Charleston, South Carolina, United States: The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and PGA Golf Exhibitions have announced the continuation of their strategic alliance, which co-locates the annual Golf Business Conference with the PGA Show through 2030.

The Golf Business Conference (GBC), hosted by NGCOA for over 35 years, is the industry’s largest meeting of golf course owners and operators.

The three-day event comprises general sessions, education breakouts, workshops and more, covering the most critical topics on golf course ownership and operations.

The event also includes a casual golf outing for attendees and sponsors to network, and an awards celebration to recognise some of the most significant golf facilities and individual contributors to the golf industry.

GBC attendees can earn continuing education credits from the PGA of America, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Details about this year’s GBC can be found at www.golfbusinessconference.com  

“We are excited to continue our collaboration with PGA Golf Exhibitions to bring the Golf Business Conference to the PGA Show,” said Jay Karen, NGCOA’s Chief Executive Officer.

“That one week in Orlando is like getting an executive MBA in course operations and going to homecoming at the same time. It’s that much-needed time away to network, learn and refresh. Working with PGA Exhibitions and the PGA of America for the next five years makes all the sense in the world.”

In the six years since the partnership was initially established, the NGCOA, the PGA of America and PGA Golf Exhibitions have worked together to elevate experiences for attendees of both shows.

These enhancements include full exhibition hall access for GBC attendees, joint NGCOA+PGA education sessions at the convention centre, NGCOA education on the PGA Show Clubhouse stage, and other collaborative activities.

“On the heels of a record-breaking PGA Show that united the global golf industry, we’re thrilled to continue our successful collaboration with the NGCOA on Show Week programming and events, anchored by the Golf Business Conference,” said Marc Simon, Vice President of PGA Golf Exhibitions.

“Since our collaboration began in 2019, the partnership has grown stronger, delivering valuable education and fostering connections that help golf course owners and operators and PGA of America Golf Professionals seize new business opportunities, advancing the golf industry as a whole.” 

Don Rea Jr, President of the PGA of America, said: “The convergence of the PGA Show and the Golf Business Conference offers our PGA of America Golf Professionals and golf course owners and operators valuable opportunities to engage at the onset of a new golf season.

“This week not only resembles a family reunion but is also exceptionally productive as we exchange ideas and best practices during this continued momentum and demand in the game. We value our collaborative journey with the NGCOA and look forward to the next five years.”

*The PGA of America is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.