Night moves

Not every relationship established during the Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show stems from show-floor or meeting-room encounters.

Like other major golf industry events, the schedule offers nighttime opportunities such as the Carolinas Night at the Beach. The event, sponsored by Tri-State Pump and Control in partnership with Jacobsen and Rain Bird, begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

The gathering has outgrown its roots, and Tri-State Pump and Control president/owner Al Wilson expects more than 400 show attendees to converge at Revolutions and Crocodile Rocks along the Broadway at the Beach complex. This marks the eighth year Wilson’s company has sponsored the event, which moved from Margaritaville to Revolutions and Crocodile Rocks last year.

“I think the space had gotten a little tired,” Wilson says. “It was the same old thing every year. This past year we switched it to a two-venue event where we serve a meal at a little quieter atmosphere and then across the walkway we go to a piano bar where folks can kind of let their hair down a bit.”

The event is designed to establish and strengthen relationships, and despite the relaxed undertones, proper decorum is required to maximize opportunities that might arise. Wilson, a former teacher/coach who entered the irrigation business in 1984, has attended enough industry events to provide a template for navigating the evening.

Don’t expect a lot of course chatter

“I think it gives attendees a chance to cultivate relationship that they have developed over the years,” Wilson says. “I don’t expect many of them will be discussing turf practices or what brand of a particular product that they use. But it does give them a chance to cultivate those particular relationships that they have made so they can use their peers as a resource throughout the year.”

Knowing your peers outside of work can yield benefits

“I think it’s essential for any success,” Wilson says. “Our business is no different than any other business. All things being equal people buy from people they like and do business with people they like. When all things aren’t equal, they still buy from people they like. I don’t think the golf industry is unique in that. I think in most places personal relationships play a huge role.”

Industry newbies should enthusiastically – and cautiously – embrace the evening

“Listen and learn, and introduce yourself to folks and stand over and eavesdrop a little bit and try to get introduced to people,” Wilson says. “It’s no different than any business or industry that you are in, knowing people is extremely important. Occasionally some folks will get a little bit out of line and not act very professional at these types of things. I would caution a young person to make sure that people see what you would want them to see out of you.”