The official numbers aren’t out yet, but the heads of the three partnering organizations that hosted the Golf Industry Show say early results point to success, especially in the area of educational conferences.
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“The feedback has been 100-percent positive,” said Steve Mona, c.e.o. of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
The GCSAA, the Golf Course Owners Association of America and, for the first time, the Club Managers Association of America hosted the trade show and individual education conferences, running Feb. 19-27 in Anaheim, Calif., and promoted the need for teamwork.
Early numbers, provided before the show ended, indicated the attendance reached 23,000 – the highest of the three GIS events that have been held. The number of exhibitors, which has reached about 700 in previous years, was on track to reach 1,000 this year, according to the GCSAA. Mona cites the addition of the CMAA as a reason for the increase.
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The addition of the CMAA brought together many golf course managers, owners and superintendents at the show for the first time.
“One golf course manager said to me, ‘We joined the NGCOA when we found out you guys were working together,’” said Jim Singerling, c.e.o. of the CMAA, adding he’s heard other positive comments about golf course managers becoming closer with their owners and superintendents throughout the show.
“Teamwork is a financial imperative – it’s not a luxury at all,” Mona said. “There’s no room for inefficiency at the facility level.”
The GCSAA exceeded its expectations in the education conference, Mona said. Several of the sessions were filled to capacity.
“It’s an ultimate indication of the health of the show,” he said.
The three associations will regroup about a month after the show to review what worked and what didn’t and begin to plan for next year’s show, which will be held in Orlando. Mona said he’s excited for the event because the Orlando events traditionally have a better turnout than West Coast shows.