San Diego, United States: The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, known as the Golf Industry Show from 2005 to 2021, is the largest annual event in the turfgrass management industry. After a virtual event in 2021 due to the pandemic, the GCSAA Conference returned to an in-person event in San Diego last week.
A total of 3,700 seminar seats were filled. In addition to education for superintendents, the event also included specialised education for assistant superintendents, equipment managers, students and more.
The in-person conference and show will be followed by a two-day virtual education event (February 23-24). The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in-person total attendance was 6,500.
“The first tenant of GCSAA’s mission is serving members, and in surveying our members, it was abundantly clear that they desired a return to an in-person event,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said.
“We knew, based on data from other conventions this year, that our numbers would not be typical because the world isn’t typical right now. But, as a member service, we were dedicated to doing what we could to move things forward for the industry and provide the best experience possible for those in San Diego and offering a virtual education option for those who couldn’t attend.
“We are very pleased with the high level of engagement from those who joined us. The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show continues to offer an unmatched experience and the opportunity for attendees to move their careers and facilities forward.”
The trade show covered nearly 114,000 square feet of exhibit space at the San Diego Convention Centre and hosted more than 300 exhibitors.
“It was so refreshing to be back amongst the most influential folks in our industry,” said Todd Jenkins, Vice President of Better Billy Bunker.
“Every colleague and attendee I spoke with echoed the same. I appreciate the efforts of GCSAA in planning a great week during uncertain times, and thanks to every GCSAA member who made the trek to San Diego,” added Jenkins.
The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show is produced by GCSAA along with its presenting partners the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) and American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).
“It’s been fantastic,” said Chad Mark, Director of Grounds Operations at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, and a 24-year GCSAA member.
“Show floor is active, it’s been fun, and I love it. It’s been great to be back. The number one reason (I come to the GCSAA Conference) is the reunion with all those people you form relationships with throughout your career, whether it’s people you’ve worked with or vendors you’ve done business with. There’s a lot of great business reasons and lot of great networking and personal reasons to make the trip.”
The 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show will head to Orlando from February 4-9, at the Orange County Convention Centre.