Carolinas Conference to break records

Published November 08, 2011

Maybe the Federal Reserve could learn something on how to beat back a recession at this year’s Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association Conference and Trade Show in Myrtle Beach, SC next week. Flying in the face of widespread economic gloom, this year’s event from November 14-16 is on the brink of breaking records in several important categories.

Seats filled in education seminars are certain to set a new high with 1,279 already sold. With several dozen more seats sold at the show each year, the final number will easily surpass the pre-recession record of 1,281 seats in 2007. Exhibit space is sold out with 190 companies occupying 371 booths, the most since the trade show floor was reconfigured after the 2008 event.

The 315 golfers currently booked to play in the annual golf championship across three courses is the first topping the 300-mark since 2006. More than 600 people are expected at the annual Carolinas Night at the Beach celebration on Tuesday.

“I don’t know what the success of our event says about the state of the golf economy or the economy in general,” says Carolinas GCSA executive director, Tim Kreger. “But I do know for certain what it says about the quality of the event and the value it provides. It says that year after year, with the outstanding help of our industry partners, we deliver education, networking opportunities and access to information that our members see as critical to their own success.”

Kreger says that message continues to spread outside the Carolinas with record numbers of registered attendees from elsewhere. In all, at least 21 states plus Ontario are represented among the already 2,000-plus registered to attend.

Other highlights of this year’s event include the annual 27-Hole Challenge which carries a $5,000 cash prize among more than $13,000-worth of giveaways. Former long-time executive director, Charles M. “Chuck” Borman, CAE will receive the Distinguished Service Award. Nationally renowned turfgrass scientist, Dr. Fred Yelverton, will speak at the annual Fellowship Breakfast on overcoming cancer. This year’s PGA Championship host superintendent, Ken Mangum, CGCS from Atlanta Athletic Club, will be keynote speaker.

The 23 companies providing sponsorship support for this year’s Conference and Trade Show include major partners John Deere, Smith Turf and Irrigation, Syngenta and Tri-State Pump and Controls.

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