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2026
WINTER CONFERENCE

JOIN US FOR THE DAY

THE FULL ITINERARY

January 13 & 14, 2026
Infinity Convention Centre
2901 Gibford Dr, Gloucester ON K1V 2L9

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

JANUARY 13, 2026

DAY ONE

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.

DR. BEN MCGRAW, PH.D.

Dr. Ben McGraw is a Professor of Turfgrass Science at Penn State University, specializing in turfgrass entomology. His research focuses on understanding the biology and ecology of turfgrass insect pests—particularly the annual bluegrass weevil—to develop more sustainable and effective management practices. Dr. McGraw holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from Rutgers University and has published extensively on insect behavior, biological control, and insecticide resistance.

DR. QUINCY LAW

Dr. Quincy Law is an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science at Iowa State University, where his research focuses on enhancing the ecosystem services of turfgrasses and promoting sustainable management practices. His work aims to improve agronomic programs, reduce inputs, and mitigate pesticide resistance while maintaining turf quality and safety. Dr. Law earned his Ph.D. and M.S. from Purdue University and his B.S. from Iowa State University, where he now teaches courses in turfgrass establishment, management, and integrated pest management.

RORY GARDINER

CCMA nominated artist Rory Gardiner has appeared on multiple CMT(Country Music Television) nationally broadcasted reality shows, and shared the stage with a number of great country acts like Keith Urban. Fusing his music background with standup comedy, he has made a number of television appearances for brands like Under Armor, or shows like Canada’s Got Talent and America’s Funniest Videos. His short form videos have over 100 Million views on across all platforms, and voted one of the TOP10 Funniest people in Canada by Corus Entertainment.

ITINERARY

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

8:30 – 9:00   //   Speaker: Matt Legg, Adapting to Change (0.5 CECs)

9:00 – 10:00   //   Ben McGraw, White Grubs and ABW (1.0 CECs)

10:00 – 10:15   //   BREAK

10:15 – 11:15  //   Speaker: Quincy Law, Organic Matter (1.0 CECs)

11:15 – 12:00  //   Keynote Rory Gardiner

12:00 - 1:00  //  LUNCH

1:00 - 2:00   //   Speaker: Quincy Law, Weeds (Herbicide Resistance) (1.0 CECs)

2:00 - 2:15  //  BREAK

2:15 - 3:15  //  Speaker: Ben McGraw, Surfactant/Insecticide Performance (1.0 CECs)

3:15 – 6:00   //   OVTA Presidents’ Reception,
Located on the Tradeshow Floor with Dedicated Tradeshow Time
SPONSORED BY:

THANK YOU TO OUR DAY ONE SPONSOR:

JANUARY 14, 2026

DAY TWO

DR. BEN MCGRAW, PH.D.

Dr. Ben McGraw is a Professor of Turfgrass Science at Penn State University, specializing in turfgrass entomology. His research focuses on understanding the biology and ecology of turfgrass insect pests—particularly the annual bluegrass weevil—to develop more sustainable and effective management practices. Dr. McGraw holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from Rutgers University and has published extensively on insect behavior, biological control, and insecticide resistance.

DR. QUINCY LAW

Dr. Quincy Law is an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science at Iowa State University, where his research focuses on enhancing the ecosystem services of turfgrasses and promoting sustainable management practices. His work aims to improve agronomic programs, reduce inputs, and mitigate pesticide resistance while maintaining turf quality and safety. Dr. Law earned his Ph.D. and M.S. from Purdue University and his B.S. from Iowa State University, where he now teaches courses in turfgrass establishment, management, and integrated pest management.

MATTHEW EASTMAN

Matthew Eastman is the Golf Course Superintendent at Cataraqui Golf and Country Club in Kingston, ON. With more than 15 years of experience across several top Canadian clubs, Matt has built a reputation for thoughtful agronomy and consistent course improvement. He holds both a Turfgrass Science degree and a Turfgrass Management diploma from the University of Guelph, along with leadership training from the Ivey Business School. His experience provides the foundation for his presentation, “The Story of Our Greens.”

ITINERARY

7:30   //   Registration Open – Hot Breakfast available

SPONSORED BY:

8:00   //   TRADE SHOW OPEN

8:00 – 9:00   //   Speaker: Ben McGraw, Rainfall and Insecticide Performance (1.0 CECs)

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

9:15 – 11:00   //   Dedicated Trade Show

11:00 – 12:00   //   Speaker Quincy Law, PGR’s (1.0 CECs)

11:30 – 12:00   //   Exhibitor lunch

12:00 – 1:00   //   Attendee Lunch

SPONSORED BY:

1:00 – 2:00   //  Speaker: Matthew Eastman, The Story of Our Greens

2:00 – 2:30   //   Speaker: Ben McGraw, Ants (Alternatives) and Earthworm Management (0.5 CECs)

2:30   //   Cash Bar Opens & Dedicated Trade Show

3:00   //   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**