Submit your presentation ideas for the 2027 SFMA Live Learning Demonstrations!
Be part of an exciting new educational experience at the 2027 SFMA Conference & Exhibition, taking place February 1–4, 2027, in Tampa, Florida.
We’re seeking dynamic presenters to share innovative ideas, practical solutions, and hands-on educational experiences during the inaugural SFMA Live Learning Demonstrations. This is your opportunity to showcase your expertise, contribute to the advancement of the profession, and increase your visibility within the sports field management industry.
There will be two new events:
- SFMA Live Learning: Outdoor Demonstrations will be held on the afternoon of Monday, February 1, 2027, at the University of South Florida in Tampa
- SFMA Live Learning: Indoor Demonstrations will be held during tradeshow hours on the tradeshow floor
The SFMA Live Learning: Outdoor Demonstrations is an exciting new experience that offers industry partners the opportunity to showcase innovative products, services, equipment, and real-world solutions through live educational demonstrations in an outdoor interactive learning environment. Attendees will gain practical knowledge while seeing your products and solutions in action. Transportation between the Tampa Convention Center and the university will be provided for conference attendees.
In addition to the Outdoor Interactive Education Event, industry partners whose products or services are best demonstrated in an indoor setting will have the opportunity to present educational demonstrations at the SFMA Live Learning: Indoor Demonstrations during trade show hours on February 3–4 in a dedicated education area on the exhibit floor. This space will be equipped with audiovisual equipment, a microphone, and seating to support engaging educational presentations.
We encourage presentations that demonstrate innovative products, technologies, equipment, services, and best practices through engaging, interactive learning experiences that attendees can apply in their daily work.
Proposal Submission Deadline: November 16, 2026
Proposal Selection Criteria
Presentation proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance: Addresses topics that are valuable and applicable to sports field management professionals.
- Educational Focus: Provides educational content only. Sales presentations or promotional pitches will not be accepted.
- Presentation Description: Includes a clear, concise, and compelling description of the session.
- Learning Objectives: Defines measurable learning objectives that attendees will achieve.
- Presenter Qualifications: Demonstrates the presenter’s expertise and ability to effectively deliver the content.
- Alignment with SFMA’s Mission: Supports the association’s mission to advance the profession through education and professional development.
- Broad Member Value: Offers content that is inclusive and beneficial to a diverse audience across the sports field management profession.
To support a successful proposal review process, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Education First: Presentations must be educational in nature and focus on demonstrating products, practices, technologies, or solutions—not promoting a specific company or product.
- Avoid Product Comparisons: Do not include comparative evaluations or promotional content involving competing products, services, or companies.
- Demonstrate Real-World Value: Clearly explain how attendees will benefit by showcasing practical applications, problem-solving strategies, and measurable learning outcomes.
- Highlight Innovation: Proposals featuring innovative products, emerging technologies, sustainable practices, or advancements that improve sports field safety, quality, and performance are strongly encouraged.
- Collaborate for Greater Impact: Co-presenting with a sports field manager, practitioner, researcher, academic, or end user is highly recommended to provide multiple perspectives and enhance the educational experience.
Important Information for Presenters
Please review the following requirements before submitting your proposal:
- Your company must be a registered exhibitor at the 2027 SFMA Conference & Exhibition to participate in the SFMA Interactive Education Events.
- Space is limited, and only a select number of educational sessions will be accepted.
- Each participating company will have access to all attendees.
- All proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the SFMA Interactive Education Events Subcommittee.
- Selected presenters will be required to sign a Presenter Agreement.
- A $500 participation fee will be assessed for selected presenters via invoice.
- Presenters must submit all presentation materials and supporting resources, prior to the conference.
- SFMA will securely host presentation materials for attendees to access as educational resources following the event.
- Proposal decisions will be communicated by December 15, 2026, following the subcommittee’s review process.
Important Dates
- Proposal submission period closes November 16th
- Speaker notifications by December 15th
- Signed contracts due: December 30th
How to Submit Your Presentation:
- Log into your SFMA member portal or create a new account here: SFMA Member Portal.
- Once logged in, navigate to Conferences -> Upcoming Conference -> Call for Presentations SFMA Live Learning Demonstrations -> Submit a Presentation.
- Follow the instructions to submit your proposal. You can track your submission status in the Call for Presentations Center.
Please ensure your proposals are submitted through the SFMA portal as outlined above. The deadline for submissions is November 16, 2026.
Questions?
If you have questions or need assistance during the submission process, please contact:
Jennifer McLendon, M.Ed.
SFMA Senior Manager of Education and Events
800-323-3875
jmclendon@sportsfieldmanagement.org
