As I wandered around the very busy Carolinas GCSA Conference and Show floor Tuesday afternoon, I noticed something I hadn’t really realized before. This little show has become global.
Not only were key national executives from the industry’s biggest companies here — folks like Jack Harrell Jr, president of Harrell’s, and Will MacMurdo, head of T&O for Bayer Environmental Science – but quite an assortment of international companies are present, too. I saw Richard Allen, the Brit who heads Durabunker. I met with Jeff Blunden, an Aussie who runs Turfkeeper, an innovative new electronic job board system. On Wednesday, I meet with Belgian Tom De Ceuster who’s bringing a new turf technology to the states.
I’m sure I’m missing a bunch of others, but the point is, this ain’t your father’s little regional event anymore. Not only are virtually all the major players from the North American turf community here, but many international firms now view the Carolinas GCSA show as a must-attend event. Why?
First, because it’s well-managed, well-promoted and well-attended. Second, the Carolinas and surrounding region are home to nearly a third of America’s high-value golf operations. Finally, many international companies have great technologies to offer and, to them, success in the Carolinas is like the old Sinatra tune about New York: If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.
Will the growth and success of the show continue? That’s entirely up to you. But as long as you and your peers attend, engage and support the people who support you, your show will continue to be a national – and global – leader.
Pat Jones is GCI’s editorial director.