The Recap: 2026 Michigan Turfgrass Conference

95TH MICHIGAN TURGRASS CONFERENCE
January 13-15, 2026
Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF) expresses its sincere gratitude to everyone who attended the 2026 MTF Turf Conference, held from January 13 to 15 at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort. This year marked the fifth consecutive conference at this venue, and the event saw record-breaking participation in every category. With a total of 531 attendees and guests, the conference experienced an unprecedented level of engagement. MTF extends special thanks to all vendors, sponsors, and auction donors whose contributions were vital to the success of the event.

The vendor show was nearly at full capacity, featuring 58 vendors who occupied 99% of the available spaces, demonstrating strong support from the industry. The silent auction was another highlight, with a record-breaking 42 donated items. The auction raised $12,000, which will be used to support the Michigan State University Turf Program. MTF also acknowledges the over 20 sponsors whose generous support made the event possible.

A new addition to this year’s conference was the Opening Reception, held in the Events Hall. Hundreds of participants attended and celebrated key achievements in the turfgrass community. During the reception, John Fulling, CGCS, was presented with the MTF Meritorious Service Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions. Additionally, MTF honored Dr. David Gilstrap, a retiring professor, for his many years of dedicated service to both the turf industry and Michigan State University.

The conference was expertly coordinated by two past MTF presidents, Curt Boak and Dan Mausolf (LIC, CSP, ASM), with guidance from Dr. Kevin Frank for the 26 th consecutive year. The organization deeply appreciates their ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the quality of the event. Planning has already begun for next year’s conference, which will once again take place at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort. Save the dates for January 12–14, 2027, and join us for another outstanding gathering of turfgrass professionals.

Full Gallery

Welcome Reception

The first day concluded with a Welcome Reception, providing an excellent opportunity for attendees to network with fellow turfgrass professionals and unwind after a full day of classes. The MTF Board of Directors were pleased to recognize Dr. Kevin Frank for his 25 years of commitment to the MTF Conference planning and education oversight. Additionally, the reception featured the presentation of the MTF Meritorious Service Award, which was appropriately awarded to Doug Johannigsmeier. The evening wrapped up with remarks from Dr. Wei Zhang, Interim Department Chair and Professor of Environmental and Soil Physics. 

Day Two - January 8, 2025

In addition to the Golf and Turfgrass Management sessions, Day Two featured topics for Sports Fields and Assistant Superintendents. Following lunch and afternoon educational workshops, the day wrapped up with the highly anticipated Vendor Show held in the expansive Entertainment Hall of the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in the closest to the pin contest at the simulator, indulge on appetizers and explore the latest innovations and services in the turfgrass industry.

The MTF thanks all vendors who participated in the show and also thanks all Conference Sponsors who help make the event possible. In addition a special thank you goes to everyone who bid in the Silent Auction. Your generosity helps support the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and its mission to fund turfgrass research at MSU.

Day Three - January 9, 2025

Day Three Wraps up the 2025 Turfgrass Conference - Save the Date for Next Year!

The conference concluded on day three with sessions focused on Golf and Turfgrass Management. The session's themes included renovation and restoration projects, useful tips and tricks along with reviews and recaps.

Thank you again, to everyone who participated or attended, for making this event another fantastic experience. We are excited to invite you to next year's conference which will be held from January 13-15, 2026, at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for another fantastic Turfgrass Conference!

Thank You to Our Conference Sponsors

Scholarship Banner - Stine Turf & Snow
Lanyard- AcuSpray
Lawn Care Speaker Track - Gowan USA
Golf Speaker Track - MiGCSA 
Golf Speaker Track - MGCA
Coffee Cup - Helena
Welcome Reception - MTESP
Coffee - Rain Bird
Coffee - Syngenta
Lunch - NuFarm
Welcome Reception - DeBuck’s Sod Farm, Inc.
Welcome Reception - Revels Tractor
Welcome Reception - C.W. Golf Achitecture
Vendor Show Food - Porous Pave
Meritorious Award Dinner - Harrell’s
Coffee & Lunch - Advanced Turf Solutions
Sports Turf Speaker Track - MiSFMA
Vendor Show Food - Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Ammon Pence Group

2023 Recap

Day One

The Conference started with a half day of Golf, Lawns and Grounds and Equipment Technicians education sessions. In addition to the MSU Turf Team, day one featured speakers from the University of Nebraska, Purdue University, Oakland University as well as several other industry leaders.

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Annual Meeting

MTF Executive Director Carey Mitchelson, President Curt Boak and Treasurer Brad Lazroff highlighted the MTF’s year in review including the recent election, a 2022 event update and the financial status of the organization.

Founders Society Reception

The day concluded with the Founders Society Reception, where the MTF presented its annual MSU Turf Program research fund to George Smith, the Director of AgBioResearch at MSU, in the amount of $90,000. Dr. Kelly Millenbah, Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU, then delivered an update on the Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology. Past MTF President, Doug Johanningsmeier, introduced and presented the MTF Meritorious Award to Mr. Jim Bogart.

Day Two

A full day of education, Wednesday included Golf, Lawns and Grounds, Sports Fields, Assistant Superintendents, Equipment Technicians sessions as well as an Overview for Registered Apprenticeship - Golf Course Maintenance Technician sessions. In addition to the education presentations, many panel discussions and round table idea sessions highlighted the day.

Student Awards
Dr. Trey Rogers presented, on what he describes as his 'favorite day of the year", student scholarship awards for the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, MSU Awards, Industry Awards and National Awards.  Visit our scholarships and awards pages to help us congratulate all those selected for these awards.

Vendor Halftime Show

This year’s halftime show was held for the first time in the Soaring Eagle Casino’s Entertainment Hall. The large venue was both well received and attended.  Attendees were provided with a perfect networking opportunity following the full day of education. Those at the conference had a chance to visit with some of the finest companies and the opportunity to bid on silent auction items benefitting the Graduate Assistantship program at MSU.

Student Support
Several participants also took their turn at the Trackman closest to the pin contest, a contest that helped raise $1,190.00 for the MSU Turf Club's respective National Conference expenses.  

Day Three

The Conference concluded with a half day of educational sessions of both Golf and Sports Fields, Lawns and Grounds. The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation would like to thank the attendees, presenters and volunteers who all helped to make the 92nd annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference such a great success.

Thank You!  2023 Conference Sponsors: 

MTESP - Coffee
Syngenta - Coffee
Envu Enviornmental Science - Founders Society Reception
Eco Green Supply - Student Scholarship Banner
Advanced Turf Solutions - Vendor Halftime Show
BASF - Vendor Halftime Show
Helena Agri - Coffee Cups
Harrell's, LLC - Lanyard
Site One - Lunch / Vendor Halftime Show
MGCA - Meritorious Award Winner Dinner

The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation exists to promote safe, healthy turf surfaces for all Michigan residents. The goal of our annual conference is to present the latest findings in turfgrass management, fertility, soils, diseases, weeds, pesticides and other timely topics pertaining to the industry.

2023 Michigan Turfgrass Conference
January 10th - 12th
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858

Hotel Room Block Code: MTGF011023
Hotel Room Block Ends December 19th
Cost is $139.00 per night plus taxes

*Free Parking is available

*Lunch provided on Wednesday

*Vendor Halftime Show (Appetizers Provided-Cash Bar) on Wednesday 4pm -6:30

Vendor Halftime Show Information
Wednesday, January 11th 4-6:30pm

• This year's Halftime Show will be held in the Soaring Eagle's Entertainment Hall!
  Booth size8' by 10'
  Loading (Garage) Door size: 10' X 10'
  Equipment is allowed inside, must be pushed in and have 1/4 tank of gas or less, the battery disconnected and plastic placed under the machine.
  All booths have electricity and 6' by 30" table included with 2 chairs
  Only one company per booth
  Booth fee is non-refundable but may be transferredto next years show
  After December 1st, 2022 there will be an increase of $50.00
  Aisles to transport equipment to the booth are 5' wide and 'There is room for larger equipment at the entrance area. Contact us for more information

Winter Turf Research Update - Dr. Kevin Frank, MSU

Golf Course Architecture and the Golf Course Superintendent - Andy Johnson, The Fried Egg

The MTF Board presents $1 million check to endow the Joe Vargas Chair in Turfgrass Pathology.

The Spartan Family accepts MTF Meritorious Award at the 2022 Founders Reception

Keeping your Cutting Edge - Mike Rollins, SIP Grinders

Non-Chemical Water Conditioners - Dr. Bernd Leinauer

Board Member and MTF Scholarship Chair Dan Lucas with MTF Award Winners

Dr. Rogers with Samuel I. Russell Foundation Award Winners Anthony Kiser and Seth Jenkins

The 2021-2022 Scholarship Winners

Halftime Show

Day two wrapped up with the halftime show, where vendors from across the industry shared their products and knowledge with the conference attendees. This year's show was well attended and provided a terrific opportunity to network with fellow industry colleagues.  The show also included the Dr. Paul Rieke Graduate Assistantship Silent Auction, benefiting graduate assistantship for ongoing graduate student positions at MSU.

Vendor Halftime Show

Dr. Paul Rieke Graduate Assistantship Silent Auction

Day 3

The final day wrapped up with a half day of Golf Sessions and Lawns and Grounds presentations.  The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation would like to thank everyone for attending the Conference and your continued support of turfgrass research at Michigan State University.  We hope you enjoyed the event, the new location and the chance to be back in person again.  The Planning committee is already gearing up for next years event and we look forward to your feedback and suggestions for the future. Thank you for attending the 2022 Michigan Turfgrass Conference!

Thank you to our 2022 Michigan Turfgrass Sponsors!