‘FUNDAMISM’ IS TOPIC OF KEYNOTE SPEECH DURING OHIO TURFGRASS FOUNDATION’S 2018 OTF CONFERENCE & SHOW RETURNING DECEMBER 3-6

(Columbus, November 19, 2018) — The region’s largest turfgrass and landscape conference will return with a nearly sold-out trade show when the OTF (Ohio Turfgrass Foundation) Conference & Show is held December 3-6 at the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center.

“We love Columbus. Our attendees really enjoy coming here,” said Brian Laurent, executive director of OTF. “We have a fantastic, very upbeat keynote speaker in Paul Long and are almost sold out of exhibit space.”

“Your Foundation for Success” is the theme of this year’s event, with networking, research, tools and growth at the forefront of the programming.

Highlights include the keynote address presented on Tuesday, December 4 at 2:15 p.m. by Paul Long titled “Connecting the Workplace and Life Through Fun.” A former Fortune 300 company director of operations, Long created the concept of “fundamism” and became the Kansas City Royals 2016 Fan of the Year, a national speaker and advocate for pediatric cancer research. His concept builds trust-based relationships for staff by focusing on:

F (Foundation)

U (Understanding of Others)

N (Next Steps) to achieve effectiveness in life.

There will be more than 100 hours of educational sessions, plus state and professional association recertification opportunities. Session topics include golf turf management, sports field management, professional lawn care, general pest management, equipment management, turf technology and the Ohio State University Green Industry Short Course about plants, practices and landscape pests.

“We truly appreciate the long and successful partnership we’ve had with OTF and look forward to hosting their event each December,” said GCCC General Manager John R. Page.

Founded in 1961, OTF’s mission is to advance the turfgrass industry through research, advocacy and education.

The trade show will be open December 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 5.

The OTF Annual Meeting, Awards & Scholarship Dinner will be held Monday, December 3 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown connected to the GCCC.