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Talk of a fiscal cliff was but a distant memory as convention center aisles were crowded and conversations were constant at the Golf Industry Show, Feb. 6-7, in San Diego.
"Having been in the golf industry for such a long time, I have not seen much that surprises me,” National Golf Course Owners Association CEO Mike Hughes said. “But the level of vibrancy on the trade show floor -- the enthusiasm of the attendees and the exuberance of the attendees caught me off guard just a bit. And I consider myself an optimist.”
The Golf Industry Show attracted 6,018 qualified buyers, spending time with 517 exhibiting companies covering 172,900 square feet of exhibition space. Total attendance was 13,192. The 2014 Golf Industry Show will be Feb. 5-6 in Orlando.
“Exhibitors and attendees have responded positively to the changes that have been made in recent years,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “I believe they appreciate that we listen to them and make every effort to address their needs. The feedback I received was extremely positive, and there is optimism for 2013.”
What they said about the Golf Industry Show:
Matt Shaffer, GCSAA Class A member, Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pa.: "What a good show. The trade show industry as a whole is struggling but I was very impressed with how much organizers have changed the show and how they are constantly working to implement changes that will keep the show fresh. As always, the classes I took were fantastic, the show was organized, and the layout was fantastic."
Don Spier, vice president, professional turf business, Precision Laboratories: “The 2013 Golf Industry Show was a success. Our booth traffic was brisk, giving us the opportunity to discuss how our products allow golf course superintendents to manage water at the source, in the spray zone and in the soil.”
Jim Nygren, director of marketing, Standard Golf: “We couldn’t be happier with the turnout in San Diego. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits and excited for 2013. The partners do a great job in making this the best show in the industry. It was a success for us.”
Allison Muggli, marketing manager, Quali-Pro: "Our GIS experience this year was excellent. Quali-Pro always values the GIS show as the largest industry trade show we attend. This year, we launched a couple of highly anticipated new products at the show. We were very pleased with the interest from attendees, and also with the amount of valuable dialog we had with them. Our booth traffic was excellent this year."
Ian Camp, partner at CS Trading LLC: “Best GIS in a long time, good positive attitude with more optimism than felt for years. Busy over both days right from the get go.”
