by
Jeff Jensen
| Feb 15, 2021
I hope you all had a chance to experience the 2021 virtual Golf Industry Show. While nothing can replace meeting all of our members and industry professionals in person, the show proved to be a successful alternative as we continue to slowly work our way out of the pandemic.
Over 9,400 attendees and more than 200 vendors participated in the three-day education and trade show that was held on the virtual platform Ugo with the All-Access facility and individual proving to be by far the most popular package choice.
The show featured 88 education sessions, numerous special events including the traditional Opening and Closing Sessions, the virtual trade show, awards ceremonies and the GCSAA Annual Meeting where Mark Jordan, CGCS at Westfield Country Club in Westfield Center, OH. was elected as the President of the association. California’s own Kevin Breen, CGCS at La Rinconada Country Club in Los Gatos will serve as Vice President and Kevin Sunderman, CGCS at Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club in St. Petersburg, FL. will serve as Secretary/Treasurer.
Some of the highly attended sessions included an industry roundtable moderated by GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans that featured the USGA’s Mike Davis, PGA Tour’s Jay Monahan, PGA of America’s Seth Waugh and the LPGA Tour’s Mike Whan. The Behind the Scenes at PGA Frisco also proved to be popular as many attendees were interested in learning more about the PGA of America’s new headquarters and 36-hole facility located in Frisco, TX.
Other highlights included legendary CBS Sportscaster Jim Nantz receiving the Old Tom Morris Award, retired USGA Director of Green Section Research Dr. Mike Kenna receiving the GCSAA Distinguished Service Award, Purdue University winning the GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl (Cal Poly Pomona placed 5th) and the California Alliance for Golf being recognized as the winner of the 2020 Government Affairs Award for their work on the advocacy front. CAG does a terrific job representing golf’s best interests in the state.
We appreciate all of your support as well as the support of industry in making this show successful. We hope to see everyone in person next February in San Diego, virus permitting.