Sports Field Management Association returns to Ocean Center
After over a decade, the Ocean Center welcomes back the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) for its annual Conference and Exhibition from Jan. 22 through 25. The event will utilize almost the entire facility and expects over 1,000 daily attendees, generating more than 2,800 room nights.
“The SFMA Conference and Exhibition provides an opportunity for sports field managers to learn and build upon their expertise,” said SFMA CEO Laura Simmons. “This is a huge gathering of peers sharing stories, asking questions, and taking home new ideas. This is also a time for our members to recharge, see old friends, and meet new people. Daytona Beach and the Ocean Center provide a fantastic environment to do that.”
SFMA’s Conference and Exhibition provides an opportunity for professionals in the sports turf industry to participate in educational seminars, hands-on workshops, tours of local facilities and networking with peers, as well as experience the latest technology on display.
“It’s an honor to be once again selected for SFMA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition,” said Ocean Center Sales and Marketing Director Tim Buckley. “When annual conferences rotate locations, it says something to be selected multiple times. We recognize that and appreciate the opportunity to host SFMA once again.”
Beyond the facility, the group will take part in several events throughout the area, including a fundraising golf tournament at LPGA International, a bowling fundraiser at Game Time at ONE DAYTONA, a field trip to EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, and a volunteer field rebuild at Palm Terrace Elementary.
“We’re excited to welcome attendees from the Sports Field Management Association Conference & Exhibition to the Daytona Beach area,” said Lori Campbell Baker, Executive Director of the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). “This will be the largest conference in their history, and we hope the participants have a positive, one-of-an-kind experience during their visit to Daytona Beach and enjoy all the attractions, restaurants and activities our community has to offer.”
The SFMA annual conference location rotates throughout the country and was last at the Ocean Center in 2013.
“We always enjoy working with David Rosenberg and his team at Marketing & Events, Inc., who act as the event organizer for this event,” said Buckley. “David’s been a champion of the Ocean Center and our destination for over a decade, and we appreciate his ongoing support.”
Conference registration is still open for industry professionals. To learn more and register, visit https://www.sportsfieldmanagement.org/conference/.
