Society of Lake Management Professionals Summit

Bob Lusk

Each year SLMP holds a summit to allow industry professionals an opportunity to discuss the latest in industry trends and new advancements. The summit was held in Memphis, Tennessee this year. Lake management is still a young industry. The industry started firing on all cylinders in the mid-1980s so there is plenty of room for growth. There were many topics discussed at the summit but the topics of cyanobacteria and trophy bass garnered the most attention.

Day One- Starting Things Off

It was only fitting to have Bob Lusk, the grandfather of the lake management industry, to start the conference off. Bob has been in the game since the late 70’s so he knows his stuff. Many of the industry standards we take for granted these days Bob learned the hard way.

Bob Lusk
SLMP attracts some big names and there’s no other name bigger than Bob Lusk in the lake management industry.

After a few talks on the first day the audience broke for some free time to talk with vendors. This is a prime time for companies to get to know their vendors. Often times in our line of work companies are just an email or phone call. It’s good to put a face to the email address.

Fish Food
Optimal fish food is a quality fish food company located in South Dakota. They are dedicated to making the best feed and constantly pushing the boundaries.
Air Max
Having one on one time with vendors is great for us to discuss concerns and questions we have.
cyanobacteria
Solitude Lake management has been heavily invested in cracking the cyanobacteria code as this issue becomes more common. They presented their findings and what they hope to do in the future.

Evening Social

After a long day of travel and talks it was fitting to have an evening out. A vendor generously provided appetizers, BBQ, and brews for the summit attendees. Socials are a great way for people to get to know each other. Pulled pork and Budweiser are the best ice breakers.  SLMP is all about exchanging ideas so events like this are critical to group cohesion.

Memphis night lift
Capt. Matt is usually on the shock boat in hot pursuit of bass and bluegill but tonight pulled pork was his quarry.
Ice Breaker
Outdoor Water Solutions was the sponsor for tonight’s social. As a perk of being president Greg got the first plate.
America
Lots of knowledge was exchanged as people get a feel for everyone. We might live in different parts of the country but we all have the similar problems that unite us.
SLMP
Bob Lusk and Dave Bealsey enjoying the evening.
Pulled Pork
The place to be.
Memphis BBQ
Pass the sauce.

Day Two

Day two was a mixture of presentations and round table discussions. SLMP has the round table discussions because they give vendors one on one time with clients. Vendors can also hear issues that clients have with products so they can give feedback to developers. This is the time of year that vendors unveil new products which is always exciting.

Tom handing the mic off to Wade. Wade had some exciting news as he has been developing an app so clients can record relative weights from their mobile device.
EPA
Trent gave a talk concerning EPA regulations and how they effect our industry.
big bass
Greg gave a detailed talk about growing trophy bass and the future of this aggressive management strategy entails.
Aeration
Outdoor Water Solution’s round table.
fish feeder
Texas Hunter feeders are our favorite feeders are the market. A five year warranty and world class customer service makes them a crowd favorite.
Dredge life
The dredging industry has a lot of mystery surrounding it so it’s good to have a sit down with them.
pond dye
Dyes are not our favorite but they do have a place in the lake management industry. The chemistry behind dye is fascinating to watch.
pond dye
It only took a tiny drop to turn the whole tube blue. Live demonstrations are great learning opportunities since this is what we will be doing in the field.
SLMP
All the SLMP attendees.
SLMP
SLMP summit Vendors.
SLMP
2018 SLMP Board Members

Wrapping Things Up

President
As the outgoing president Greg was honored for his dedicated service to the organization.
college scholarship
During the summit a silent auction was held to raise funds for the SLMP scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to outstanding students that in actively involved in the lake management world. The highest bidders were reveled during the dinner.
Texas hunter fish feeder
Texas Hunter feeders donated a complete feeder for the scholarship fund.
back ground
After a long week and many months of planning the summit came to an end. It was all smiles from the people that worked in the background to make sure everything went off perfectly.

It was an informative week but as all good things do it had come to an end. Next year’s Society Lake Management Professional Summit will be held in Florida. After the near Arctic conditions of Memphis a warm coastal breeze will be welcomed.