So here we are at the beginning of another 2016 Carolinas GCSA Conference and Show. It's awesome seeing it come together – particularly considering a significant hurricane knocked this region on its ass not long ago.
It's also awesome to see so much that's familiar, such as:
The Location. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center is still an outstanding venue for the event despite the fact the show itself has sort of overflowed the expo area. Myrtle Beach is convenient for nearly all attendees and dirt cheap in the mid-November time frame. Sometimes the weather is awesome ... sometimes it's just OK. Monday was one of those so-so days with temps in the 50s and cloudy, chilly conditions. Still beats the hell out of Cleveland!
The Culture. There are certainly other associations that are close knit but this group is pretty special considering how large it is. Amazing to see how many friendships and wonderful relationships exist because of this event.
The Leaders. By this, I don't just mean the board and the staff. I also include the remarkable group of academics and other key folks to commit so much time and passion to the group. I always look forward to seeing the turf docs from NC State, Clemson and Horry-Georgetown, but I also must include the USGA's Patrick O'Brien and Chris Hartwiger. There's just a great "infrastructure of people" associated with this group.
But, in the best of all possible worlds there are a few more things I'd try to enhance.
More Assistants. Let's continue to find ways to get more assistant supers to the event so they're engaged not just in education but also leadership opportunities and networking.
More Big Group Time. I love the big events and parties where everyone is there. Those common experiences are times to be treasured.
More National Participation. I continue to tell my contacts with the big national suppliers that they need to attend this. CEOs, executives and marketing pros from the major companies should all be here to experience it firsthand. It some ways, it's better than the GIS in terms of getting a realistic understanding what's going on in the industry.
So, to all of those CEOs as well as you supers from all over the country ... Y'all should come on down next year, enjoy some Lowcountry hospitality and get a whole new view on what an industry show can be. Join us ... you'll love it!
No more results found. It's also awesome to see so much that's familiar, such as:
The Location. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center is still an outstanding venue for the event despite the fact the show itself has sort of overflowed the expo area. Myrtle Beach is convenient for nearly all attendees and dirt cheap in the mid-November time frame. Sometimes the weather is awesome ... sometimes it's just OK. Monday was one of those so-so days with temps in the 50s and cloudy, chilly conditions. Still beats the hell out of Cleveland!
The Culture. There are certainly other associations that are close knit but this group is pretty special considering how large it is. Amazing to see how many friendships and wonderful relationships exist because of this event.
The Leaders. By this, I don't just mean the board and the staff. I also include the remarkable group of academics and other key folks to commit so much time and passion to the group. I always look forward to seeing the turf docs from NC State, Clemson and Horry-Georgetown, but I also must include the USGA's Patrick O'Brien and Chris Hartwiger. There's just a great "infrastructure of people" associated with this group.
But, in the best of all possible worlds there are a few more things I'd try to enhance.
More Assistants. Let's continue to find ways to get more assistant supers to the event so they're engaged not just in education but also leadership opportunities and networking.
More Big Group Time. I love the big events and parties where everyone is there. Those common experiences are times to be treasured.
More National Participation. I continue to tell my contacts with the big national suppliers that they need to attend this. CEOs, executives and marketing pros from the major companies should all be here to experience it firsthand. It some ways, it's better than the GIS in terms of getting a realistic understanding what's going on in the industry.
So, to all of those CEOs as well as you supers from all over the country ... Y'all should come on down next year, enjoy some Lowcountry hospitality and get a whole new view on what an industry show can be. Join us ... you'll love it!