About Seminars

Seminar Registration

There is a separate fee for seminars in addition to the full-conference registration fee. Lunch is provided for those registering for the two Half-day seminars on the same day, and for Six-Hour, One-Day, One-and-a-Half-Day, and Two-Day seminars. Enrollment is limited in each seminar, so early registration is recommended.

Education Points

Education points are awarded for conference seminar completion and are based on contact hours of education. They are required for application to Class A membership and the certification program, as well as for renewal of these designations. To earn education points for a seminar, you must verify your attendance by completing a seminar evaluation form.

• Student members receive a 50% discount on conference seminars when they register after Nov. 2. You must provide your student member number to receive the student rate.
• Fees for Irrigation Associaton vary from fees listed above. See individual IA seminar descriptions.
• Lunch is provided if you are registered for two Half-day seminars on the same day.

Textbooks

Textbooks are not included in the seminar registration fee. For those seminars requiring a designated textbook, participants may bring their own copy, borrow one or purchase one. Textbooks may also be recommended, though not required, for a seminar. Both required and recommended textbooks are indicated in the course descriptions. You can purchase textbooks through the GCSAA Store online or at the on-site GCSAA Bookstore in the Orange County Convention Center, beginning Monday, Jan. 28, at 6:30 a.m.

Competency Categories

Competencies are the knowledge, skills and abilities required for you to achieve your desired performance outcomes. GCSAA has categorized the competencies relevant to the golf course superintendent in the five areas listed to below. To build your own education plan, you can assess your skills with the Professional Development Resource tool and then select the seminars that match your needs.

	Resource Utilization: Covers the use of the spectrum of resources that ensure the successful operation of the golf course. These resources include staff, equipment, materials, technology and the golf course itself, including its grounds and facilities.
	Operations Management: Covers the management of financial, regulatory and operational systems that provide information, stability and resource allocation essential to the function of the golf facility. This would include day-today practices such as mowing, fertilizing, turf protectant application and irrigation.
	Communication: Covers the range of communication skills and methods necessary to communicate effectively with a number of different constituents about golf course operations, scientific information, management concerns and administrative procedures.
	Leadership: Covers the skills that identify superintendents as leaders and the proficiencies that enable them to establish a work climate that supports high levels of teamwork and professionalism among their staffs
	Personal Skills: Covers the proficiencies to assist in planning a career, personal development, management of personal finances, investments, management of time and stress, and the importance of balancing work and family life.