old friends reunited during these informal times.

“I made enough contacts in the first hour to justify my being here,” was one vendor’s comment about MATE. Conference organizers structured the schedule to maximize interaction between buyers and sellers.

Honoring individuals who selflessly give of their expertise to better the industry was a big part of the conference. This year’s honorees were Jeff Everhart (VTC Award), Guy Mussey (Silver Tray Award), Ron Barley (Lifetime Membership Award), “Papa” Joe Williams (Lifetime Membership Award), and Tom Tracy (President’s Award).

Fifteen years ago, the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center was built. The Virginia Turfgrass Council was their first customer. A decade and a half of annually meeting together to serve the turfgrass industry has taken place in that facility.