Post-symposium news release
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rob Witherspoon Owen Roberts
Program director Communications instructor
University of Guelph University of Guelph
[email protected] [email protected]
Phone: 519-824-4120 x. 56886 Phone: 519-824-4120 x. 58278
Student-run turfgrass symposium offers practical solutions to industry
GUELPH, ON (November 27, 2009) – Today, more than 120 golf course superintendents, industry representatives, university faculty and students attended a symposium at the Cutten Club organized by first-year University of Guelph turfgrass management students.
The symposium, named “Doing more with less: Turf in tough times” focused on how to survive — and thrive — in an unstable economy. The event featured a top-quality line-up of speakers, a complimentary lunch and plenty of networking opportunities for students and turf professionals alike.
“We all learned a lot, from coming up with the right speakers to finding sponsors and using communications tactics to market the event, all within tight deadlines,” says student Matt Eastman.
Three speakers from different corners of the industry presented unique perspectives on how to save time and money within a rapidly changing field, while continuing to provide a high standard of service. The speakers included:
“This project has given the students opportunities to practice real-life communications and networking situations and learn from them,” says Prof. Rob Witherspoon, program director of the turfgrass management program at the University of Guelph.
The symposium was free of charge for those who attended, thanks to key sponsors from the turf industry. Title sponsors include Syngenta, John Deere and Turfcare. Additional sponsors include Enviro-sol, Nutrite, Ontario Seed Company, GC Duke Equipment, the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, McCormick Global Communications, Frechette Lawn Care, Ontario Agricultural College and the Department of Plant Agriculture.
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Rob Witherspoon Owen Roberts
Program director Communications instructor
University of Guelph University of Guelph
[email protected] [email protected]
Phone: 519-824-4120 x. 56886 Phone: 519-824-4120 x. 58278
Student-run turfgrass symposium offers practical solutions to industry
GUELPH, ON (November 27, 2009) – Today, more than 120 golf course superintendents, industry representatives, university faculty and students attended a symposium at the Cutten Club organized by first-year University of Guelph turfgrass management students.
The symposium, named “Doing more with less: Turf in tough times” focused on how to survive — and thrive — in an unstable economy. The event featured a top-quality line-up of speakers, a complimentary lunch and plenty of networking opportunities for students and turf professionals alike.
“We all learned a lot, from coming up with the right speakers to finding sponsors and using communications tactics to market the event, all within tight deadlines,” says student Matt Eastman.
Three speakers from different corners of the industry presented unique perspectives on how to save time and money within a rapidly changing field, while continuing to provide a high standard of service. The speakers included:
- Dr. Tom Hsiang, pathology researcher at the University of Guelph. Dr. Hsiang addressed alternative treatments for turf disease.
- Ron Schiedel, co-owner of Green Horizons Group of Farms Ltd. Mr. Schiedel is a successful entrepreneur who demonstrated how good business practices can override a bad economy.
- Keith Bartlett, superintendent of St. George’s Golf and Country Club, which is hosting the 2010 Canadian Open. Mr. Bartlett discussed strategic course management.
“This project has given the students opportunities to practice real-life communications and networking situations and learn from them,” says Prof. Rob Witherspoon, program director of the turfgrass management program at the University of Guelph.
The symposium was free of charge for those who attended, thanks to key sponsors from the turf industry. Title sponsors include Syngenta, John Deere and Turfcare. Additional sponsors include Enviro-sol, Nutrite, Ontario Seed Company, GC Duke Equipment, the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, McCormick Global Communications, Frechette Lawn Care, Ontario Agricultural College and the Department of Plant Agriculture.
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