2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show Draws Enthusiastic Crowd

News Summary

The 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show was a resounding success, attracting nearly 11,000 attendees for a week of learning, networking, and celebration. The event showcased a record-breaking number of seminar seats and a bustling trade show floor with 470 exhibits. Highlights included golf championships, awards for excellence, and initiatives promoting sustainability and inclusivity within the golf industry. As participants left invigorated by keynotes and competitions, excitement builds for the next gathering in 2025.

Excitement in the Air: The 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show Shines Bright!

This year’s 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show was a real crowd-pleaser, drawing nearly 11,000 attendees for a week of learning, networking, and fun. Golf course superintendents, equipment managers, students, and industry professionals gathered to dive into hundreds of seminars, all while enjoying the sunny atmosphere.

A Record-Breaking Event

One of the standout features this year was the availability of over 6,600 seminar seats, marking the highest occupancy since 2008. This fantastic turnout reflects how eager everyone was to soak up specialized education tailored specifically for their roles within the golf industry. With learning formats ranging from traditional classroom lectures to seven unique interactive facility tours at local golf courses, attendees truly had their pick of the litter when it came to expanding their knowledge.

Trade Show Extravaganza

The trade show floor was a sight to behold, spreading out over an impressive 352,000 square feet at the Phoenix Convention Center. With 470 exhibits featuring the latest and greatest products in the industry, the buzz was palpable. This year, the show was completely sold out, a clear indicator of the excitement and engagement from exhibitors and participants alike.

Golf Championships and Celebrations

The festivities kicked off with the thrilling GCSAA Golf Championships, proudly sponsored by Toro for the 30th year running. A total of 638 unique golfers hit the fairways across six different courses, competing in various skill flights. It was Seth Strickland from Miami Beach Golf Club who took home the win in the National Championship, marking his sixth victorious outing.

Highlighting Sustainability

This year also saw the debut of *Golf’s Sustainability Showcase*, a collaborative effort among multiple golf organizations aimed at promoting environmental consciousness. Various interactive displays and storytelling elements helped attendees understand the importance of sustainability in the golf industry.

Honoring Excellence and Leadership

The *Sunrise Celebration* set the stage for honoring outstanding individuals in the community. Dottie Pepper received the prestigious Old Tom Morris Award, while Tenia Workman was recognized for her remarkable contributions with the Outstanding Contribution Award. Additionally, a generous $1 million donation was announced from Mike and Tami Hoffman to support the new STEAM Ahead initiative through GCSAA First Green.

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity

Looking ahead, the Ladies Leading Turf session will undergo a transformation in 2025, rebranding to Leading Turf Together to reflect a stronger commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry. The initiative aims to pave the way for a more inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued.

Thrilling Competitions and Recognitions

The excitement didn’t just stop at golf and seminars. The 2024 GCSAA Turf Bowl, celebrating its monumental 30th anniversary, had 63 teams from 28 universities compete for the title. The Purdue University Team 51 emerged victorious, further showcasing the top-notch talent fresh out of our academic institutions.

A Fitting Conclusion

As the week drew to a close, attendees gathered for the Thursday Send-Off Celebration, where several awards were presented, including the GCSAA Col. John Morley Award given to William “Bill” Murray, and the Emerging Leader Award received by Richie Kremer. The GCSAA President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship was presented to Wayne Mills, highlighting the continued commitment to environmental excellence among golf course professionals.

Until We Meet Again!

The conference wrapped up with a compelling keynote address by Brendan McDonough, a survivor of the Yarnell Hill Wildfire, leaving a lasting impact on attendees with his powerful story. With so much energy and collaboration buzzing around, it’s hard not to feel excited for the next gathering. Mark your calendars for the next GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, scheduled for February 3-6, 2025, in San Diego. It promises to be yet another incredible event!