Ontario Turfgrass Symposium 2027 Brings Turfgrass Professionals Together
Press Release: Ontario Turfgrass Symposium 2027 Brings Turfgrass Professionals Together
GUELPH, ON -Turfgrass professionals from across Ontario and beyond are invited to attend the Ontario Turfgrass Symposium (OTS) 2027, taking place Wednesday, February 17, and Thursday, February 18, 2027, at the University of Guelph.
Hosted in partnership by the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario, Ontario Recreation Facilities Association, Canadian Sports Field Association, and Professional Lawn Care Association of Ontario, this annual educational event brings together professionals working in golf course management, sports fields, lawn care, parks and recreation, landscape horticulture, and other turfgrass-related sectors. The symposium offers opportunities to learn about the latest research, explore practical management strategies, and connect with colleagues and industry experts. The 2027 program will feature an exciting lineup of speakers covering a diverse range of topics, including soil science, turfgrass disease management, integrated pest management, sports field operations, golf course design, irrigation, weather forecasting, and outdoor recreation facility management.
Featured speakers include:
- Dr. Travis Shaddox - Soil scientist
- Dr. Bruce Clarke - Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University
- Mark Robinson - Meteorologist and storm chaser
- Rob Heggie -BMO Field, a host of FIFA World Cup 2026
- Jordan Kitchen and Stephen Hicks - Co-founders of HK Golf Services
- Chris Chappell - IPM specialist for cricket fields
- Joe Breedon - City of Barrie
- Trevor Warner - City of Woodstock
- Goran Mitrovski - City of Toronto
- Cassie Russell - Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
- Steve Mann - DCS Agronomic Services
- Gary Taylor - Owner of GT Irrigation Services
- Cam Tyers - Founder of Cam Tyers Design
"OTS is an opportunity for turfgrass professionals to invest in their professional development, explore new ideas, and bring science-based knowledge back to their workplaces," says Dr. Sara Stricker, from the organizing committee. "By bringing together researchers, experienced practitioners, and industry partners, we help strengthen connections between research and the day-to-day challenges faced by turf managers."
Attendees will have opportunities to earn professional development credits and continuing education points through participating industry organizations, including the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Ontario Integrated Pest Management, the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association, the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association, and the Sports Field Management Association. OTS 2027 offers turfgrass professionals an opportunity to learn, earn, and network while gaining practical knowledge and exploring emerging ideas to support the future of turfgrass management.
Event Details
Event: Ontario Turfgrass Symposium 2027
Dates: Wednesday, February 17, and Thursday, February 18, 2027
Location: Rozanski Hall, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario
Website: https://www.guelphturfgrass.ca/turfsymposium
About the Guelph Turfgrass Institute
The Guelph Turfgrass Institute at the University of Guelph advances turfgrass science through research, education, and knowledge mobilization. Established in 1987, the GTI works with industry partners to develop and share science-based information that supports healthy turfgrass and functional green spaces across Ontario and beyond.
Media Contact:
Dr. Sara Stricker
Communications & Programs Manager
Guelph Turfgrass Institute, University of Guelph
gti@uoguelph.ca
226-971-1563