I've honestly lost track of how many Carolinas GCSA conferences I've been to over the years. It's just astounding how the event continues to grow and get more enjoyable and more sophisticated every year. Even little things like the sponsor recognition signage on the elevators and escalators in the Convention Center and the registration area of the hotel. Nice touch.
But one thing that hasn't changed is the hospitality and the warm friendships that are renewed here every year. And the gratitude. Let me explain.
After I'd finished team-teaching our seminar on "Tweeting like a Rock Star" with Tony Nysse and Matthew Wharton on Tuesday, I finally got a chance to walk around the show floor a bit. I was blown away by the traffic, the energy and the great camaraderie out there. I found a place to sit for a minute and chat with Justin Apel of the Golf Course Builders Association of America when a gentleman caught my eye and came over. He said, "I just want to say how much we appreciate you coming down here every year and supporting us and spending time with us."
Wow! What a great thing to hear! But he got it a little wrong. The pleasure is really all mine. It's an honor to be here and a pleasure to be among friends. I should be the one saying thanks... so here goes:
Thanks to the association staff for their dedication, creativity and passion for what they do. I hope you'll tell them the same thing!
Thanks to all the exhibitors who support this show not only because it's a great marketing opportunity but because they feel so welcome and appreciated here. Again, I hope you'll tell them the same.
Thanks to all the instructors who spend countless hours preparing presentations and doing their best to offer you world-class education. Say thanks when you see those folks wearing speaker ribbons!
Thanks to people of Myrtle Beach who are so gracious to us year after year.
Thanks to the GCSAA for sending a contingent of their leaders and staff down to visit. It was wonderful to have John Fulling, Darren Davis and Mark Jordan representing the board.
Thanks to my team here and back in Cleveland for the awesome effort to get this newsletter out and tell great stories about this show. And thanks to my friends at Grigg Brothers for sponsoring it and making it possible!
Finally, thanks once again to the superintendents, assistants and suppliers in the Carolinas for making it a joy to come here every year. I hope y'all keep inviting me ‘cause I never want to stop coming!
We have the pleasure of working in the greatest business in the world. Never forget to be grateful for that and never stop loving what you do!
