Orlando to Host Golf Event

Registration is now open for Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) members and media for the 2014 Golf Industry Show, Feb. 1-6, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Non-members can register beginning Nov. 19. Registration and additional information is available online at golfindustryshow.com. The most prominent changes for 2014 include the elimination of all Friday activities. As a result of this change, the USGA program will be part of the GIS General Session (sponsored by the USGA) on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 8 a.m. Later that day, the GCSAA Closing Celebration, presented in partnership with John Deere Golf for the first time, will feature highly entertaining comedian Bill Engvall at the convention center at 5 p.m. In addition, the show will offer more than 435 hours of education, including 18 new GCSAA education seminars and 54 hours of new session content.

"We are excited about the variety of opportunities for GCSAA members under the umbrella of the Golf Industry Show," GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. "The changes added in recent years, including options for the golf championships, varied education formats and a shortened schedule, have been well-received. Attendees have multiple options to best manage their time away from home and budgets."

The Golf Industry Show welcomes attendees from all over the world, primarily owners and operators; and golf course management professionals, architects and builders. Others traditionally in attendance include green chairs, general managers, golf professionals, equipment managers, industry vendors and administrators representing a variety of organizations in golf. It also features education conferences hosted by GCSAA (Feb. 3-6) and National Golf Course Owners Association members (Feb. 3-6); and a trade show (Feb. 5-6). Both associations will kick off the week with golf events, with the GCSAA Championships (Feb. 1-3) presented in partnership with the Toro Co., and the NGCOA Golf Outing Feb. 4.

The trade show is presented by GCSAA and NGCOA, along with participating partners the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), the National Golf Foundation (NGF), the United States Golf Association (USGA), the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association (IGCEMA), and supporting partner the Society of Golf Appraisers (SGA).

"I am heartened by the feedback we have received from attendees and exhibitors in recent years," Evans said. "We have invested in making the event more valuable for both the individual and the facility. We continue to get high marks for the quality of the programing and the networking opportunities that are unique to the Golf Industry Show. This really is the best environment for attendees to connect, learn and grow."

Additional highlights of the Golf Industry Show for GCSAA members include:

• The GCSAA Golf Championships presented in partnership with the Toro Co., offer options to play one, two or three days: Four Ball (Feb. 1), Shamble (Feb. 2), and/or Golf Classic (Feb. 2-3) or National Championship (Feb. 2-3).
• The GCSAA Opening Session presented in partnership with Syngenta will feature Old Tom Morris Award winner Annika Sorenstam, Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 8 a.m.
• Staff will be available with information and to discuss such issues as career and job opportunities, membership, certification, advocacy, communications, the Environmental Institute for Golf, etc., in the Association Clubhouse.
• The New Product Showcase is a channel for exhibitors to launch new products and technologies and for attendees to review innovative products, services and solutions.
• The latest in the software and hardware technology will be displayed at the Test Drive Technology Center on the trade show floor. Tech Tips on the Half education will be offered at this location with industry experts sharing the latest developments in turf and facility management technology.
• Growth of the game initiatives are front and center at the Association Clubhouse on the trade show floor as staff and members of golf’s allied associations will discuss how to attract and retain golfers.
• The Design and Construction Center, also on the trade show floor, will offer ideas, options and alternatives as to how course improvements can grow the game. This will include the chance to consult with golf course architects for no-cost reviews of design options.
• A variety of current issues in course and facility management will be up for discussion on the trade show floor with the highly popular Answers on the Hour sessions.
• The Silent Auction will return once again with a wide variety of items available for bid, offering great values for the purchaser and as a means to support the Environmental Institute for Golf.

About GCSAA: GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Find GCSAA on Facebook, follow GCSAA on Twitter, and visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org. The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA, and has as its mission to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit www.eifg.org.