For Immediate Release: - The Western Canada Turfgrass Association (WCTA) has confirmed Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island Conference Centre as the location for their 2010 Annual Conference and Trade Show.

The organization is actively involved in the promotion and support of research, education and discussion in turfgrass management. WCTA members represent a diversity of interest such as golf courses, school boards, municipalities, sod farms, nurseries, landscapers, lawn bowling greens and the trade which supplies the industry.

As the largest event in Western Canada dedicated to Turfgrass management, the WCTA Conference and Trade Show hosts approximately 800 - 900 attendees and will take place in Nanaimo, B.C. January 29 – February 3, 2010.

Jerry Rousseau, Executive Director of the WCTA stated “Our annual Conference and Trade Show is held at various locations throughout British Columbia but the remarkable new Vancouver Island Conference Centre was the obvious choice for 2010. We are very excited and look forward to experiencing Nanaimo and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre for our 2010 event. This new state-of-the-art facility has drawn significant attention to central Vancouver Island and we will likely include Nanaimo in our rotation for future conferences.”

The Conference, including an extensive Exhibitors’ Display, provides an opportunity to take part in a comprehensive education program relating to Turfgrass management. In addition to training in soil science, plant physiology, environmental management, irrigation methods and cultural practices, seminars typically include a variety of professional development topics, human resource management, strategic planning, occupational health and safety, financial controls and more. The Conference is also a valuable opportunity to network with other Turfgrass Managers, exchanging experiences and ideas with others having the same interests.

The Association grants assistance to institutional Turfgrass research projects and member demonstration projects; and promotes the availability of the resulting information. The WCTA also publishes a trade journal, “Turf Line News” and recently produced the first edition of the “Turfgrass Disease and Pest Management Guide for Professional Turfgrass Managers in B.C.”.

Jim Plasteras of Nanaimo, a 2-term President of the WCTA said “We are proud that the WCTA Conference and Trade Show has chosen our community to host the 2010 Conference and Trade Show.”

“The WCTA Conference and Trade Show will inject approximately $1 Million dollars directly into the Nanaimo economy during our three day conference” said Plasteras.

Contact: Jerry Rousseau, Executive Director
Western Canada Turfgrass Association
Bus: 604-869-9282
E-mail: exec.director@wctaturf.com