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2025
WINTER CONFERENCE

JOIN US FOR THE DAY

THE FULL ITINERARY

January 21 & 22, 2025
NEW LOCATION: Infinity Convention Centre
2901 Gibford Dr, Gloucester ON K1V 2L9

REMINDER: A business casual dress code is in place for this event.

JANUARY 21, 2025

DAY ONE

DR. ERIC WATKINS

Dr. Eric Watkins is a professor at the University of Minnesota, focusing on turfgrass breeding. He has been awarded the 2024 Honorary Premier Seed Grower Award by the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association and the 2023 TOCA Environmental Communicator of the Year Award. His research includes developing low-input turfgrass cultivars for cold climates. Dr. Watkins also serves as the vice provost for distributed learning, providing leadership for online and hybrid educational programs at the university.

MATT LEGG

Matthew Legg is the Technical Lead for Syngenta Professional Solutions, based out of Toronto, ON, where he leads all technical outreach, advanced troubleshooting, and product development on behalf of Syngenta Canada.  Before joining Syngenta, Matthew worked in a golf course setting, serving in the capacity of Director of Agronomy within the private golf sector.

ITINERARY

7:30   //   Registration Desk Open – Hot Breakfast Available

8:30 – 9:30   //   Speaker: Dr. Eric Watkins: Multi-Species Mixtures as a Strategy for Sustainable Golf Course Roughs

9:30 – 11:30   //   Shop Tour at Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club (Transportation Provided)

11:30 – 12:30   //   LUNCH

12:30 – 1:30  //   Speaker: Dr. Eric Watkins: Improving Knowledge and Management of Winter Stresses on Golf Greens in Cold Climates

1:30 - 1:45  //  BREAK

1:45 - 2:45   //   Speaker: Matt Legg: Understanding Plant Growth Regulators and their physiological effects in Canadian Turfgrass systems

2:45 - 3:00  //  BREAK

3:00 - 4:00  //  Speaker: Dr. Eric Watkins: Selecting the Best Turfgrass Species and Cultivars For Your Golf Course

4:00 – 6:00   //   OVTA Presidents’ Reception, Located on the Tradeshow Floor with Dedicated Tradeshow Time
SPONSORED BY:

THANK YOU TO OUR DAY ONE SPONSOR:

JANUARY 22, 2025

DAY TWO

DR. KYLEY DICKSON

With over 15 years of experience in the turfgrass industry, Dr. Dickson brings a wealth of expertise spanning turfgrass research, sports field management, and lawn care. He holds a Doctorate, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences, all from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, where he continues his role as Researcher and Associate Director at the Center for Athletic Field Safety. Dr. Dickson’s work focuses on sustainable turfgrass solutions, improving athletic field safety, and promoting A-LIST-approved varieties that balance environmental benefits with exceptional performance.

GRANT MURPHY

Grant Murphy is an experienced golf course superintendent currently serving at Barrie Country Club in Barrie, Ontario. With over 30 years of expertise in the field, he is known for his dedication to creating exceptional playing conditions. Before joining Barrie Country Club in 2019, Grant spent nearly two decades as the Associate Superintendent at The National Golf Club of Canada, a role that honed his skills in maintaining top-tier golf courses. His career reflects a commitment to excellence in turf management and enhancing the golfer's experience.

ITINERARY

7:30   //   Registration Open – Hot Breakfast available

SPONSORED BY:

8:00   //   TRADE SHOW OPEN

8:00 – 9:00   //   Speaker: Dr. Kyley Dickson: Grass in a Changing Climate

9:00 – 10:00   //   Annual General Meeting

9:20 – 11:00   //   Dedicated Trade Show

11:00 – 12:00   //   Speaker: Grant Murphy: Operational Efficiencies & Team Building in a Golf Course Environment

11:30 – 12:00   //   Exhibitor lunch

12:00 – 1:00   //   Attendee Lunch

SPONSORED BY:

1:00 – 2:00   //   Speaker: Dr. Kyley Dickson: Growing Grass in the Shade Research

2:00   //   Cash Bar Opens & Dedicated Trade Show

3:30   //   Silent Auction Closes – Winners Announced

4:00   //   OVTA Winter Conference Closes

THANK YOU TO OUR DAY TWO SPONSORS!

You must attend the entire scheduled talk to receive your CEC point.
**You will not be able to sign your name once the clip boards have been collected**